Whidbey Island 2009 Farm Tour Guide

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 and SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Published as a supplement to The Whidbey Examiner, Whidbey Island’s only locally owned, independent newspaper 6 NW Coveland St., Coupeville • 360-678-8060 • whidbeyexaminer.com

EXPLORE WHIDBEY ISLAND’S FAMILY FARMS

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“Whidbey Rose,” an original painting by Whidbey Island artist Stacey Neumiller, will be offered at an auction during the Whidbey-Grown Harvest Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Mukilteo Coffee Roasters in Langley.

he Whidbey Island Farm Tour is a chance to experience the Island’s rural character and to connect with the farmers that provide locally grown food, fiber and other products for purchase.

Set for Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4, the free event encourages families to wander through 19 different farms, checking out everything from horses, cows, alpacas, chickens and mussels to all types of herbs and produce – wine grapes, lavender, vegetables, corn, pumpkins and squash just to name a few.

You can even ride a wagon pulled by majestic Percheron horses at A Knot In Thyme near Oak Harbor, take a boat tour of the largest and oldest commercial mussel farm in the United States or get some hands-on farming experience by helping to plant garlic at Willowood Farm near Coupeville.

“People are becoming more aware of the importance of knowing how and where their food is raised and produced,” said Karen Krug, Farm Tour chair. “We want to make it easy for our community to know which of their neighbors are farming, what they are growing, and how they are doing it.”

This year is the farm tour’s fourth year, and it’s proven to be a big hit with local families.

“It’s exciting to see the 3,000 or so people visit the farms on the Island, particularly families with children,” said Judy Feldman, tour committee member and acting director of Washington State University’s Island County Extension.

“The tour is so effective at raising awareness of issues that impact our local farms, but it also connects families and educators to new kinds of resources available.”

Throughout the weekend, the farms welcome visitors for tours, demonstrations, children’s activities and, at some locations, hands-on experiences. Saturday evening, you can help celebrate the bounty of our community and the taste

of passion from sprout to finish at the organic Whidbey-grown harvest dinner prepared by Chef Jess at Mukilteo Coffee Roasters, 5331 Crawford Road, Langley.

Musical entertainment will be provided

by Whidbey Island’s own Rural Characters, and a live auction will offer participants a chance to bid on Stacey Neumiller’s original painting, “Whidbey Rose,” along with baskets filled with Whidbey Island specialties. Tickets are $40, available at Mukilteo Coffee Roasters.

And Saturday night from 7 to 10 p.m., the Deer Lagoon Grange near Langley is offering a family-friendly Country Western dance. In other words, there’s something fun for everyone.

“Our primary goals are to educate our community about our farms, promote the benefits of locally grown food, fiber and other products, and assist our local farms in their sustainability, marketing and publicity efforts,” Krug explained. “It’s only fitting that we in turn support these goals by acting sustainably ourselves with our fundraising efforts.”

The Whidbey Island Farm Tour is a family-friendly event, with children’s activities at several farms and plenty to see at all the rest. “We want our kids to feel just as welcome on the tour as our adults,” said Feldman.

Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

FRONT STREET REALTY

Drop by my office next to the Coupeville Wharf 22 NW Front St., Suite B • Coupeville, WA 98239 360-678-6100 • 206-387-1924 • www.janetburchfield.com

R E A L C H O C O L AT E

CHAMPAGNE ARTISANAL CHEESE

Thanks, Janet, for helping us find our little “Rain Shadow Farm.”

Life is good! – Harry & Terry

FRESH DELI ITEMS

SALAMI

What’s Fresh? www.bayleaf.us

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P R O D U C E

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LOCAL ORGANIC SCREAMIN’ BANSHEE BREAD

Live the Island dream…

FAB WINE

Pigs are among many animals raised for market at Whidbey Island farms.

Page 2 A special publication of The Whidbey Examiner • The Whidbey Island 2009 Farm Tour Guide

CSA program trains new Whidbey farmers

By Justin Burnett Examiner Staff Writer

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he first year of the community-supported agriculture training program at Greenbank Farm is wrapping up with positive reviews – and a fresh crop of future farmers.

Since the start of the growing season, the small group of interns who took part in the program produced enough crops to supply 60 families with a box of produce every week. By the time of the final harvest in October, that will amount to some 1,200 boxes of Whidbey-grown food.

That’s a lot of produce, said CSA Program Coordinator Anza Muenchow, but it wasn’t the program’s primary objective of the program.

“Beyond growing food, the emphasis was growing farmers,” she said.

The CSA program, which is supported by the Northwest Agriculture Business Center and funded through a state Department of Agriculture grant, was the first of its kind in Washington. Its focus was to train new farmers in a new farming model aimed at promoting agricultural and financial sustainability.

See a CSA in action The CSA program at Greenbank Farm will be open throughout Farm Tour weekend, with interns available to answer questions. See the map on page 6 for directions.

CSAs offer an alternative to the traditional supplier-to-consumer model.

Rather than asking the farmer to make all the up-front investment in growing food with no assurance that whatever is produced will be purchased, the consumer buys a “subscription” to the farm before the growing season begins.

The farmer uses that up-front money to grow food, and provides the CSA subscribers with a steady supply of produce throughout the growing season.

