Program

     
 

During the 4-day program, participants will learn from a collection of academic teachers and active practitioners. Participants and teachers will represent a wide spectrum of disciplines including the arts, natural science, social science and theology. The teaching methods include tutorial mentoring, collaborative discussion and individual reflection. 

The Byron Fellowship is named after the 19th  century community located near Turkey Run State Park in Parke County, Indiana – in appropriate irony, the Village of Byron no longer exists except on road maps. The term Fellowship denotes participation in a community of shared interests. 

The location at Turkey Run State Park places participants in an area of rich cultural and natural heritage. The program will immerse participants in the landscape and encourage individual exploration. This will result in a sense of wonder, awe and respect for the complexity and beauty of natural systems.

Past invited lecturers and mentors include: 

David Oliver: Consultant Architect to HRH Prince of Wales, Poundbury

Ian Davis: United Nations and Oxford Brookes University

Mary McConnell: Indiana Director, The Nature Conservancy

Will Ditzler: Restoration Ecologist, JFNew

Marion Jackson: Ecologist, ISU and St. Mary’s

Ray Irvin: Director of Greenways and Bikeways, Indiana

Tom Neltner: Chemist and Environmental Activist

Jim Brainard: Mayor of Carmel, Indiana

Lee Suttner: Geologist, Indiana University

Malcolm Boyce: Geologist

Mark Timmons: Horticulturalist

Kyle Kramer: Genesis Organic Farm and St. Meinrads Monestary

Paul Myers: Local forest manager at Pike Lumber Co.

Becky Dolan: Botonist, Butler University

Carol Johnston: Theologian, CTS

Amos Fisher: Local Amish farmer

Mike Mitchell: Local modern production farmer

Rob Odell: Artist in residence

Douglas M. DeChant: AIA, Principal, Shepherd Resources, Inc.