Scotty grew up in the small town of Berry, AL where he roamed the woods and creeks surrounding his house and fell in love with being outside. After high school, he attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and graduated with a degree in early childhood and elementary education. For the next seven years, he taught fifth grade in Birmingham where he first began using farming as an educational tool. He then transitioned to a high school teaching position within the system where he taught environmental science as well as developed and oversaw the programming and growing of a two acre sustainable urban farm behind the high school for four years through a local non-profit. As part of this program, he ran an internship with high school juniors and seniors growing and selling produce to the surrounding community while cultivating curiosity, hard work, and self sufficiency. Scotty was drawn to camp by the overall beauty and peacefulness of the land as well as the opportunity to live and work amongst a community of environmental educators. As farm school director, Scotty gets to continue to share his passion for teaching and sharing his excitement for the natural world and farming with the thousands of individuals that attend McDowell’s programs. Scotty, his wife Julie, and their three children, Samuel, Betsy and Susanna have called camp home since the summer of 2019. Scotty enjoys reading, climbing, outdoor adventures with his family, and getting his hands dirty in southern soil.

Hi folks! The name is Zee and I'm from Birmingham Alabama! I've been interested in growing since a young age while working in my grandma and aunt's garden. I started farming in 2016 while in highschool and have been in the food scene ever since! Whether that's restaurants, farms, farmers markets, teaching or anything in between I'm sure I've dipped my big toe in it at least once! I like cheese, milk and most dairy products. My favorite animal is a cow. My favorite food is salmon. My personality is like a cat!

With a degree in Environmental Studies from Bemidji State University in Northern Minnesota, Devin is deeply passionate about sustainable farming, food, and the health of our communities. She has taught at two outdoor education centers, inspiring students of all ages to engage with the environment and understand its connection to their daily lives. While earning her degree, Devin worked on a small organic vegetable farm, gaining practical knowledge of sustainable agriculture. Driven by a strong desire to teach the next generation, she is committed to showing kids the vital link between farming and their food, emphasizing the importance of healthy, sustainable practices for both the environment and community well-being.