Working Farms
Helping to nourish our communities
Preserving farmland and working farms gives us fresh local food, stewards our soils, teaches our kids, and grows our next farmers.
Leasing public farmland gives affordable access to farmers who tend the land and provide community benefits. On private farmland, Conservation Easements protect our rural views and keep the land from converting to other uses.
Our Conservation Land Bank owns 700 acres of prime farmland, leases 500 acres to farmers and protects 1,300 acres of private farmland and working farms.
Photo: Eric & Amy Lum at the farmstand at Coffelt Farm Preserve
“We believe that the Land Bank is a vital part of this island community, and that it must be renewed. Every day, we benefit from their vision and hard work: whether it's hiking Turtleback Mountain, picking up eggs from the Lums at Coffelt Farm, or helping in the effort to preserve the salmon run at Cascade Creek, the Land Bank is an impactful and necessary element of our shared well-being and quality of life. We support its legacy of stewardship to continue their thoughtful care and conservation of this beautiful place for all of San Juan County's future generations.”
— Norris & Peter Carlson, Orcas Island
Why I Support the Land Bank
Explore Land Bank Working Farms
Beaverton Marsh Preserve
The Land Bank recently selected the San Juan Island Grange Overmarsh Farm Commons (OFC) for a long-term lease. OFC is a cooperative enterprise where San Juan Islanders work and learn together to grow food on shared land, guided by regenerative agriculture principles.
Photo: Concept for Overmarsh Farm Commons Project at Beaverton
Lum Farm leases 189-acre Coffelt Farm Preserve where they improve pastures through sustainable grazing practices. Their diverse farm includes cattle, lamb, goat, pork, poultry and produce. They run a popular farmstand, supply local restaurants, contribute to the Food Bank and host educational and outreach activities that enrich the community.
Photo: The Lum family at Coffelt Farm Preserve on Orcas
Coffelt Farm Preserve
This Conservation Easement acquired in 2020 protects agricultural fields, heritage farm buildings, and a large wetland that provides habitat for waterfowl. The CE removed 9 of 11 possible development rights, preserving cherished open space and a historic working farm in the heart of Lopez.
Photo: Double R Bar Ranch, a 130-acre farm on Lopez
Double R Bar Ranch CE
King Sisters Preserve
This 62-acre preserve in central San Juan protects fertile fields, scenic views, forest, and a stream corridor. There’s a public trail along the road with views of the valley and Mt. Dallas. Since 2008 the bulk of the farm has been leased to Rob Waldron who grazes cattle and lamb, and harvests hay. Rob can usually be found at the Saturday Farmers Market.
Photo: Rob Waldron has been farming on San Juan Island for more than 40 years
The Land Bank’s first Conservation Easement protects historic barns and open space at this 78-acre farm established as a pear orchard in the 1890’s. Annie McIntyre and Joel Stewart run a diverse organic and regenerative farming operation, host events for others to farm on their property, and are striving to become a carbon neutral farm.
Photo: Warm Valley Farm on Orcas is a host site for participatory agriculture where others learn to farm
Warm Valley Farm CE
The Land Bank’s purchase of a conservation easement initially protected this property’s agricultural fields and historic homestead and barns. In 2017, Lopez Community Land Trust purchased the 48-acre farm and is now leasing to Mike and Meike of Stonecrest Farm and Graziers. They run a diverse operation and follow regenerative farming practices.
Photo: Historic barn at Stonecrest Farm on Lopez
Clemens CE
The Shephard family has recently been selected for a long-term lease at 68-acre Frazer Homestead Preserve on San Juan Island. They envision a sustainable livestock operation that builds soil and ecosystem health, while producing affordable beef and lamb for the community.
Photo: The Shephard family, new lessees at Frazer Homestead
Frazer Homestead Preserve
Lisa Pedersen and Joe Mentor established Orcas Isle Farm in 2020 and have planted nearly 1,200 fruit trees in the process of developing their cidery. Their Stewardship Plan emphasizes regenerative agricultural practices and protects water quality and storage capacity, riparian areas and other wildlife habitat, including a thriving beaver colony.
Photo: Orcas Isle Farm’s 35 acres is part of 134 acres protected by Conservation Easement in Crow Valley in 1996.