Nestled in the heart of Morgan County and less than 20 miles from the University of Georgia’s campus, Jack’s Creek Christmas Tree Farm & Nursery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community, mentorship, and the transformative power of education. At the helm of this stunning and thriving tree farm is Mark Batchelor, a 1988 graduate of Horticulture from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, whose story of farming began with an employer-turned-mentor, Ed Ruark.
In 1973, Jack’s Creek was started by Ruark, but Mr. Ed, as he was affectionally called, didn’t stop his work at just land development. When Mark Batchelor was just a junior in high school, Mr. Ed agreed to take on Mark to work the Christmas Tree Farm with fellow co-owner Damon Malcom. Recognizing Mark’s potential, Mr. Ed became more than just an employer, he became a mentor, teaching Mark the ways of farming and hard work. Mr. Ruark was a steadfast supporter who not only encouraged Mark to pursue higher education, but supported him as he pursed his degree in Horticulture while working at the farm.
After graduating, Mark started working for the Georgia Forestry Commission as his day job, but he eventually returned to plant and invest in Jack’s Creek Christmas Tree Farm with the dream of one day owning a part of it. Mark and Damon came to own the farm in 1995, and after decades of hard work, irreverent weather, volatile economic factors, and other challenges, the farm now spans 100 acres. Jack’s Creek has continued to be a local staple in the community and is renowned for its beautiful Christmas trees, selling over 3,000 trees each year to families who cherish the tradition of visiting the farm, taking a hayride by the creek, and purchasing other holiday décor and goodies. Under Mark’s leadership, the farm has diversified, planting over 10,000 trees annually and growing over 50 varieties of trees tailored for landscapers, making Jack’s Creek a go-to destination for both holiday cheer and year-round landscaping needs.
As Mark continues to cultivate his farm and nurture the next generation of farmers, his legacy grows, rooted deeply in the values of hard work, education, and community.
For the alumni of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Mark Batchelor’s story is an inspiring reminder of the impact that one person can have when they are given the tools and support to succeed. His journey from a rural high school student to a successful business owner is a beacon of hope and a source of pride for the entire Ag Dawg family.
