Welcome to Shadowcast Farm

The farm property was originally purchased in 1994 by LtCol Steve Baker, USMC (Ret). Immediately, Marines began to visit and experience the holistic benefits of the farm and have continued to do so for over 30 years!  In 2017 the farm was sold to his nephew, and current owner, Major David McGrath, USMC (Ret).  As a former Marine Officer Instructor (MOI) at The Citadel, Major McGrath immediately welcomed the newly commissioned Officers out to the farm during their time at The Basic School (TBS).  This included his oldest son, Second Lieutenant Brody McGrath, and several of the Marines he had previously commissioned.  In February of 2021, Major McGrath retired from active duty and has continued to host countless Marines he's met during his 26+ years of active duty.  In particular, MARSOC Marines who had shared combat deployments with Major McGrath benefited greatly from a safe space to find peace, open up about trauma, and connect with nature.  Having just navigated the complexity of a Naval Medical Review Board, Retirement/Transition from active duty, and the Veterans Administration disability process, Major McGrath began to mentor other who were going through similar phases of their life. 

Major McGrath's oldest son, now a CH-53 pilot, continues to utilize the farm with his peers. His other son, a former USCG Small Boat Rescue Crewman stationed in Cape Hatteras, NC, also regularly invites his peers to come experience the healing benefits of farm.  His nephew, a Sergeant in 1st Battalion 8th Marines during the withdraw from Afghanistan, found sanctuary here at the farm for himself and his peers where the could talk about their experiences and get unfiltered input from seasoned leaders in an environment that facilitates vulnerability and growth.  Through the application of nature-based emotional intelligence, these warriors have navigated stressors prior to incidents and have continued to fulfill successful careers both in the military and as civilian leaders.  Major McGrath also began to work with several non-profit organizations to bring Marines out to the farm to experience activities including, but not limited to: deer hunting, fly fishing, agricultural development, cutting wood for the winter, learning about applied EQ, working with cows & horses, participating in mindful mediation & yoga, learning about sustainable farming and "farm to table" nutrition, and simply just enjoying a night by the bonfire. Several Wounded Warriors have harvested a deer on the farm and the "Legends of the Fall Wall" showcases those trophies!  

As a testament to the impact made, every single Marine who has ever visited the farm has returned to volunteer in some capacity.  

 Shadowcast Farm has served - and will continue to serve - past, present, and future Marines. The unique tribal bond shared by Marines is undeniable and here, in this environment, Marines learn from one another in an effort to enhance their performance and continue their growth as leaders. 

The farm has not been limited to active duty service members.  As a high school wrestling and lacrosse coach, Major McGrath has also utilized the farm to introduce principled leadership to young men.  Reinforcing the benefits of work ethic and communication, he and his twin boys have watched the farm impact countless young men as they transitioned to college, military service, or the workforce.  Additionally, the local community is absolutely full of prior Marines and several of them frequent the farm.  It has become a central hub for connecting with others and the outpouring of mutual support is ongoing.  

Shadowcast Farm will continue to be a Marine Corps legacy property that facilitates experiential learning, supports open/unfiltered dialogue, and serves as a platform for upstream prevention.