Sycamore is staffed by seven full-time employees and several part-time student interns. Our small but mighty team is committed to protecting land, restoring habitat, connecting people to nature, and raising support for Sycamore’s mission. Please get in touch with us at the contact info below. For general questions, email info@sycamorelandtrust.org.
John Lawrence
Executive Director
john@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 105
I started with Sycamore in 2004 as a summer intern, joined the permanent staff in 2006, and have been Sycamore's assistant director since 2008. I've volunteered with Wildcare as a wildlife rehabilitator, and served as president of the Sassafras Audubon Society. In 2020, I joined the board of the Indiana Land Protection Alliance. I'm a Monroe County native, and enjoy birding, plant identification, and walking with my wife Carrie and our three rescue dogs.
Ellen Bergan
Undergraduate Conservation Assistant
conservation@sycamorelandtrust.org
An Ellettsville native, I grew up exploring the forested hills of southern Indiana, gaining an early passion for conservation that was further developed by working with Sycamore in elementary school to preserve a local wetland. I now study environmental management and geography at IU, motivated to ensure our natural ecosystems can be cherished and protected for generations to come. In my free time, I enjoy backpacking, reading, knitting, and playing the kazoo.
Ann Connors
Development Director
ann@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 104
I grew up in Bloomington, studied history at the University of Illinois, and got my Master's degree at the American Graduate School of International Management. After living and working in big cities and overseas, I returned home and love working to help protect our natural heritage. In my free time, I enjoy the local arts scene and visiting small towns and historic sites in our region.
Chris Fox
Land Stewardship Manager
chris@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 103
I grew up in southeastern Indiana and have spent most of my life working and exploring the backwoods. My career has provided me opportunities to track copperbelly water snakes through the wetlands and follow the endangered Kirtland's warbler from the Bahamas to Michigan, among other adventures. I joined Sycamore Land Trust in 2017 to help conserve and protect critical habitat for our diverse flora and fauna and future generations of Hoosiers.
Shane Gibson
Environmental Education Director
shane@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 107
My father immersed me in nature at early age through hunting and fishing, which influenced my passion for connecting other people to nature. I studied environmental science and elementary education at Indiana University, and my work with Sycamore is a perfect blend of the two. I live in Monroe County with my wife Taji, two sons Tanner and Sawyer, and a slew of flea-bitten varmints.
Susan Haislip Daleke
Administrative Director
susan@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 100
I spent my formative years on the southwestern coast of Connecticut exploring creeks, beaches, and woodlands, developing a passion for conservation at an early age. After graduation from the University of Bridgeport, I traveled the states as a US Army officer before settling in southern Indiana, home of my mother's family, to raise my own children. I enjoy birding, quilting, board games, and time with my husband Mike and our families.
Abby Henkel
Communications Director
abby@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 101
I grew up in Indianapolis, studied music at Earlham College, and got my MA at IU's O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. A proud member of Team Sycamore since 2016, I'm motivated to protect and restore Indiana's beautiful wilderness to counteract climate change and clean up the environment for my niece, Hannah. I sing soprano with several local choirs; I'm also a beekeeper and like to climb, volunteer, travel, and cook vegetarian goodies with my girlfriend.
Eva Lapp
Communications and Development Fellow
events@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 102
I grew up in Goshen, Indiana, and received my BA in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies at Goshen College. I am currently pursuing an MPA at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, focusing on Nonprofit Management. My background in restorative justice work continues to motivate me to explore new areas of justice work - including that of conservation and protection for our beautiful earth. When I'm not studying or working at Sycamore, you can find me playing board games and eating pastries at home with my partner, Sam, and our delightful black lab, Penny.
Rob McCrea
Land Protection Director
rob@sycamorelandtrust.org
812-336-5382 ext. 106
I grew up hiking, hunting, and camping in the hills of southern Indiana. My father would take my friends and me camping at place we called Polk Township and this is where my passion for the outdoors grew. I studied Ecology and Natural History at Prescott College in Arizona and received my Law degree at Lewis & Clark in Oregon. While I have been fortunate to travel around, my heart has always remained in Indiana. After practicing law in Bloomington for the past eight years, I am excited to return to my roots work towards protecting the landscape that I love.
Sydney Uphouse
Graduate Conservation Assistant
stewardship@sycamorelandtrust.org
I was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, and I received my Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois. I am currently pursuing the Master of Public Affairs & Master of Science in Environmental Science duel-degree at IU. I have always has a passion for nature, and I am thrilled to be working with all the wonderful people at Sycamore to help preserve Indiana’s natural landscapes. When I am not studying or working at Sycamore, I enjoy watching movies and petting my giant, white, fluffy dog, Payton.
