Our Response to COVID-19

Our facilities are closed until further notice. Trails remain open dawn to dusk!

Along with Goshen College, Merry Lea is committed to the safety and well-being of its employees, students and visitors. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the area, the Learning Center is closed to the public. Check out our events page and field trip program offerings for upcoming opportunities. Our eight miles of trails are free and open everyday dawn to dusk. Thank you for your support and understanding as we assess best practices during this time.

PreK-12 & Public Programs

Providing environmental education for people of all ages.

We have designed programs for school-aged children (preschool through high school), families and the general public. At Merry Lea, the education team is determined to facilitate experiences in the outdoor world which inspire exploration, foster a sense of wonder, and share joy with people of all ages.

Collegiate Programs

Exploring the systems that shape our interconnected world through sustainability and education.

Merry Lea faculty teach and advise students within the Sustainability and Environmental Education Department (SEED), an academic department of Goshen College. Students live and learn in the field at Merry Lea to gain hands-on experiences built around Goshen College’s interdisciplinary and intercultural frameworks.

Merry Lea Sustainable Farm

Living alongside nature sustainably

Farming is just one of the many human activities that take a toll on the natural world. At Merry Lea, we have developed a sustainable farm where we employ practices designed to protect soil ecosystems, encourage beneficial insects, grow healthy food and live in harmony with our surroundings.

Land and Research

Interacting with the land

Active land management has occurred since Merry Lea came under the ownership of Goshen College in 1980. Land management activities, under the guidance of the Director of Land Management, serve to support all aspects of Merry Lea’s mission by identifying, maintaining, restoring and managing for a diversity of native northeast Indiana plant and animal habitats.