ANNOUNCING THE 2025 FULL ECOLOGY
RETREAT SEASON! ~
Find details below for our two retreats in magnificant Montana’s Centennial Valley
(1) The Gifts of Full Ecology – Meditation, Inquiry, Right Action & Food – June 17-21
(2) The Nature of a Writer’s Life – Full Ecology and the Written Word – June 29-July 3
~ See you there!
FULL ECOLOGY -1-
AN INTIMATE RETREAT
Southwest Montana
June 17-21, 2025
THE GIFTS OF FULL ECOLOGY
Meditation, Right Action and Food
~at the JbarL Ranch-
Write MEG meg@jbarl.com to save your spot!
Details for our Summer Solstice Retreat
JbarL Ranch
~June 17-21, 2025~
Want to restore your energy and see your way to meaningful action?
Come spend summer solstice with us in the Centennial Valley.
Five perfect days
in one of the most wildly glorious,
yet little-known landscapes in America.
Welcome to summer solstice in the Centennial Valley, along the sweeping western edge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This is the perfect place not just to be inspired, but to discover from nature itself what it means to thrive. In this remote valley during the 1930’s, trumpeter swans were brought back from the brink of extinction. Today, from your riverside cabin on the
JbarL Ranch, you can see these magnificent birds floating like puffs of cloud down the meandering Red Rock River. Dozens of other flyers are here, too, forming one of the most diverse bird congregations in the Rocky Mountains. Joining them are wolves and bears, moose and river otters, pronghorn and elk.
This is an intimate retreat for just 8-12 participants.
Working from the precepts of Full Ecology, we’ll offer ways of expanding your relationship with the natural world. Meditation, inquiry, and long, sun-drenched nature walks will be punctuated by lovingly crafted, locally sourced food. Indeed, in collaboration with our chef, we’ll also explore the fundamental lessons of connection woven into the way we nourish ourselves.
This will be a time restore your relationship with the natural world.
And as you experience that restoration, it will be a time for gaining energy from the wisdom and kinship your life holds as nature in nature, guidance from your deepest, truest self.
~~
A few testimonials ~
The teaching, stories and outdoor time in nature blend in an alchemical way to create deep learning, inspiration, and heartfelt community. A treasure of a life experience.
Leslie, CA
A climb up Kennedy Hill through the lupine and sagebrush reminded me that we all have days of joy and sorrow – and that we will pass through them. I wish the days of the Full Ecology retreat had not passed so quickly.
Kathy, SC
The Full Ecology Retreat confirmed for me – in the presence of sky, earth and stars – that my journey is my home; that home can be found by opening to the world that breathes.
Leon, OR
Excellent diversity of people and thoughts. Community came together quickly in this exquisite setting.
Dick, TX
DAY – BY – DAY
Day 1 – Arrive
4:00
Opening
~
Introductions
to each other –
to the land –
to Full Ecology – with you wherever you are.
5:00
Walk or Drive
to the Stibal Barn
6:00
Dinner
7:30 – 9:00
Orientation and staff introductions
- People and things to know on JbarL ranch
Introduction to each other
Schedule overview - Q&A on the natural history of this place
- A few nature myths and stories.
Day 2 – STOP
- 8:00 ~ Each day starts with optional stretching/yoga/movement. You may also choose a walk around the Ranch.
8:30
Breakfast
- 9:30 – 12:00 ~ Coming to a good full stop here in this place and time.
- A period of meditation will be followed by inquiry into stopping –
- holding the question, what’s really going on.
In that investigation, we’ll consider Beauty.
12:00
Lunch
- 1:30 – 5:00 Out into the ecology of the Centennial Valley, listening & learning from the natural world.
- 5:00 Personal time.
6:00
Dinner
At dinner, we’ll share what we’ve learned from the chef about stopping and the beauty in food.
- 7:30 – 9:00 Fire circle – Group sharing – thoughts from the day.
Reflections – How the natural world stops. How STOP is present in motion.
Day 3 – ASK
- 8:00 Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
8:30
Breakfast
- 9:30 – 12:00 Stepping into the “Who are You?” question, we begin with meditation and follow with investigating what wild nature has to teach you about who you are, how it helps you know what you want and the way it reveals what’s here to support you.
12:00
Lunch
- 1:30 – 5:00 Time together out in the Valley considering the way land offers guideance for our being and action.
- 5:00 Personal time.
6:00
Dinner
In dinner conversation, we’ll add to our inquiry with consideration of Community and food.
7:30 – 9:00 Fire circle – Group sharing – thoughts from the day.
Reflections – the science & story of how we’re in community with the natural world.
