Overmarsh Farm Commons

About Overmarsh

Overmarsh Farm Commons is a community land access project of San Juan Island Grange #966, made possible through a partnership with the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank. Thanks to a lease on 35 acres of the Beaverton Marsh Preserve near Friday Harbor, islanders now have a unique opportunity to grow food together on publicly owned land.

Five acres will be deer-fenced for cultivation and have access to irrigation, while the surrounding land is reserved for permanent tree cover and managed livestock grazing. This balance reflects our shared commitment to sustainable stewardship, ensuring farmland remains productive and ecologically healthy for the long term.

Using regenerative farming practices and soil-building science, Overmarsh Farm Commons works to strengthen food security, enhance biodiversity, and build climate resilience—demonstrating how public land can serve both community and environmental health.

Our first growing season in 2025 has been a great success, with over 30 participants helping establish a thriving community garden. We’re excited to welcome new growers and graziers for the 2026 season. Opportunities range from small community garden plots to larger commercial parcels and collaborative farm projects, with flexible arrangements to fit your vision.

Ready to grow with us?
Apply now through our Grower or Grazier applications, or reach out to Farm Manager Amanda Zee at overmarshfarm@gmail.com for more details.

Overmarsh Farm Layout

Click the button below to view a full size version of the Overmarsh Farm Layout

OFC poster

Request Information

If you want more information on Overmarsh, click the Request Information button below and we will get back to you.

Donate

And donations are always welcome! Click the Donate button to help us make this dream a reality.

Volunteer

And of course, we can't do this without our community, so click the Volunteer button below if you want to help.

Latest Overmarsh Farm News

Overmarsh Growth

Overmarsh Farm Commons is Growing

Posted Aug, 2025 ~ by Amanda Zee

We're having an amazing first year at Overmarsh Farm Commons! With 24 garden plots and 34 participants, all of the land we prepared last fall is now being cultivated by island growers.

Spring Fever

Spring Fever at Overmarsh

Posted May, 2025 ~ by Bill Severson

Now that we are getting some nice weather, the work parties are coming fast and furious at Overmarsh Farm Commons: tarps moved, plots laid out, grass mowed, and finally construction of the new greenhouse funded by community donations during the San Juan Island Community Foundation SJC Cares campaign at the county fair last summer.

Beautiful Beginnings

Beautiful Beginnings

Posted April, 2025 by Bruce Robinson

Two major recent events will help ensure the success of the Overmarsh Farm Commons project. The first is the signing of a 20-year lease by the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank and the Grange. The second is the selection of a Farm Manager.

BACK TO TOP

How to reach us