Cabbage seed produced at Sherman Farm near Coupeville

Alf Christianson honors Whidbey Island’s long tradition of farming and the families whose farms have produced the vegetable seeds that feed the world.

Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

Kate Shapiro of Freeland, an intern with the Community-Supported Agriculture program at Greenbank Farm, washes banana squash harvested from the field.

The system removes the middleman, making agriculture more financially sustainable for the farmer. And instead of investing time and money trying to market their produce, farmers can instead focus on what they do best: growing food.

“It takes a lot of pressure off to know that they have the money and don’t have to worry about anything but farming,” Muenchow said.

According to Maryon Attwood, NABC project manager, the program also helps address the steady loss of farmland that is taking place across the country.

Today’s food delivery system is dangerously dependent on fossil fuels, she said, as produce is typically transported an average of 1,500 miles before it reaches consumers.

The CSA Training Center at Greenbank Farm not only put about 10 acres of Whidbey farmland back into food pro-

Mount Vernon, Wash. • 360-336-9727

TIRES • WHEELS • BATTERIES • ALIGNMENT • SHOCKS • BRAKES

Les Schwab Proudly Supports Whidbey’s Farming Community

see CSA, page 11

Serving the Whidbey Island Farming Community for 20 years.

We have everything you need to keep your operation growing!

150 S.E. Pioneer Way Oak Harbor, Wash.

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CLINTON

The Whidbey Island 2009 Farm Tour Guide • A special publication of The Whidbey Examiner

Page 3

Whidbey Island Conservation District “helping landowners with conservation practices”

2009/10

Native Plant Sale

Order from our beautiful assortment of bare root native plants (very reasonably priced).

Orders will be accepted through January 2010 and ready for pick up February 24.

• Order early for best selection! • To see the complete list and download an order form, go to our website: www.whidbeycd.org

or call toll free 1-888-678-4922.

* Party& BYOB *brownies, that is Country - Western

DANCE

featuring

Saturday, October 3, 7- 9:45 pm *Brownies judged, ice cream provided

$15 / adults, $12 / seniors 65+, $10 / children 12 and under For tickets, call or email Chuck Prochaska 360-222-3110 or whidstar@whidbey.com

y Tonk s k n o H e th d n a Drifter deerlagoongrange.com

You’ve visited the farms, now enjoy our family nightlife!

Deer Lagoon Grange Hall 5142 Bayview Road, Langley, WA

Hungry for local produce?

Shop for local produce at A Knot in Time (1), Case Farm (3) and The Lord’s Garden (2) near Oak Harbor; Willowood Farm (10) near Coupeville; Forget Me Not Farms (15) near Freeland; and Bur Oak Acres (17), Langley, will have produce available for purchase.

Fun for kids of all ages

Many of the farms on this year’s tour offer activities for kids, and one offers the special treat of a kid-sized cowboy town. Kids can play in the miniature Western village at M Bar C Ranch (14) including a post office, barber shop, jail, bank and hotel.

Learn about compost at Hummingbird Farm (6) north of Coupeville. Take a hay ride to a pumpkin patch at Case Farm (3) or ride in a wagon pulled by huge Percheron horses at A Knot in Thyme (1).

Special highlights

Penn Cove Shellfish (9), Coupeville, takes visitors for a tour of the largest and oldest commercial mussel farm in the country. Visit Lavender Wind Farm (8) to enjoy lavender, lavender and more lavender. Oh, and spectacular water and mountain views, too! Learn about community-supported agriculture at Greenbank Farm (12). And visit Good Cheer Food Bank’s new garden, where volunteers grow food for local families (16).

Fleece and fiber

Stop by Sonshine Alpacas (19) near Langley and see 4H members demonstrate felting techniques. Or visit Island Bliss Alpacas (4) near Oak Harbor for spinning and weaving demonstrations.

Explore local wines

Northwest Farm Credit Services

is proud to support the Whidbey Island Farm Tour.

Helping farmers, ranchers, and rural residents thrive for more than 90 years.

Wine fans will definitely enjoy the two vineyards on this year’s tour. It’s the thick of “crush,” and at Whidbey Island Vineyards and Winery (20) in Langley and Greenbank Cellars (13) at Greenbank you can see grapes go from vine to

Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

Elizabeth Ulmer of Willlowood Farm adjusts a display of beets at a market booth.

wine. Both have tasting rooms open for sampling and sales.

Horses, horses, horses

At Wildwood Farm (5) near Oak Harbor and M Bar C Ranch (14), Freeland, kids will get a memorable ride in the saddle.

Explore garden delights

Horse Tales Nursery near Coupeville (7) offers information on companion gardening. And Chocolate Flower Farm near Langley (18) specializes in darkcolored plants – including some that really smell like chocolate!

Other weekend events & activities

Coupeville Farmers Market, 10 a.m.2 p.m. Saturday, Eighth & Alexander streets, behind the Coupeville library.

Shop for local produce and crafts, and take part in the first-ever Great Whidbey Island Backyard Apple Rescue, where you can pick up a bag of Whidsee Tour, page 5

Waterside Dining on Penn Cove Our menu is inspired by fresh local fare from the farms and waters that surround us.

Hours of operation Thursday–Sunday, 4–9 pm Reservations recommended in the Dining Room Walk-ins welcomed in the Tavern

800.548.2699 | farm-credit.com

2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd. (off Madrona Way) Coupeville, Wash.

