Jason taught me so many things that I still remember and use to this day.
Watch nature more closely, explore while you work, and be curious.
Ask questions.
Listen.
Jason taught me how to weld, light a pilot light, make compost, drive a tractor, to cook creatively, seasonally, and with the right amount of salt.
There was always a story behind a tree, a crop, a recipe and you wanted to hear his story.
-Jen Seehof, Intern 2014 & 2015
Farmer at Northerly Flora since 2022
Jason was so patient in teaching farming to me, I was lucky to have him as a role model. And in the kitchen, woah boy what a master! I remember the life-changing experience of fresh pinto beans, masa tortillas and bbq roasted pepper hot sauce! So grateful to have learned so much from him.
-Sean Bettles Intern 2016-2017
Farmer at Rincon Farms, Capinteria, CA
Jason taught me so much, about farming, food, patience, and self-acceptance. My one year farming at Hidden Villa, with Jason as my mentor, was so instrumental in undoing so much of the misogyny and doubt I’d internalized from previous seasons, and not only that, but really empowering me on so many levels to pursue this vocation for the next almost 20 years myself! I always had the heart and passion for farming, but Jason believed in me as a whole person, encouraged my explorations, was patient and kind, and taught me so many needed skills. I am eternally grateful for his mentorship and friendship.
-Maisie Ganz, Journeyman Intern 2008
Farmer Soils Sisters Farm Nevada City, CA since 2010
It’s hard to know what to include because Jason has been such an influential mentor and friend. One of the things that makes Jason so unique is how he makes people feel welcome and appreciated. In part this is because Jason is one of those rare people who are unapologetically themselves. He is authentic in everything that he does. This is part of what makes him so welcoming, by allowing the people around him to let their guard down and be authentic too. I have never felt more appreciated and accepted for who I am than when I am with Jason.
I can’t think of one story, there are just too many. His ability to keep his childlike wonder and enthusiasm for the world is an inspiration. His deep knowledge and excitement about plants, animals, and everything else. He is someone who has an opinion and is willing to share it, and encourages the people around him to share their opinions. It makes him a great educator and human. He is one of the most thoughtful, giving, and empathetic people I have ever known.
-Nathan Hammer, intern and volunteer 2006-2013
Farmer at Firefly Fields in Bristol, VT since 2016
Someone who manages people with a beautiful combination of trust and humor who, as your supervisor, allows you to make mistakes and learn from them. He believes in you so much you start to believe more in yourself.
Someone who has a true gift with food – he has brought pleasure to so many through food, and it is a joy to break bread with him, every single time (no pressure, McKenney!)
A gift to the place where he lives and works.
I love Jason’s CSA newsletters – the glimpses he offers CSA members give context to the CSA offerings that make them even more meaningful. He really could write a book……
I love Jason’s innovative mind – he will find a way to do the thing. Jason taught us interns that you just sometimes have to change your perspective, know what tools are available, and maybe involve some durock board, duct tape, or diversion.
-Joey Smith, intern 2009 & 2010
Farmer at Let’s Go Farm in Santa Rosa, CA since 2011
In 2007, I was the first Journeyman farm intern. That year pushed me to my limits, and Jason was right there encouraging me the whole time. He led by example, always kind and gentle, with a great sense of humor and a killer work ethic.
Jason was there the first time I mowed the cover crop with the tractor by myself, the first time I tasted purslane, the first time I saw lamb’s quarter bio mimic basil. He taught me to make the tomato soup I still can every year and enjoy all winter with grilled cheese sandwiches. He taught me the Latin names of all the food plants. He taught me so many things I doubt I could name them all if I tried. Working alongside him in the field, I learned about the precarity of farming, the importance of diversity in all areas, and to observe and experiment and make improvements. I didn’t know it then, but he would go on to set the boss bar so high, no other boss of mine would ever reach it.
