Coffelt Farm Preserve

To help ensure a future of local agriculture, the Conservation Land Bank purchased Coffelt Farm on Orcas Island. The 185-acres span Crow Valley, encompassing an expanse of scenic open-space, habitat resources, and productive agricultural land. In 1995, Vern and Sidney Coffelt worked with the Land Bank to place a conservation easement on their farm to limit development and protect special features of the land. The easement was an important step, but it did not ensure that future landowners would continue to farm the property. After 60 years of working the land, and with a conviction that it must be made available to future generations of farmers, the Coffelts sold the bulk of the farm to the Land Bank in 2008. 10-acres remain privately owned under the conservation easement. The terms of the easement allow for one residential dwelling and protect farm fields and views.