360-678-1800

www.shipoffoolswhidbey.com

Page 4 A special publication of The Whidbey Examiner • The Whidbey Island 2009 Farm Tour Guide

‘Shop local’ mantra boosts local markets

Customize your farm coverage Policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.

By Kasia Pierzga Examiner Staff Writer

A

t the height of the late-summer harvest, Whidbey Island’s farmers markets are jam-packed with fresh produce – and local shoppers.

This season has been a successful one for the markets in Coupeville and Oak Harbor, said market Manager Peg Tennant. Both markets are likely to hit $300,000 in sales for the 2009 season – an increase in sales of at least 20 percent over last year, she said. The number of vendors at both markets also increased by about 20 percent.

While this summer’s sunny, warm weather helped boost attendance at the markets, much of their success can be attributed to growing consumer interest in buying locally grown produce, Tennant said. People like the idea that the money they spend on local products helps support Whidbey Island’s farming community.

“People want to keep their friends and neighbors in business, so they’re realizing they have to buy from them,” she said.

Shoppers also enjoy having the opportunity to meet and get to know the farmers who produce the food they eat, Tennant said.

“The thing I hear over and over again is that people value developing a relationship with the people who grow their food,” she said.

Markets also serve as a community gathering place, a venue where people can not only shop for food and locally

David Anderson Burlington

www.countryfinancial.com

360-755-0390

092008-09967AC

Why Join Your Island County Farm Bureau?

Two Reasons:

advoCaCy

Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

Val Reuther of Rosehip Farm arranges late-summer produce at a booth at the Coupeville Farmers Market.

made crafts and gifts, but also grab a bite to eat and sit at a picnic table and chat with friends. Market fans find their regular visits to the local farmers markets become part of their regular routine.

“If we can get you to come once, you’re going to come again,” Tennant said.

The Oak Harbor market ended its season on Thursday, Sept. 24, but the Coupeville Farmers Market continues each Saturday through Oct. 10, when the market celebrates the end of the season with its annual HarvestFest celebration.

When government (local, state or federal) comes knocking, Farm Bureau is there to help. Water Rights, Labor Issues, Property Infringement and Land Use issues are always difficult, especially when it’s just you and the government. For less than $100 a year, you can sleep at night knowing you’re being helped or you are providing help for others just like you.

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ISLAND COUNTY

On the Web: www.wsfb.com

Tour, from page 4 bey-grown fruit – for free! On Saturday, you can enter your own backyard-fruit creations (pies, tarts, crisps – even fruit sculptures!) in a contest at the market.

Entry “fee” is three items of nonperishable food for the Gifts from the Heart food bank.

Bayview Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hwy. 525 and Bayview Road, Bay-

view.

South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays thru Oct. 3, 2812 Thompson off Hwy. 525 near Freeland.

Sunday Market, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 4, Greenbank Farm, 765 Wonn Road, off Hwy. 525 north of Greenbank.

Open daily from 7:30 AM, at the end of Pier, Coupeville Coffee, Conversation, Local Foods and Hide-out The Whidbey Island 2009 Farm Tour Guide • A special publication of The Whidbey Examiner

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The tour is free, and you can start anywhere and take in as many farms as you like. Please note that some farms offer activities at specific times, and some are open for one day only.

Other events during Farm Tour weekend include:

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The Whidbey Island Farm Tour Guide is a special publication of The Whidbey Examiner, Whidbey Island’s only locally owned, independent newspaper.

On-Island subscriptions are $19.50/year; off-Island, $23/year. To subscribe, call 360-678-8060.

Read the Whidbey Island Farm Tour Guide online at www.whidbeyexaminer.com

LONE LAKE RD. ANDREASON RD.

15. Good Cheer Garden

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News from the Heart of Whidbey Island

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11. CSA Training Center at Greenbank Farm

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• Whidbey-Grown Harvest Dinner & Auction, 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Mukilteo Coffee Roasters, Langley.

See page 2 for details!

• Country-Western Dance, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at Deer Lagoon Grange, Bayview. See the ad on page 4 for details.

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Farm open Saturday & Sunday

9. Penn Cove Shellfish (Saturday only)

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4. Island Bliss Alpacas

3. Case Farm

2. The Lord’s Garden & M&M Flowers

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Plan ahead so you don’t miss anything!

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FAKKEMA RD. CASE RD.

The farms taking part in this two-day event offer a glimpse of agriculture on Whidbey Island. You’ll have a chance to visit with the farmers, purchase locally grown food, fiber and farm-related products, and soak up the rural character of our beautiful Island home.

Welcome to the fourth annual Whidbey Island Farm Tour!

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ENGLE RD.

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Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

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CLINTON

Clinton Ferry to Mukilteo, I-5

16. Bur Oak Acres

19. Whidbey Island Vineyards & Winery

17. Chocolate Flower Farm

Homemade breads, pies, soups, salads and cinnamon rolls made fresh daily. Breakfast Sat & Sun, lunch daily.

4 NW Front Street, Coupeville 360-678-5431

KNEAD & FEED

Specializing in chili featuring 3 Sisters Grass-fed Beef, gumbo, sandwiches and quiche. Open for breakfast and lunch.

