Dani Baker co-owns and operates Cross Island Farms, a certified organic farm offering produce, grass-fed meats, and more. Dani launched the farm after retiring from her career as a clinical psychologist in 2007. After several successful years operating the farm, Dani hatched an idea for an edible forest in 2012. Planted and in full swing one year later, the project is the subject of her new book, “The Home Scale Forest Garden: How to Plan, Plant, and Tend a Resilient Edible Landscape.” In addition to Cross Island Farms duties, Dani is closely involved in community organizations. She serves on the Clayton Opera House Marketing and Development Committees, the Thousand Island Arts Center Finance Committee, the United Way of Jefferson County’s food Production Work Group, the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County’s Agricultural Advisory Committee, and The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program Executive Committee. She is also a member of The Jefferson County NY Branch of the American Association of University Women and serves on the Community Advisory committee to local public tv station WPBS. Prior to her farming career, Dani operated a nature photography business. Her award-winning photography skills are on full display in her new book and across Cross Island Farms social media channels. “The Home Scale Forest Garden: How to Plan, Plant, and Tend a Resilient Edible Landscape,” comes out May 2022.