Farm Tours On Orcas Island: Not Your Typical Farms

Did you know that there are also some great farm tours available from many different farms on the Island

, including Maple Rock Farm, Coffelt Farm, and Bullocks Permaculture Homestead? Each of these farms offers visitors a unique perspective on environmentally friendly farming techniques.

Maple Rock Farm

One of the vendors visitors to the Farmers Market are likely to meet is John Steward of Maple Rock Farm. The farm has four acres of organic produce, which is used at many of the Islands restaurants. John runs his farm based on the principles of planned rotation of crops and grows everything from strawberries and tomatoes to squash, green beans, carrots, and turnips, among others. The goal of the farm is to provide fresh, pesticide-free and locally grown produce to the Island. John is a believer in eating locally, organically, and seasonally and this can be seen in the quality of the produce.

Coffelt Farm

Coffelt Farm is situated on the far northern reach of Orcas Island in Crow Valley. For over 60 years the farm was run by Vern and Sidney Coffelt, but the farm was recently transferred to the San Juan County Land Bank. The Land Bank strives to preserve working agricultural lands and demonstrate sustainable, Island-scalable agricultural practices and promote environmental stewardship. This is also accomplished through educational programs and research on the farm. The Coffelt Farm is an excellent learning excursion for those interested in learning about environmental issues and farming.

Bullocks Permaculture Homestead

Bullocks Permaculture Homestead is the work of the Bullock family as well as extended family and friends who have developed their land as a permaculture project. Permaculture is defined broadly as a way for people to integrate themselves into the natural environment. It focuses on integrating by observing the natural patterns to design systems that work with nature instead of against it. At Bullocks Homestead, this is how the farm is run. The Homestead practices sustainable farming methods and offers hands-on courses, workshops, and skill building.

One of the great things about Orcas Island is the diversity of the peoples and lifestyles found there. These three very different farms provide a look into how farming can be done in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways. A tour of any of these farms is a fun and educational way to spend some vacation time on Orcas Island.

by: Nicki Guyton

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