12 NW Front Street, Coupeville 360-678-2900

MOSQUITO FLEET GALLEY

At the Greenbank Farm offering handmade pies, hearty soups, quiche, seasonal salads and artisan breads. Open daily 11–4, weekends 10–5.

765 Wonn Road, Greenbank 360-678-1288

WHIDBEY PIES CAFÉ

Fresh steamed mussels, seafood, great burgers, clam chowder daily. Open 7 days a week.

8 NW Front Street, Coupeville 360-678-4222

TOBY’S

Across from the Keystone Ferry. Fish & chips, espresso, soups, salads, Cascade Glacier ice cream, sandwiches and chowder.

12981 State Route 20, Coupeville 360-678-5396

KEYSTONE CAFÉ

Featuring fresh, creative northwest cuisine and a variety of local wines. Lunch, Mon–Fri until 2 pm.

Dinner starts Mon–Sun at 5 pm.

103 NW Coveland Street, Coupeville 360-678-5480 • christophersonwhidbey.com

CHRISTOPHER’S

Authentic Thai food in a historic Coupeville Victorian home. 11 am–9 pm daily.

602 North Main Street, Coupeville 360-678-6963

THE COVE THAI RESTAURANT

Emphasizing fresh, local and organic ingredients.

Mon.–Sat. 8 am–4 pm.

3228 Lake Leo Way (off Crawford Road), Langley 360-321-5270 • mukilteocoffee.com

MUKILTEO COFFEE ROASTERS

Authentic Italian, serving fresh and organic produce, meats from 3 Sisters Cattle Co., and dairy from local farmers and farmer’s markets.

670 S.E. Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor 360-675-4053

ANGELO’S CAFFÉ

Fresh local cuisine in a unique waterfront setting.

Open Th-Sun 4-9 pm.

2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Road, Coupeville 360-678-1800 • shipoffoolswhidbey.com

SHIP OF FOOLS

What’s your favorite pizza? Gluten-free and Lo carb available. 9’ Salad bar. 15’ Pizza bar.

Good Food. Good People. Good Times.

830 S.E. Pioneer Way #106, Oak Harbor 360-682-2142

GOOD TIMES PIZZA BUFFET

Whidbey Island’s only award winning restaurant & brewery. Steak, burgers, seafood, pasta, pub fare.

Always fresh. Always local. Open M-F 11:30 am, Sat & Sun at 10 am. Breakfast and lunch until 2 pm.

32295 Hwy. 20, Oak Harbor 360-675-5858

FLYER’S RESTAURANT & BREWERY

Best of Whidbey’s Best New Restaurant. Serving authentic Thai cuisine. Open 7 days a week. Happy Hour 4:30-6:30 pm.

885 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor 360-679-8268

SWEET RICE THAI CUISINE

RESTAURANT GUIDE

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34 near the intersection of Hwy. 20 and NE Regatta Drive. Go down Case Rd. ½ mile to the farm. Parking is on the grass.

4. Island Bliss Alpacas

1. A Knot In Thyme

Jack & Wendy Rawls (Open all day Saturday and from 1:30 – 4 p.m. Sunday) 4233 DeGraff Road, Oak Harbor 360-298-0443 • www.aknotinthyme.com A Knot In Thyme gift shop and working horticultural farm features a historic 75-year old holly grove. You’ll find cutting gardens, everlastings, lavender, potted plants, a shop with many lovely things made on our farm, and a beautiful quilted knot garden featuring vegetables, herbs and flowers. Enjoy a guided tour of the farm aboard our 30-passenger wagon pulled by two huge black Percheron horses. Wreath-makers will demonstrate and answer questions.

Directions: Located 2.5 miles south of Deception Pass or 7 miles north of Oak Harbor. From Hwy 20 turn west onto DeGraff Road. The farm is the first place on the right.

2. The Lord’s Garden and M&M Flowers

Dave Thomas 173 E. Fakkema Road, Oak Harbor 360-679-3301

daveonwhidbey@comcast.net The Lord’s Garden provides food for the community and flowers for “relationship insurance” (self-service roadside stand). A guide will be available for tours of the garden.

Directions: 1 mile east of Hwy. 20 on Fakkema Road.

Dina Blackstone & Tracy Quinten 2839 Taylor Road, Oak Harbor 360-420-7130 www.islandblissalpacas.com Island Bliss Alpacas is home to 23 alpacas (and counting) plus three llamas.

We are in the business of breeding alpacas with fine, dense and crimpy fleece

3. Case Farm

Mike & Sheila Case-Smith 98 Case Road, Oak Harbor 360-675-1803 mrpumpkinwhi@yahoo.com After 111 years of family stewardship, this rustic farm on north Whidbey continues to re-invent itself. We currently specialize in field-grown heirloom tomatoes and sweet onions and produce garden starts and a wide variety of edibles, including herbs, Italian gourmet vegetables and onions. Throughout October we open the farm to the public for U-pick pumpkin sales along with winter squash and onions. Our animals and equipment are on display, and we’re available to answer questions. Walk through our corn patch; you’ll be a-maized!

