Whidbey Island, WA, saved in 2010
Camelot Downs, a 15-acre farm in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island is PCC Farmland Trust’s first donated conservation easement.
Gary and Lois Fisher donated their conservation easement to PCC Farmland Trust in December of 2010, providing an example of another way to save local organic farmland forever.
Heritage breeds are traditional livestock raised by farmers before the drastic reduction of breed variety caused by the rise of industrial agriculture. Within the past 15 years, 190 breeds of farm animals have gone extinct worldwide, and there are currently 1,500 others at risk of becoming extinct. In the past five years alone, 60 breeds of cattle, goats, pigs, horses and poultry have become extinct.
Gary Fisher, a livestock advisor at WSU for 15 years, specializes in raising “Colonial breeds”–heritage breed animals traditionally bred in the UK prior to industrialization. Colonial breeds have historical significance, strong genetic traits, and tend to be very hardy. The Fishers have dedicated their farm and their second careers to cultivating and teaching about these animals through 4H, farm tours, and community involvement. The Fishers educate the public about sustainable pasture management, holistic livestock health, and good stewardship.
“We want to create a cradle of sustainable innovation and invention on this farm.” –Gary Fisher
The Fishers are happy to arrange personal or group tours by request. Please call Gary at (360) 678-4868 for more information.
