Matsuda Farm on Vashon Island, Washington
Our Role
In fall 2015, The Conservation Fund provided critical bridge financing to help the Land Trust acquire their first farm conservation project, the 12-acre historic Matsuda Farm. The Land Trust is committed to protecting threatened Vashon-Maury Island farmland and providing affordable access to farmland for the next generation of farmers. Their plans include the maintenance of open space for wildlife habitat and the development of trails for public access through the property. The Land Trust is currently making renovations to the farmhouse which will eventually house a farm manager. Their goal is to grow food for the Vashon School District, whose campus is just blocks away from the farm.Why This Project Matters
Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust's first-ever farmland preservation project has brought the community together around the historic Matsuda Farm and its agricultural, recreational, natural and cultural significance. By working with the Land Trust to conserve their farm, the Matsuda family honors the property's rich history while providing many new opportunities for the community of Vashon—one idea is to turn the property into a community farm. The property provides a crucial link in an island-wide public trail system, and conserves important meadow habitat near a protected community forest.The Conservation Fund is committed to preserving this legacy of American history through the Japanese-American Internment Camp Preservation Initiative at places like the Minidoka National Historic Site in Idaho and Topaz Relocation Center in Utah.
Photo by Susan White, 2014.
Learn More
Vashon-Maury Island Land TrustArticle: "Land Trust finalizes purchase of Matsuda Farm, aims to protect it"
Article: "Land trust to preserve former strawberry farm"
Video: Morning at Matsuda Farm: Saturday, July 11
Conservation Loans