Directions: Located just north of Oak Harbor, off Hwy. 20 at mile marker

characteristics, coupled with gentle dispositions. We sell alpacas as pets and as fine breeding stock. Our farm store offers alpaca-related clothing and products, hand-spun yarn and fiber for handspinners and fiber artists. During the Farm Tour, we offer tours and spinning, weaving, felting and other fiber processing demonstrations. Come hand-feed our animals and touch their fabulous fleece – as well as pick up free compost, ready to use in your garden.

Directions: From Hwy. 20 north of Oak Harbor, turn east on Fakkema and go about 1½ miles, then turn south onto Taylor Road for about 1 mile. The farm is on the corner of Taylor and Mounts, just south of Silverlake.

5. Wildwood Farm

Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

Dave Thomas of M&M Flowers creates a bouquet of dahlias picked from the flower garden at his farm near Oak Harbor.

Heather Carder 2326 N. Happy Valley Road, Oak Harbor 360-679-3474 www.wildwoodfarm.com Wildwood Farm is an 80-acre breeding facility that raises horses for the racetrack and sport horse disciplines.

Home to Noble Horse Saddlery, we offer a wonderful training and instruction program for riders of all ages and host tours that include training demonstrations, free hay rides and children’s pony rides for a small fee.

Directions: From Hwy. 20 in Oak Harbor, turn east on Whidbey Ave. Turn left on Regatta Drive, then right on Crescent Harbor Road. Follow the 90-degree turn to the right where Crescent Harbor see Farms, page 9

Buy Local • Eat Local • Be Local

Celebrate the bounty of the Island!

HarvestFest at the Market Saturday, Oct. 10

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Wild and Wacky Harvest Relay Races • (Potato Dig, Egg Nesting, Pumpkin Dribble & Udder Pull!) a fundraiser for Gifts From the Heart food bank • Scarecrow Corridor & Backyard Apple Rescue winners announced • • Giant Pumpkin contest weigh-in •

We’ve got it all!

Local corn, fall berries, grass-fed beef, salad greens, honey, pumpkins, fresh-made lunches, handmade kettle corn, local chocolates, freshbaked bread and fruit pies, fresh & smoked Alaska salmon, gift cards, watercolor prints, handmade jewelry, garden benches, plants, planters – plus a place to hang out, and so much more!

10-2 Saturdays thru Oct. 10

8th & Alexander, behind the Coupeville Library We accept FMNP coupons Page 8 A special publication of The Whidbey Examiner • The Whidbey Island 2009 Farm Tour Guide

Farms, from page 8 Road becomes Reservation Road, then turn left on N. Happy Valley Road. Follow signs to the farm.

6. Hummingbird Farm Nursery and Gardens

Lee and Lori Spear 2319 Zylstra Road, Oak Harbor 360-679-5044 www.hummingbirdfarmnursery.com We are a retail nursery specializing in perennial plants, and we propagate or grow many varieties of plants and maintain demonstration gardens for the public to tour. We provide space and resources for the Plant a Row for the Hungry project, which we also use as a teaching tool on basic agricultural practices. Our products include dried flowers and herbs and handmade wreaths. We also build custom potting benches and other garden furniture. During the Farm Tour, we offer self-guided or guided tours and have a number of activities for kids.

Directions: From Hwy. 20, 4 miles north of Coupeville, turn west on Zylstra Road. Drive 4 miles and watch for a blue barn after Fort Nugent Road.

8. Lavender Wind Farm

Sarah Richards 2530 Darst Road, Coupeville 360-678-0919 www.lavenderwind.com We sell lavender in many forms, including dried lavender, essential oil, food items, lotions and soaps as well as nursery plants that include lavenders, herbs and flowers. Come collect tips on how to grow and use lavender, how to prune plants and how to process dried lavender, and watch us distill essential oil from the lavender grown on our farm.

Lavender snacks will be available as you view the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the lavender labyrinth.

Directions: About 3.5 miles north of Coupeville on Hwy. 20, turn west on Libbey Road, then right for .5 mile onto West Beach Road. Drive .5 mile, then take a left on Darst Road. Watch for the farm sign on your right.

9. Penn Cove Shellfish

Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

Coupeville’s famous Rockwell beans are among the crops grown at Willowood Farm.

7. Horse Tales Nursery

Patti Jones 1258 West Beach Road, Oak Harbor 360-678-1925 horsetales@cablespeed.com We offer plants, shrubs and trees and a market stand with our organically homegrown produce. We also will offer demonstrations on companion gardening, worm bins and feeding your soil. Printed

ing the Farm Tour, you can take a selfguided tour of the farm fields and historic barn, or get some hands-on experience by helping to plant fall garlic!

Directions: From Hwy. 20 just north of Coupeville, turn south onto Ebey Road. Stay to the right when the road curves left, then turn right onto Cook Road. Drive about .25 mile, then turn left onto a dirt driveway and follow signs to parking behind the big barn.

materials will be available for those who want to take information home.

Directions: About 3.5 miles north of Coupeville on Hwy. 20, turn west on Libbey Road, then right for .5 mile onto West Beach Road. Go about threefourths of a mile to the nursery at 1258 West Beach Road.

Ian Jefferds (Saturday only) Madrona Way, Coupeville 360-678-4803 www.penncoveshellfish.com We are the largest and oldest commercial mussel farm in the nation. We grow Penn Cove and Mediterranean mussels. Adults and children ages 10 and older can take a boat tour of the mussel rafts, where seabirds, seals and other local wildlife may also be seen. Tours are available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pre-register at www.island.wsu.edu or by calling 360-240-5558; on Tour day, space is available on a first come, first served basis.

