ECHO Landscape

We have an incredible team of volunteers that take care of the landscaping around the ECHO buildings.






The amazing variety of beautiful plants and flowers enhance the atmosphere of ECHO.

Two varieties of amaryllis and several orchids are blooming now.

Grafting Workshop a Big Hit

On April 7, ECHO welcomed a full class of pre-registered participants to its onsite grafting workshop. Students learned techniques for grafting their own fruit trees and each received a grafting kit that included a mango and avocado tree. The class was such a success, that we plan on hosting another one later in the year.

There is still space available in the May 5 workshop: Secrets to Building Great Soil. Come learn the ins and outs of composting and mulching in Florida. Call Artis Henderson at (239)567-3315 to register.

No Squares at this Dance

The venerable Dr. Price: scientist, humanitarian . . . Square dancer?

Martin and Bonnie were just two of the ECHO faces in the crowd at this Saturday’s square dance, held in the ECHO pavilion. There was a good mix of ECHO staff and volunteers, plus a crowd from New Mission Systems International based here in Fort Myers.

ECHO volunteer Jim Beltman served as the caller, energetically leading the squares through do-sa-dos, left hand allemandes, and star promenades. His wife, Gayle, worked the crowd, snapping shots of the dancers (check out the pic of ECHO intern Aaron Iverson in chaps and a cowboy hat!).

And how was Dr. Price on the dance floor? From the way he deftly maneuvered his partner around the pavilion, we’d say he’s an old hand!

Former Intern Dennis O’Connell Visits ECHO

In the 10 years since Dennis O’Connell interned at ECHO, God has lead him on a unique missions path. While at ECHO, Dennis was particularly enthusiastic about leading tours and liked sharing his agricultural knowledge with others. But teaching?

‘People always said I would be a teacher or a preacher,’ Dennis says, ‘but I didn’t think I’d be either.’

Now, teaching third grade in inner city Los Angeles, this New Hampshire native is doing a little of both.

Eyes bright, a big grin on his face, he talks about his classroom and how teaching in L.A. is a missions field of its own. With 12 nations represented among his 20 students, he feels like he is touching the world.

At ECHO, a fellow intern was the first to point out that Dennis would be good in the classroom. When his 12 months at ECHO were done, Dennis tried his hand at substitute teaching in Lee County.

The connection was instant. He stayed for the next nine months and was the most popular substitute in the county. Next, he headed out west to work in environmental education, teaching students of all ages through outdoor programs. In California, while working on his Master’s in international agricultural development, Dennis became a certified teacher.

With a classroom of his own now, he is touching lives and sharing his unique mission with his students. Recently, he read the Chronicles of Narnia with his class and took everyone – parents and extended family included – to see the film. Even in the extracurriculars, Dennis is walking God’s path.

New Faces at ECHO

Marcie Chapman

Marcie arrived in January. She grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo where her parents serve as Missionaries. Her undergraduate work was completed at U. C., Davis.
Marcie is the new "Queen of the Mountain" (Tropical Highlands) and helps take care of the rabbits.

Emily Andree

Emily arrived last month and hails from Virginia. She is a graduate of William and Mary. The Monsoon area is now under the watchful care of Emily and her faithful attack rooster.

Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod ??

The Three Musketeers ??
The Three Amigos ?? (That won't work, 2 are females!)

Yesterday (April 4th, 2007) saw the arrival of triplets !!! at ECHO. Lily and Curry are the proud parents of the as yet unamed kids.