Day 4 – ACT
- 8:00 Optional stretching/yoga/movement
8:30
Breakfast
- 9:30 – 12:00 What is right action? How do we know true discernment? After a period of meditation, we will inquire into making the link between what we know to be true and right action. This line of investigation leads directly to Mystery, to our inescapable journey with uncertainty.
12:00
Lunch
- 1:30 – 5:00 Hike, dance, draw, write – letting the land and the lives it holds move you without agenda. What is here for you? What can the nature of this place show you about identity, about intention, about action?
- 5:00 Personal time.
- 6:00
Dinner
To pursue investigation of right actionfurther, we’ll dip into conversation about Mystery, right action and food.
- 7:30 – 9:00 Fire circle. Group sharing – thoughts from the day.
Reflections – identity and Mystery – our ‘right size’ in right action.
Day 5 – INSPIRE
- 8:00 Optional stretching/yoga/movement
8:30
Breakfast
- 9:30 – 12:00 Following a period of meditation we will inquire into the nature of inspiration – moving what you’ve come to know into your everyday life.
12:00
Lunch (leftovers for the road)
Departure
ACCOMODATIONS & COST
JbarL ranch offers a unique invitation to experience true quiet and stunning natural beauty. Rooms range from well-appointed western elegance with private or shared baths to more rustic comfort with shared baths, including bunkhouse, tent or Tipi camping. Pricing includes tuition, accomodation, and nourishing meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) made from the bounty of local farms.
single occupancy option
$2300
**nquire about discounts for
shared occupancy and more rustic bunk house, tipi, van & tent options**
**The Ranch can provide a shuttle to and from J-L for people who fly into and out of IDAHO FALLS. $55 each way.
REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION POLICY
- – A $500 deposit is required for registration. Full payment is welcome.
- ~REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 1~
- contact meg@jbarl.com to register.
- – Payment in full is due no later than MAY 1.
- – Full payment is 50% refundable up to 60 days before the retreat. – 59 days prior to the retreat, tuition is non-refundable. – Full tuition will be refunded if the trip is canceled by Full Ecology, LLC.
– Full Ecology, LLC is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.
Or email connect@fullecology.com with inquiries
FULL ECOLOGY -2-
A WRITERS’ WORKSHOP
Southwest Montana
June 29 – July 3, 2025
THE NATURE OF A WRITER’S LIFE –
Full Ecology & the Written Word
~at the JbarL Ranch-
Write MEG meg@jbarl.com to save your spot!
Details for our Retreat & Workshop for Nature Writers
JbarL Ranch
~June 29 -July 3, 2025~
“If you want to work on your art, work on your life.”
Anton Checkhov
As a writer – whether of nonfiction, fiction, or poetry – your work is most powerful when it’s building, celebrating, or mourning those aspects of life that grow out of relationship – with yourself, with other people, and with the wild world that holds us all.
Join us for 5 days in the incomparable Centennial Valley.
Hone your writing craft and improve your storytelling. Together with this incredible landscape you’ll expand your sense of relationship and energize your creativity by linking the genius of what’s going on outside, to a similar genius enlivened on the inside.
The rich ecosystem of the Centennial Valley in southwestern Montana offers a chance for you to witness life thriving. In the 1930’s, it was here that trumpeter swans were brought back from the brink of extinction. You’ll see them every day from your cabin on the JbarL Ranch, floating like tiny puffs of cloud down the meandering Red Rock River. Nearby will be dozens of other flyers, too, together forming one of the most diverse bird congregations in the Rocky Mountains. And joining all those birds will be wolves and bears and moose, river otters and pronghorn and elk.
Join best-selling nature writer Gary Ferguson and noted social scientist Mary Clare, on this intimate retreat, limited to 8-12 participants.
Long, sun-drenched nature walks, carefully selected craft sessions, thought-provoking conversations, good storytelling, and plenty of chances for deep silence and solitude.
Nature is your muse. It graciously provides you the canvas and pallet for writing what matters most.
NOTE: Students may submit up to 10 double-spaced pages for review
(3500 words – in a WordDoc format -NO pdfs).
(If the submission is part of a larger piece, a description of the project is helpful.) All submissions will be thoroughly critiqued in writing (using track changes), and then reviewed in a one-on-one, in-person session.
Submit to connect@fullecology.com by 5/21.
~~
A few testimonials ~
Go, go, go! This workshop was the most productive and satisfying retreat I’ve ever attended, due to the unique teachers and accommodations. Mary and Gary have exceptional rapport. Their different backgrounds combined bring a wealth of experience to the classroom; like getting two teachers for the price of one! The themes, writing examples and writing prompts covered make for a great crash course that really sparked my creativity.