Boat Tour Directions: Boats leave from the north side of the Coupeville Wharf building. Take Hwy. 20 to Coupeville. Turn north at the light onto Main Street, and drive about .5 mile to a left on Front Street. The Wharf is at the corner of Front and Alexander streets; Free parking is available on Alexander, just 2 blocks up on the right.

11. Rosehip Farm and Garden

Linda Bartlett 338 Fort Casey Road, Coupeville Due to a family illness, the farm will not be participating this year.

12. CSA Training Center at Greenbank Farm Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

Curvaceous zucchini is among many vegetables grown at small family farms on Whidbey Island.

10. Willowood Farm

Georgie Smith 399 S. Ebey Road, Coupeville 360-929-0244 www.willowoodfarm.net Currently operated by fourth-generation Ebey’s Prairie native Georgie Smith, the farm produces naturally grown row crops for the local fresh market. These include gourmet garlic and potatoes, mixed greens, fresh, shell and dry beans, onions, shallots, cabbage, broccoli, winter squashes, pumpkins and more. Dur-

w i n e r y

Alsatian-style white wines, barrel-aged reds.

Our tasting room features a 1905 back bar in a 100-year old barn.

3112 Day Rd., Greenbank • Thurs.-Mon. 11-5 or by appointment 360-678-3964 www.greenbankcellars.com

Eat Healthy, Eat Local!

Experience

• 30 years of proven leadership • U. S. Navy Commodore

Preservation

• Historic home owner • Saved the Libbey House outbuilding

Community Service

• Whidbey General Hospital Foundation Board • Navy League President-Elect • Island County Historic Review Committee

www.tomtack.com

see Farms, page 10

Greenbank Cellars

VOTE FOR

TOM TACK Town Council

Anza Muenchow 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank 360-222-3171 www.agbizcenter.org The Greenbank Farm CSA Training Center uses five acres of certified organic ground at Greenbank Farm for mixed vegetable and herb production. This year, six new organic farming interns are learning about community-supported agriculture and direct-marketing strategies.

These new farmers will be available during the Farm Tour to answer questions and offer demonstrations. With 60 CSA subscriptions from all around Whidbey Island, the new trainees have been growing more than 70 different varieties of

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can contribute to lifelong health. That’s why Whidbey General Hospital supports the Whidbey Island Farm Tour. Preventive medicine is the best medicine.

Paid for by Citizens for Tack, PO Box 784, Coupeville, WA

The Whidbey Island 2009 Farm Tour Guide • A special publication of The Whidbey Examiner

Page 9

land, drive west on Bush Point Road.

Just as you go down the hill into the valley, Shore Meadows Road is on the right.

Follow the signs down and to your left.

2812 Grimm Road, Langley 360-221-4868 www.goodcheer.org The South Whidbey Good Cheer Food Bank has created a large vegetable garden in front of its facility on Bayview Road. Growing fresh vegetables and fruit provides nutritious produce and expands Good Cheer’s capacity to serve more people. More than 200 local volunteers have helped to establish, maintain and harvest the garden.

Directions: From Hwy. 525 at Bayview, turn north onto Bayview Road.

After the first stop sign at Marshview Avenue, parking will be immediately on your right.

15. Forget Me Not Farms

17. Bur Oak Acres

Farms, from page 9 vegetables including varied beans, salad greens, squash, oriental veggies, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, kohlrabi, fennel, herbs and more.

Directions: From Hwy. 525 just north of Greenbank, turn east on Wonn Road. Turn left into the farm.

13. Greenbank Cellars

Frank & Betty Rayle 3112 Day Road, Greenbank 360-678-3964 www.greenbankcellars.com Greenbank Cellars is a winery and three-acre vineyard producing estate bottled wines from our vineyard. The winery will be open with wine tasting and sales. We also offer a fun display of antique nickelodeons, fair organ and player pianos, and take a look inside Betty’s art studio.

Directions: From Hwy. 525 just south of Greenbank, turn west onto Bakken Road. Drive .5 mile to the farm at the corner of Bakken and Day roads.

14. M Bar C Ranch

Forgotten Children’s Fund 5264 Shore Meadow Road, Freeland 360-331-6019 www.m-bar-c.com Home to the Forgotten Children’s Fund, this beautiful ranch is in the business of producing smiles as you check out the horses and wander through the Western village with its post office, barber shop, jail, bank, hotel and chapel.

Directions: From Hwy. 525 in Free-

Oak Harbor and Freeland • Feed • Fencing • Pet Supplies • Carhartt and Other Brand Name Clothing • Lawn & Garden Supplies • Propane Oak Harbor • 24 Hour Gas & Diesel • Easy RV Access 360-675-2277

31686 SR 20 Oak Harbor 360-331-1970

1592 East Main Freeland

Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

A combine harvests barley at Engle Farm near Coupeville.

Darrell, Lois, Josh and Alicia Wenzek 5700 Double Bluff Road, Freeland 360-321-2523 www.forgetmenotfarms.org We are a year ’round, all-natural family farm specializing in flowers, four kinds of berries and a variety of produce.

