July 23, 2025 —At Collington, the spirit of innovation, collaboration and environmental responsibility is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Guided by a shared commitment to sustainability, inclusion and community engagement, residents and staff work together to create a thriving, forward-thinking environment reflecting the core values of the Kendal System.
A Flourishing Landscape, A Sustainable Future
When Megan Bryant first arrived at Collington, she saw more than just a picturesque campus—she envisioned a place teeming with possibility. As Collington’s new horticulturist, Megan brings a deep-rooted passion for conservation, sustainability and environmental stewardship.
“I grew up in a very outdoorsy, environmentally minded family. I have always had a passion for wildlife, and I realized early on that plants were the source of everything; without them, everything in the ecosystem above them would cease to exist,” she explains. Now, she uses her expertise as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and Master Watershed Steward to ensure that Collington’s natural beauty is preserved and enhanced for future generations.
Megan’s work is a testament to Collington’s commitment to environmental stewardship. With the help of engaged and enthusiastic residents, she leads efforts to expand the arboretum’s collection, enhance tree preservation initiatives, and incorporate ecologically driven landscape designs.
“At Collington, community gardening is more than just a hobby,” says Chief Operating Officer Megan Barbour. “It’s a way of life that offers residents opportunities for lifelong learning, friendship and a deeper connection to the land.”
Finding a Voice Through Poetry
While Collington’s commitment to sustainability thrives outdoors, creativity and personal expression flourish indoors. For Jamisha Norman, a leader on Collington’s culinary team, storytelling has always been a powerful outlet. This past year, she took a bold step in sharing her voice with the world, self-publishing her debut poetry collection, All Lanes Thru.
Upon the release of her book, she was invited to join a resident-led poetry group, where intergenerational exchanges of art and ideas have further enriched the community’s cultural landscape. “Having the common interest of poetry makes it easy to forget that we come from different generations,” Jamisha says. “They are not there to judge; they just listen, tweak and support.”
Honoring a Legacy of Connection and Conservation
For longtime resident Mike Burke, Collington’s winding trails and lush landscapes were more than just a beautiful setting—they were a call to action. As an environmental advocate, writer and the first chair of Collington’s Resident Association’s Climate Action Committee, Mike dedicated his life to preserving and protecting the natural world.
To honor his legacy, Collington recently dedicated a newly constructed bridge along the campus trails in his name — the “Burke Bridge.” Designed and constructed through a partnership with resident donors and construction partner RDI, the elegant white bridge now arches gracefully over a once-challenging rocky culvert, connecting trails and symbolizing Mike’s lifelong mission of building bridges between people and nature.
Ann Gillespie, CEO of Collington says, “The bridge symbolizes connection — between people, between ideas and between our community and the natural world around us. It is a fitting tribute to Mike, who dedicated so much of his time and energy to fostering connections that would lead to a healthier, more sustainable environment.”
Looking to the Future
Collington’s commitment to growth, innovation and sustainability remains steadfast. With a new sustainability plan in development, ongoing campus enhancements and expanded wellness programming, the community is poised to build upon its achievements and continue leading with purpose.