Executive Director

Farming is part of Jane’s DNA, and she brings a genuine love of the land to SilvoCulture. Her father, born in West Virginia, moved to New Jersey with his family and passed along his passion for farming – as well as sustainable agriculture and agroforestry – to Jane. She and her dad dreamed of starting an agricultural education organization, and in 2016 they purchased a 21-acre farm in Myersville, MD. SilvoCulture was created in collaboration with Michael Judd to further that dream and promote ecological and profitable small farming. Both a Ph.D. chemist and a lawyer, Jane is the Mercury Program Officer at the U.S. Department of State where she leads U.S. programmatic efforts to reduce global mercury pollution. At SilvoCulture, Jane helps with the overall vision and oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations. She lives on her Myersville, Maryland farm with Riley and Daisy, her two cats; and a discrete number of working chickens.

Technical Director

Michael brings a wealth of proven sustainable landscape practices to SilvoCulture. He has worked with agro-ecological and whole-system designs throughout the Americas for nearly two decades. A firm believer in permaculture and ecological design to promote and sustain local food systems, Michael has designed and implemented projects that increase local food security and community health in both tropical and temperate regions. He is the author of ‘Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist’ a popular how-to manual on creating productive – and beautiful landscapes. In addition to his current work with SilvoCulture, Michael is the founder of two non-profits: Ecologia Edible & Ecological Landscape Design and Project Bona Fide, an international nonprofit supporting agro-ecology research. He applies his teachings to his own property; Judd’s Long Creek Homestead located in the Appalachian foothills of Frederick, Maryland touts 25 acres of mixed woodland, food forests, gardens, and a nursery all designed to promote sustainable agriculture experimentation and education.

Operations Coordinator

Taylor has a passion for care taking and working with the land. He has over a decade of experience in regenerative agriculture, reforestation and land stewardship through working on organic farms and non-profits around the world. After settling in Maryland he ran a CSA for 4 years in Westminster, where he continues to live behind an organic farm with his family. After years of working with vegetables Taylor completed a PDC and turned his attention to tree crops and agroforesty. In addition to his work with SilvoCulture, he runs an edible landscaping business and nature connection programs for children.

Outreach and Property Coordinator

Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ryan moved with his family to Frederick County in 1991. He received a degree in finance and economics from Salisbury University. After working 5 years in insurance and sales, Ryan bought a one way ticket to Guatemala and spent the next 4 months traveling, learning Spanish, and hiking volcanoes. Here he was exposed to many new things but certainly communal life and permaculture made a big impression. In later travels, Ryan volunteered at permaculture farms in New York and Puerto Rico and completed a 2 week intensive PDC in Bodghaya, India led by Rico Zook. He has also spent time as a natural builder and caretaker. In his free time he enjoys fatherhood, foraging, fermenting, and frisbees.

Development Coordinator

Born and raised in Frederick, MD, Simon cares deeply for his community and works to make it better in any way that he can. A dedication to service and learning has led him through many careers from education, farming, and entrepreneurship, leaving him with a broad skill set that informs his diverse work with SilvoCulture. Being able to work towards improving soil health, promoting land conservation, and regenerative agricultural practices are his favorite parts of working with the SilvoCulture team. As a Development Coordinator, Simon helps with events, fundraising, and planning for different ways that SilvoCulture can work towards its important mission! Simon's other passions include spending time outside however he can, usually trail running or hiking with his family, friends, and dogs around Frederick.

Marketing & Event Coordinator

Jenna brings a passion for permaculture, earth friendly living and community building to SilvoCulture. She has spent all of her adult life being an entreprenuer in a variety of fields, including holistic health, eco-building, organic personal care & music. Devoted to speading information on earth friendly lifestyles, Jenna’s focus with SilvoCulture is help grow the community and reach more people through marketing, promotions and events. In addition to her work with SilvoCulture, she has a private acupuncture/ sound healing practice, homeschools her daughters, plays music, hikes & loves to cook!