During the Farm Tour, we’ll offer children’s activities and guided tours all day Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. We offer yummy farm refreshments and lots of fresh produce, flowers and gift items in the shop. We even have a special photo op area, and kids love to pick out their own pumpkins!

Directions: From Hwy. 525, turn left on Double Bluff Road. Drive 3/10 mile and turn right at the farm.

16. Good Cheer Garden South Whidbey Good Cheer

Bill McInvaille 2990 Andreason Road, Langley 360-321-2721 mcinwheels@whidbey.net Bur Oak Acres is a certified, naturally grown market garden that grows over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables.

We have a self-service farm stand on the property of 2.5 acres with three greenhouses, a chicken coop and a commercial kitchen. During the Farm Tour, we offer self-guided tours of the farm.

Directions: From Hwy 525 at Bayview, turn north at Bayview Road. At 1.25 miles, turn left on Andreason Road.

The farm is on the left.

18. Chocolate Flower Farm

Marie Lincoln 5040 Saratoga Road, Langley 360-221-2464 www.chocolateflowerfarm.com Chocolate Flower Farm is a member of the Washington State Specialty Nursery Association. Our “specialty” is darkcolored plants, including some that also smell like chocolate. We make our famous Essence of Chocolate candles on site and during the Farm Tour we’ll offer candlemaking demonstrations. We sell chocolate candles and cut bouquets of chocolate sunflower and chocolate cosmos. Honey from the beehives in our chocolate lavender field may be available if we have it harvested in time for the Tour.

Directions: From Hwy. 525 at Bayview, turn at Bayview Road and go approximately three miles to Langley. Turn left on DeBruyen (at the church), then turn left onto Saratoga Road. Go 4/10 mile and turn left into the farm.

• • • • • •

19. Sonshine Alpacas Gary & Pam Uhlig 5662 Crawford Road, Langley 360-632-9981

www.alpacanation.com/sonshinealpacas.asp

We breed fine-fleeced, award-winning alpacas. Our family-friendly farm features chickens, working farm dogs and plenty of alpaca kisses. Watch Inca Pride Alpaca 4-H Club guide their alpacas through an obstacle course, and take part in our demonstration of sorting, carding, spinning, and felting of alpaca fleece.

Our farm store is stocked with the finest alpaca duvets, scarves, gloves, hats, socks, hand-spun yarn and finger puppets for the kids.

Directions: From Hwy. 525 south of Bayview, turn north onto Crawford Road.

Turn left at the first driveway.

20. Whidbey Island Vineyards & Winery

Greg Osenbach 5237 Langley Road, Langley 360-221-2040 www.whidbeyislandwinery.com Whidbey Island Vineyards and Winery has been growing wine grapes and producing wines since 1986. Our tasting and sales room features the wines we produce from our island vineyards as well as the wines we make from a wide range of Eastern Washington grapes. We will be in the thick of “crush” at the time of the Farm Tour and may be picking grapes that weekend. You can tour the vineyard and see winemaking in action.

Directions: From Hwy 525, turn at Ken’s Corner onto Langley Road. Drive north 2 miles. The winery is on the right.

2009 Whidbey Island Farm Tour Guide The Whidbey Island Farm Tour Guide is a special publication of The Whidbey Examiner, Whidbey Island’s only locally owned, independent newspaper.

Editor & Publisher: Kasia Pierzga; Photography: Kasia Pierzga and Justin Burnett; Design & Layout: Sueann Carter and Scott Pendergraft; Advertising Sales: Dodie Borsellino; Editorial Assistance: Joan Soltys.

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Reach the Examiner at 360-678-8060, or visit www.whidbeyexaminer.com.

9:00 to 6:00 Mon - Sat Organic Products

Annuals & Hanging Baskets New & Unusual Perennials Fruit, Flowering & Shade Trees Shrubs of Every Kind Seeds, Bulbs, Tools, Gifts Timothy Alfalfa & Orchard Grass Garden Center Magazine’s Innovator of the Year

Workshops & Classes

• • • • •

10:00 to 5:00 Sunday Non-toxic Solutions

Quality Livestock Feed Live Chicks in Season Pet Foods & Accessories Wild Bird Feed & Feeders Experienced Staff

Experienced Nursery Professionals WSU Master Livestock Advisors

A Full-Service Farm & Garden Center

Voted

Best Place To Buy Plants

bayviewfarmandgarden.com

❧ SR 525 at Bayview Road (360) 321-6789 ❧ Page 10 A special publication of The Whidbey Examiner • The Whidbey Island 2009 Farm Tour Guide

draws upon social, economic and environmental elements as well as production methods. For more food for thought, ask the farmers you meet on the tour what they think about it!

fied dictionary of terms: Local, Locally Grown: Agricultural goods produced within a defined geographic location. Such goods require less transportation costs, and may travel from farm to table imuch more quickly.

Locally grown items can be produced using a wide variety of methods that may or may not be overtly explained in the packaging. Sales directly contribute to the economic sustainability of a community by allowing for the exchange of money between local producer and local consumer.

Certified Organic: Production methods and the absence of synthetic chemicals must comply with standards set by a regulatory agency such as the state or federal Department of Agri-

culture. After a farm’s operation, crop or herd is approved, there is continued oversight to ensure compliance.

Organically Grown: Agricultural goods produced using all organic methods or standards, but without formal certification.

