Dana oversees Shelburne Farms' 400 acres of green-certified woodlands, planning for their sustainable use and health while balancing educational, commercial, recreational, and conservation goals. She manages the farm’s maple sugar operation, implements tree plantings and timber harvests, and monitors forest health, often collaborating with consulting foresters or other resource specialists. In 2024, she oversaw the creation of Marshall Woods and she is helping to evaluate the effectiveness of silvopasturing, combining trees, pastures, and livestock to help the nonprofit achieve “net zero” carbon status. She is a key member of the team responsible for creating and implementing Shelburne Farms' comprehensive land management plan.
Dana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geology, Environmental Studies, and Spanish from Cornell College; and a Masters of Science in Rangeland Ecosystems Science from Colorado State University. She lives on the farm with her husband Josh Carter, Shelburne Farms Market Garden Manager, and their two sons Leo and Eli.