Your Farmers & Staff

David and Jennifer Paulk own and operate Sassafras Creek Farm. David is the full-time farmer and was inspired to start farming after his Navy career.  He enjoys studying farming techniques, trying new vegetable varieties, and teaching others about small scale vegetable farming.

Harry, as in Dirty Harry, and Zoe, are our pet cats at Sassafras Creek Farm. 

Harry, like his namesake is fearless, dislikes rules, and sees the world as black and white.   Zoe, is Harry's little side kick and she can be seen following him around getting into trouble.   Both are funny and love to play.

Mary is our full time Crew Leader.  This is her third season on the farm.  She directs planting, harvesting, cultivation and greenhouse production.

She also helps several times a month at the BAE Farmer's Market.  Mary has extensive experience as a business owner in the horticultural and landscaping field in Massachusetts. She calls southern Maryland home and in her free time she enjoys running, vintage furniture and spending time with her husband and son.  Her favorite vegetable is the tomato.

Melinda returns for 2017 as a part-time employee helping out mainly on harvest days and assisting at the BAE Farmer's Market on Saturdays.  She enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.  Photo:  Melinda, Mary & Farmer Jen

Ivy joins SCF this season after several years experience farming in Virginia and Georgia.  Originally from Indiana, she now makes her home in beautiful St Mary's County.  Ivy enjoys baking and spending time with her boyfriend Ben and her friendly dog Melvin. 

Priscilla joined us in 2013 and returns for 2017 helping at the farmers market.  Priscilla is from St Mary's County and is keenly interested in local agriculture.  She enjoys growing food on her home farm and directs communications at Farming 4 Hunger, a not-for-profit farm, that helps feed communities in southern Maryland in addition to her full time job at Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission.  You can follow her agricultural adventures at https://instagram.com/priscillagrows/