Sustainably Grown: For some farmers, using organic methods exclusively may seem unnecessary, make it too difficult to turn a profit, or prove unrealistic in the wake of an invasion by insects or other pests and diseases. In such cases, conventional methods or synthetic amendments are used on a limited basis.

When it comes right down to it, each of these is a pillar of sustainable agriculture because they acknowledge the importance of understanding where our food and other agricultural goods come from and the risks and benefits implied in how it is produced. How we navigate in and around them is what makes the issue so dynamic and interesting.

Keep in mind that true sustainability

Greenbank, Knox said knew before she joined the program how hard the work would be, and that the job is far from glamorous.

“You need to be ready to have dirt under your fingernails even after you get out of the shower,” she said with a laugh.

After nine months in the program, Knox said she doubts her farm will become a CSA anytime soon. Her operation is small, and there are already about a dozen CSAs in operation on Whidbey.

“I don’t think I can compete with that,” she said.

Fellow trainee Kate Shapiro also said she isn’t sure if she will pursue the CSA concept. At 27, she said she is facing the challenge of buying enough land to get going. And even a successful small farm typically needs extra money to keep going.

“I don’t know how to make it work without a supplemental income,” Shapiro said.

Both Knox and Shapiro said they would likely use a variety of direct marketing tactics, from maintaining roadside stands to selling produce directly to local

restaurants and grocery stores.

“If you’re a farmer and you’re making it work, you kind of do all those things,” Shapiro said.

Attwood said the CSA program has been funded again for 2010. The NABC is looking for farm interns, and for a new program coordinator, as Muenchow wants to focus on her own operation, Maha Farm near Clinton.

To learn more about the CSA training program at Greenbank Farm, contact Maryon Attwood at the Northwest Agriculture Business Center, 360-336-3727.

Shop locally, live sustainably A guide to help you choose foods that support a sustainable lifestyle

A

cross the nation, there is growing enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture, and it’s a major theme of the Whidbey Island Farm Tour. But how do you shop for groceries in a way that supports sustainability after the tour is over?

Consumers make their purchases based on a variety of factors, including budgets, family taste buds, health or environmental philosophy and popular trends.

Terms such as “local,” “certified organic,” “organically grown” and “sustainably grown” are being increasingly used to promote food and other goods created in a more sustainable manner. So what’s the difference?

For the sake of making the most informed choices possible, here is a simpli-

Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

A worker from Five Acre Farm near Coupeville shows off some giant heads of lettuce.

CSA, from page 3

SPINNAKER TEA GARDEN

bluegoosecoupeville.com info@bluegoosecoupeville.com 360.678.4284 • 877.678.4284

Town / Ebey’s Prairie

Rural / Waterfront

penncovebeachstudio.com penncovebeachstudio@hotmail.com 360.279.8855

866.661.6604

360.929.8448

compassrosebandb.com

ANCHORAGE INN B&B A new Victorian-style B&B just steps from the historic waterfront, featuring seven wellappointed rooms with private baths. Full gourmet breakfast. anchorage-inn.com anchorag@whidbey.net 360.678.5581 • 877.230.1313

THE COUPEVILLE INN Town / Water View

Rural / Water View

for tcaseyinn.com

1890 Victorian with two lovely guestrooms with private baths.

Full, elegant breakfast amidst antiques and treasures. Tea in the afternoon. Well-behaved children welcome.

A treasure trove of nautical delights awaits you in this charming one bedroom cottage near Admiralty Inlet. Seasonal swimming pool. Children and pets welcome. stormyschalet.com info@stormyschalet.com

spinnaker tea.com 360.678.4481

360.678.5318 • 800-237-3881

FORT CASEY INN Relive the past with charm and comfort in our two large Victorian duplexes. Admiralty Inlet views. Walk to the beach and Port Townsend ferry.

STORMY’S CHALET

COMPASS ROSE B&B

PENN COVE BEACH STUDIO Enjoy beachcombing as you step from fully appointed studio with outdoor patio to private beach with sweeping views of Olympics and historic Coupeville.

Overlooking Penn Cove, this farmhouse with two bdrms is on 5 acres of open fields and gardens. Enjoy continental or full breakfast, tea & fresh baked cookies.

Rural

Step back in time as you enter either of our lovingly restored historic Victorian homes offering six luxurious B&B suites. Private baths, beautiful antiques, scrumptious breakfasts, water views, walk to town.

Rural / Water View

Town / Water Views

THE BLUE GOOSE INN B&B

Town / Waterfront

duction, it also created new momentum for the “Eat Local” movement, which is essential to the survival of small, local farms.

“The CSA model is so important because it allows the community to share the risk with the farmer,” Attwood said.

But small-scale farming is no “getrich” profession, and the work can be grueling.

Program trainee Aracely Knox has firsthand experience with the challenges of hands-on farming. As the owner of the 5.5-acre Strawberry House Farm in

Walk to Coupeville’s historic waterfront. 24 recently renovated rooms and two suites.

Extended continental breakfast.

Colburn House now available. thecoupevilleinn.com 360.678.6668

The Whidbey Island 2009 Farm Tour Guide • A special publication of The Whidbey Examiner

While visiting Whidbey Island, stay at one of our outstanding Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, Cottages or Cabins.

Page 11

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

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