Karen, NJ
I highly recommend this retreat. Mary and Gary conduct the workshop with amazing skill and care. They present a way to see the link between the written word and the whole of nature.
Peggy, CA
The location is magnificent, enabling quick recalibration of my mind for reflection and writing. Our treatment was carefully considered and generous, from our housing to our meals. And the dynamic between Mary and Gary is AMAZING. It was a privilege to experience. They brought so much insight, expertise, and care to every interaction.
Lisa, AZ
Having attended both a Writing workshop and a Full Ecology workshop, I can speak to the deep embrace of natural and social ecologies that these two teachers generate with their wisdom and their presence.
Leslie, CA
I would absolutely recommend this retreat to other writers and nature lovers. It was the perfect blend of learning, crafting, savoring nature, enjoying great food, and connecting with the ranch folks, fellow participants, the dynamic duo of Mary and Gary. Thank you.
Katie, RI
Centennial Valley is the perfect place to get a bump up in consciousness. Even though I had not signed up for the writer’s workshop, I enjoyed every minute and learned many tricks of the trade.
Ann, MT
An invaluable experience with lasting benefits on many fronts!
Lill, MT
DAY – BY – DAY
Day 1 – Arrive
4:00
Opening
Brundage Fire Circle
~
Introductions
to each other –
to the land –
to Full Ecology – with you wherever you are.
5:00
Walk or Drive
to the Stibal Barn
6:00
Dinner
7:30 – 9:00
Orientation and staff introductions
- People and things to know on JbarL ranch
Introduction to each other
Schedule overview - Q&A on the natural history of this place
- And considering the writer as storyteller – the amazing power of a tale well told.
Day 2 – Setting & Subject
- 8:00 ~ Each day starts with optional meditation, stretching/yoga. Or if you prefer, take a
walk around the ranch.
8:30
Breakfast
-
9:30-12:00 – Craft Session.
-
Inviting the Reader in. Weaving powerful openings with Setting & Subject.
-
Writing prompts for the day and week.
Lunch
1:30-4:30 – Out and About: Group Hike into the wilderness.
How the land underfoot can help you find yourself -
and your narrative.
-
4:30 – Creative personal time.
-
One-on-one manuscript feedback for those who submitted pieces before the workshop.
6:00
Dinner
7:00 – Campfire, storytelling
Day 3 – Essence/the Ecology of a Writer
- 8:00 Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
Breakfast
-
9:30-12:00 – Craft Session.
-
Writing essentials: tone, rhythm, and the magic of perspective – with writing prompts.
Lunch
1:30 – 4:30 – Out and about: Silent group walk.
Writing prompts, and a special discussion from atop Kennedy Hill: “the ecology of a writer”4:30 – 6:00 – Personal creative time, as well as one-on-one manuscript feedback for those who submitted pieces before the workshop.
-
Dinner
-
8:00: Campfire, Student Readings and stories.
Day 4 – Scene & Summary
- 8:00 Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
Breakfast
9:30 – 12:00 Craft session.
It all comes down to scene and summary.
Surprising ways that dialogue can energize your nature writing – with writing prompts.
Lunch
1:30 – 6:30 – Free time to write, walk, or just sit and watch the river roll by.
One-on-one manuscript feedback for those who submitted pieces before the workshop.
Dinner
8:00 Campfire, Student readings and stories.
Day 5 – Nature Unlocks your Storytelling
- 8:00 Optional stretching/yoga/movement.
Breakfast
-
9:30-11:30 Craft Session.
-
Using dramatic device to unlock your best storytelling.
Letters home.
11:30-12:00 – a final sharing circle
Lunch
Departure
ACCOMODATIONS & COST
JbarL ranch offers a unique invitation to experience true quiet and stunning natural beauty. Rooms range from well-appointed western elegance with private or shared baths to more rustic comfort with shared baths, including bunkhouse, tent or Tipi camping. Pricing includes tuition, accomodation, and nourishing meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) made from the bounty of local farms.
single occupancy option
$2300
**Inquire about discounts for
shared occupancy and more rustic bunk house, tipi, van & tent options**
**The Ranch can provide a shuttle to and from J-L for people who fly into and out of IDAHO FALLS. $55 each way.
REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION POLICY
- – A $500 deposit is required for registration. Full payment is welcome.
- ~REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 1~
- contact meg@jbarl.com to register.
- – Payment in full is due no later than MAY 1.
– Full payment is 50% refundable up to 60 days before the retreat.– 59 days prior to the retreat, tuition is non-refundable.
– Full tuition will be refunded if the trip is canceled by Full Ecology, LLC.
– Full Ecology, LLC is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.
Or email connect@fullecology.com with inquiries.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN UNFORGETTABLE TIME WITH NATURE
