Petersen Farm Conservation Easement

Petersen Farm Conservation Easement

The green fields of the historic Petersen Farm in Clear Creek Valley have long been a cherished piece of Kitsap County’s agricultural heritage, and part of the scenic beauty of this region.

Gerald Petersen bought the farm in 1948 with his wife Dorothy, and operated a dairy and beef cattle farm there until his passing in 2009. With a passion for preserving the farm’s legacy, he included instructions in his will that the land remain a working farm. His niece, Dorothy Lind, worked closely with Great Peninsula Conservancy to fulfill her uncle’s wish by placing a conservation easement on the farm’s core acreage before selling it to a local family. The conservation easement prevents future development of the land, and protects the farm’s soil and water.

Recognizing the importance of preserving open space and local foods in our community, a range of organizations stepped forward to help save the farm, including garden clubs, service clubs, foundations, and individuals. Many community partners joined GPC in hosting the fall fairs that drew as many as 1,000 people to Petersen Farm each year for hay rides, games, and farmers markets. The event became an important part of the fundraising campaign to save Petersen Farm.

Today a new family owns the lush valley of the old Petersen Farm, and Great Peninsula Conservancy monitors the farm’s operations to ensure the community’s vision of keeping this land a working farm is not forgotten.

Project Partners

Bremerton Rotary Foundation
Davis Family Farm
Estate of Gerald Petersen
Kitsap Community & Agricultural Alliance
Kitsap Community Food Coop
Kitsap Conservation District
Kitsap Credit Union
Pheasant Fields Farm
Petersen Farm Campaign Donors
Port of Silverdale
Reid Property Management
Trifam Foundation
William and Bernice Mahan Charitable Trust