Mike Libsch grew up in South Florida, graduated from Colby College in Maine, and completed a masters degree in Ecology at the University of Illinois. He has long been interested in natural history and conservation and moved to New York in 2008 to work as a naturalist in the Adirondacks.

Mike gained farming experience while working on farms in New York, Florida, and California during the last 5 years. He also took an intensive course in Sustainable Agriculture at the University of California Santa Cruz.

His favorite things to grow include heirloom tomatoes, garlic, carrots, pumpkins, sunflowers, and giant zucchinis. When Mike is not farming, he is looking for next great farm tool, fishing in the Catskills, hiking in the Berkshires, or paddling in the Everglades.

Ellen Poggi worked on her first farm at the age of 16. She went on to apprentice at farms in Maine and Massachusetts before striking out on her own. She ran Hand Hollow Farm in New Lebanon, Ny for 5 years prior to joining Mike and purchasing a permanent home for New Leaf Farm.

At New Leaf Farm, Ellen manages crop planning, greenhouse planting, harvesting, and all things flower related.

Dried beans, dahlias, and garlic are among her favorite things to grow. The pond is her favorite place to be on the farm.