Zack Woods is not a person but rather a place. Zack Woods Pond is a pristine, undeveloped local landmark a couple miles (as the crow flies) from our farm. Jeff spent time there as child, canoeing and fishing with his grandfather.

Jeff Carpenter has farming in his blood. Descending from generations of Vermont dairy farmers, Jeff deepened his love and understanding of plants through an apprenticeship with Rosemary Gladstar and as the co-owner of Sage Mountain Herb Products. Since those early days, Jeff’s work as a farmer, consultant, educator and researcher has focused on the cultivation and propagation of medicinal herbs.

Jeff has recently entered into partnership with Rosemary Gladstar to host the International Herb Symposium. His passion for the green world is evident in all that he does as he spends his days working in the fields and in the community.

Melanie Carpenter grew up at Sage Mountain under the loving tutelage of herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. It was there that Melanie started her first business, Sage Mountain Herb Products. Over the last 20 years she has continued her work as a farmer, mother, community herbalist and middle school principal.

In 2006 we completed a research project which demonstrated our successful methods for cultivating and marketing several species of medicinal herbs native to this region that have become threatened due to habitat loss and over-harvesting. The project was funded by a grant from SARE (Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education). This research demonstrates profitable land use alternatives for local farmers while at the same time helping to preserve our native plant populations.