Where Art Meets Stewardship
tk
Experiential learning takes root at The Bower
by Alex Sonfield ’25
For Jane ’73 and Bill Allis ’75, The Bower is more than a sculpture garden or native landscape. It’s the culmination of five decades spent caring for a place they first discovered as Dickinson students—and now, it’s becoming a place where today’s students can learn by doing.
Located about 25 minutes north of Carlisle in Perry County, Pa., The Bower is a 36-acre public sculpture garden and native plant preserve nestled within Pennsylvania’s Kittatinny Ridge landscape. Through the integration of contemporary art, ecological restoration and environmental education, the nonprofit encourages visitors to slow down, connect with nature and consider their role in caring for the land.
Now, through internships with Dickinson, students are helping shape the future of the organization while gaining hands-on experience that reaches far beyond environmental science.
Learning beyond the garden
Bill and Jane see Dickinson as a natural partner.
“We see Dickinson as a resource-rich institution,” Bill said. “We have a lot to share in terms of experiential learning that’s much more than just a native plant garden and sculpture park.”
Students work alongside the founders on projects ranging from native plant management and invasive species removal to strategic planning, nonprofit operations and public engagement.
This summer, interns are contributing to The Bower’s 10-year strategic vision as Bill and Jane begin planning for the organization’s future.
“It’s really important for us to get another generation’s perspective,” Bill said. “In 10 years, they’ll be in their 30s. That’s an audience we want to understand.”
Photo by Alex Sonfield ’25
Connecting art, science and sustainability
Ella Melrose ’27 (art & art history, environmental science) has found the internship to be an opportunity to bring together both sides of her academic experience. She’s helping transform an existing building into a multipurpose space that will serve as an art gallery, educational center and gathering place for visitors.
“I’m getting to combine my academic interests,” Melrose said. “I’m getting to combine that aspect of art and science.”
Beyond her individual project, Melrose has gained a greater appreciation for the collaborative network of public gardens and for the role native landscapes can play in addressing environmental challenges.
“I think it’s really important to get out into a natural space,” Melrose said. “The Bower really provides that.”
Finley Pletcher ’29 (geosciences & environmental science) has spent the summer immersed in land stewardship and horticulture.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot of different plant names,” Pletcher said. “I can identify a lot of different invasive plants.”
The experience has reinforced Pletcher’s appreciation for native gardens and the biodiversity they support, while giving her practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.
A partnership that goes both ways
For Bill and Jane, the internship program has become about much more than mentoring students.
“They’ve been awesome,” Jane said. “They brighten our days. They’re full of laughter and new ideas.”
The students bring fresh perspectives on conservation, technology and the future of environmental stewardship, while Bill and Jane offer decades of experience building an organization grounded in the relationship between people and place.
After discovering central Pennsylvania as Dickinson students more than 50 years ago, the couple now hopes The Bower will inspire future generations to develop that same connection—and to carry it forward.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published July 29, 2026