The Clarks started considering a small farm when both of their children left for college. To quote the kids "we were a bit worried about what they would do once we were gone". The Clarks attended a family camp for many years and one special session stuck with Kathleen - it was about saving and building our soil for future generations. That began the discussion and before long they signed up for a sustainable farming class taught by WSU extension and the Mason Conservation District. During that class the following goals were established.
Eighteen months after finishing the class, they bought this farm in October 2009.
- Grow our own food
- Preserve the soil as a natural resource
- Serve our community to improve the quality of life for all
- Use our complementary talents to create a sustainable farm business together
- Earn enough from the farm to supplement our retirement
- Remain flexible enough to take time off to play
Eighteen months after finishing the class, they bought this farm in October 2009.
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Farmer Kathleen is a Local--grew up in Tumwater where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She graduated from WSU in dietetics and went on to get a Master's in clinical nutrition. Her passion is cooking delicious, nutritious food. She is in charge of the laying hens, growing herbs, and harvesting.
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Farmer Mark also attended Tumwater High School, 1974 grad and graduated from WSU - Go Cougs - in 1978 with a BS in Agriculture Engineering. Mark's Grandparents had a large vegetable garden on the current site of the Mason's building on North Street. Mark is the Executive Director at the Washington State Conservation Commission.
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