The Farm

Orcas Farm is a market farm and event venue. We provide high quality specialty produce to the island through our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program and our produce is served in the island's finest restaurants. We grow a wide variety of fruits, flowers and vegetables using natural and organic methods and practice land stewardship that promotes natural diversity and lasting soil health. Our small scale and attention to detail allow us to consistently produce high quality, great tasting and nutritious food.
      As an event venue, Orcas Farm offers a serene location of natural beauty. Open fields surrounded by lush gardens provide a perfect setting that is both expansive and intimate. We welcome guests July thru September. Come celebrate marriage, family and food with weddings and receptions, rehearsal dinners, family reunions and other farm to table events.

HISTORY

Orcas Farm was established on land that was first homesteaded in 1882 by Danish immigrant John Peter Legbandt and his family. Though their cabin is no longer visible, their spirit lingers in the heritage apple trees that tower above the open field. This farm, cleared by hand, proved prosperous and abundant. It allowed them to carve out a living by growing and selling timber, fruit, vegetables, eggs, milk and meat.
      In the early 1920’s the farm changed hands ushering in a new era of farming. As the island fruit industry began to decline due to changes in eastern Washington irrigation technology, new strategies were derived to earn a living from the land. Farmer Byrle Hall transitioned the farm to a pasture-based livestock operation and provided butchering services to island residents. He built the home, shop (now guesthouse), tractor shed and magnificent hay barn that stands to this day.
      The 1970’s and the back to the land movement brought the Klauder family to this place. Here they market farmed with horses and made much needed up-grades to the home and other infrastructure.
      After searching for land from Oregon to Alaska, George found and fell in love with this farm as it was being divided for sale. In 1993, he purchased the heart of the old homestead. Complete with house, outbuildings, fertile soil, pond and open pastures, the parcel held everything needed begin his long-held dream of creating a sustainable homestead and viable market garden.

YOUR HOSTS

We have lived and work together on this land since 2006.
      Molly grew up in the Green Mountain state of Vermont where love of the land is inherent. Working on a trail crew in the Pacific Northwest led to landscaping jobs where Molly’s interest quickly turned to growing food and farming. Years of experience in the catering and restaurant industry has given her a great appreciation for seasonal Northwest cuisine as well as a fine eye for detail. Growing food and hosting celebrations on Orcas Farm truly blends Molly's skills with her passions.
      George found his way to this tiny island from the great state of Ohio. Though surrounded by fields of corn and soy, his passion for farming was sparked by a visit to the UC Santa Cruz’s farm and garden project.
      After earning a degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Oregon and caretaking U of O’s Urban Farm, George moved to Seattle to help found the Seattle Tilth Children’s Garden. While working with Tilth, he found employment at Molbak’s and City Peoples Garden store and as the gardener for the Herb Farm restaurant. In 1993 George moved to the islands to establish Orcas Farm. 2018 marks George’s 25th year farming this land.
      Together, our vision is to create a viable homestead based on holistic principles. We value natural beauty, healthy soil and the joyful engagement in the stewardship of the land. Our love of well grown, delicious food and our desire to share it with others drives our efforts.