He taught me
to celebrate when the creek is flowing
to appreciate the way the forest feels like church
to remember that diversity is resilience
to find joy and share it in this life
and question everything
He taught me
to plan carefully
to adapt when necessary
to evaluate thoroughly
to stay curious and enthusiastic
and always believe in myself
Jason’s confidence in me, and the skills I gained in that process, would go on to serve me well in my 20+ year career running non-profit programs.
So, here’s to Jason! Here’s to twenty years of farming that precious piece of earth, preserved for the purpose! Here’s to two decades of teaching people to grow food! Here’s to every delicious meal we’ve had together and every one yet to come! Thank you, Jason, for every conversation, every lesson, every meal, every joke. Thank you for being my friend. I love you.
-Niki Gribi, Intern 2005-2008
It was very obvious from the beginning that Jason had mad skills. Not only could he farm but he could construct, pipe fit, organize, inspire and build community. He has worn so many hats over the years: farmer, builder, property manager, mentor, even co-director. And, through it all I found him to be caring, composed and generous with his time. Through drought and gophers and crows and staffing shifts and Covid, Jason has always come through for Hidden Villa.
-Nicolette Heaphy Hidden Villa Teacher/Naturalist and Farm Liaison, 2002-2022
Jason, your kind and caring relationship with Hidden Villa is a beautiful thing. You truly are a major thread that runs so true through the entire body and mind of this wonderful place.
– David Duveneck, Grandson to Frank and Josephine and HV Board member for almost 20 years
I knew Jason for several years before his time at HV began, in his role as a local organic farmer, and I was glad to lend my support to his hiring way back then.
A select few of the things I appreciate most about Jason includes:
His role in expanding the availability of HV produce to mostly cash-strapped staff;
The similar expansion to donating a lot more produce to food sharing programs;
His inspired teaching about regenerative farming to all kinds of audiences;
His manual skills and creativity when it came to building and making physical things (not just food!) Jason is the embodiment of a Renaissance man, and Hidden Villa has been lucky to have him for 20 years and counting.
-Garth Harwood, HV Educator 1999-2025
He has taught me so much about farming and nature. He can fix practically anything that needs fixing. If he can’t fix it he’ll probably make another one even better. A true renaissance man in every way. His cooking is beyond words. Hidden Villa is lucky to have you. What you have done is amazing and I’m always amazed at the endless loving hours you spend tending the fields…20 years! I admire you so much for it.
-Marcie Maffei HV Volunteer since 2020
It was a Sunday morning, and I had an early morning rental at the Dana Center. This very nice group of people were very excited to use the Dana Center stove to cook and I had not double checked that the stove was lit the day before. I was brand new and had no idea where even the gas turn-on was. None of the facilities folks were onsite so I frantically texted into the property chat. Maddie and Jordan first popped by but neither of them knew where the gas turn on was. Then Jason came by and turned the gas on and lit the stove (all while the very well-meaning renters offered not helpful pieces of advice). I am so grateful that he saw the pickle I was in and came to help me out.
-Caroline Diemer, Community & Gust Service Manager
-Jill Kilty- Newburn, Director of Communications & Development
Hands down, Jason is the most enthusiastic person I have ever met when it comes to all things compost, soil, and carbon sequestration. I am now excited about it mainly because Jason is so excited about it. Turns out it’s actually quite fascinating! Furthermore, Jason is responsible for my procurment of a top of the line immersion blender…game changer. Thank you Jason!
-Zain Kane, Communications Manager
Jason was the best mentor I could’ve asked for at that time of my life. I will never forget the lessons I learned on how to be a good human, how to be strong and kind. Jason and Lanette revolutionized what I knew about how fruits and vegetables could taste. Basically, anything he concocted in the CSA kitchen was outside of control delicious. Happy 20th Hidden Villa Anniversary, Jason. Forever grateful I got to be a part of the CSA family magic.
-Kevin Chen Intern 2017
-Tarah Henning, Senior Naturalist
- his impression of an iguana eating lettuce, preferably done with a tissue
- Harvesting tomatoes, when I was asked very seriously, “Hey,…..if you had to wear a vegetable for underwear, what would you choose?”
- his claim that he can smell if food is salted