In Special Recognition: Dave Hedlin

Dave Hedlin retires after 37 years as founding board member and of Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland

It’s hard to put into words the impact Dave Hedlin and Serena Campbell, both, have had on Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (SPF) and on the future of farming in Skagit County.  Without the two of them, and the other farming families that started SPF  in 1989, Skagit County would be a different place.  Instead of 15,000 acres of land under conservation easement, we’d have that 200-acre theme park that was proposed back in the 80’s, and a lot more pavement all over the valley.  Many counties to our south have lost their agricultural lands almost entirely.  The Skagit is different because people like Dave spoke up with their voice and their time and their dollars, to save farmland.  The continuation of farming has had far-reaching implications for our quality of life, the presence of wildlife, and the beauty and abundance that farming brings to our community.  This benefit has extended to our neighbors who come from urban communities like Vancouver and Seattle, who find rest and rejuvenation in our peaceful, working landscape.  Dave has exemplified one of our most important values: convening and collaborating, especially with folks who may not share the same opinion.  That kind of genuine outreach is getting rarer by the second, and it’s a model we can all learn from.  As Dave Hedlin says, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”  We are forever grateful for his 37 years of service on our board.

Agritourism

We are pleased with the decision by the Board of County Commissioners to enact an emergency moratorium and interim ordinance for Agritourism, signaling an opportunity to consider and incorporate the nearly 1000 public comments received by the County last summer, including the work and public comments submitted by the SPF sponsored multi-stakeholder agritourism workgroup.

The multi-stakeholder agritourism work group came together five hours a week for four weeks to develop a suite of win/win options for the County to consider as part of the public process last year.

The action of the Board of County Commissioners signals this work will now be considered as part of the County’s process moving forward.

We are looking forward to working with Skagit County and all the stakeholders in the new process.

The Role of Small Scale Farms in Skagit Agriculture

Skagit County’s agricultural economy is a mix of small and large farms. Many small-scale farmers are producing food, flowers and fiber on land that is too small for the larger tractors and equipment. Small farms keep some of our most at-risk farmland from converting to non-agricultural uses. Small farms create the on-farm experiences that is not possible or safe on larger farming operations-with sales of fresh produce, pumpkin patches and corn mazes.

Join us as we explore the role Skagit’s small farms play in maintaining a vibrant agricultural economy.

The Role of Large Scale Farms in Skagit Agriculture

Farming plays a central role in Skagit County life, and large-scale agriculture drives the economic engine that makes it go.

The demand from big farms supports the critical infrastructure necessary to maintain a viable agricultural economy and community here that all farmers (and rural living enthusiasts) benefit from.

Join us as we explore the role Skagit’s large farms play in maintaining a vibrant agricultural economy.

Cows & Community: Harmony Dairy

For the love of animals, people and this community. Follow the link and learn all about Jason and Eric Vander Kooy of Harmony Dairy and their commitment to their farm and their neighbors

Farmland Forever - The Pierson Family Story

In 1989 the threat of an amusement park replacing a family legacy spurred David Pierson into action... and was the beginning of Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland.

Thirty-two years later 285.7 acres and 7 development rights have been placed in the Skagit County Farmland Legacy Program.

Pura Nelida Farm: Success, Acre by Acre

Pura Nelida Organic Produce is a success story and triumph for Nelida Martinez. Her journey began with a bumper crop of tomatoes from her garden and slow but steady expansion with the help of Viva Farms.

Learn more about Nelida’s ambitions and passion for the farm!