February 28, 2023 Press Release

The Kristoferson family announced they will preserve their historic farm and forest on Camano Island for generations to come. Stewarded today by the fourth generation of the family, Kristoferson Farm is a certified organic farm and timber operation, and a recipient of Wildlife Farmer of the Year awarded by Washington State.

Working with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust, the family has granted conservation easements on the historic 232-acre property. The easements will insure the property will not be commercially developed, and will remain a farm and forest, subject to environmental protection in perpetuity.

“Even more than a major conservation gem, Kristoferson Farm is a beloved iconic landscape and community gathering place for Camano Island. The Whidbey Camano Land Trust is incredibly grateful for the decades of stewardship by the Kristoferson family to enhance their farm and forest, and their persistence and dedication to permanently protecting their historic property for future generations,” said Ryan Elting, Executive Director, Whidbey Camano Land Trust.

Residents and visitors to Camano Island cherish the natural beauty of Kristoferson Farm, composed of open fields, evergreen forest, and Kristoferson Lake. The family’s landmark red barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a Washington Heritage Barn, a treasured Camano Island landmark. This rural beauty of the farm is now protected for all to enjoy into the future.

“It’s exciting to know that Kristoferson Farm will be preserved with a conservation easement so that future generations will be able to enjoy the iconic farm/forest view, and that an important part of Kristoferson Creek watershed is protected,” said Barbara Brock, a local conservation activist. With over 110 years of ownership, the Kristoferson family has been and remains dedicated to preserving the wildlife habitat and farm. New businesses and activities are measured against the farm’s mission “to celebrate family, honor heritage, and respect the land.”

The farm is home to Canopy Tours Northwest and Terra Teams, the popular zipline tour and team building challenge course; farm tours, u-pick lavender, workshops, and events. Visitors are invited to learn about the natural environment from interpretive displays and staff while experiencing the forest and farm firsthand. “We have learned a lot about forest stewardship and organic farming. We try to share that information in all the activities at the farm.” said Mona Campbell, a fourth- generation family member.

Partnering with governmental agencies and environmental groups over the past 20 years, the family has undertaken several conservation projects to improve habitat for wildlife and fish passage along Kristoferson Creek, the only salmon bearing stream on Camano Island.