The Orcas Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Farm Tour on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free to see Black Dog Farm, Maple Rock Farm, Coffelt Farm and West Beach Farm. The Sounder profiled Coffelt Farm on Sept. 10.

Maple Rock Farm

Maple Rock Farm was founded in the year 2000 by John Steward on the old Pinneo homestead near West Sound. The farm quickly outgrew the original site and began farming on small satellite farms in different locations around the island.

Maple Rock operates mainly as a “Community Supported Agriculture” farm. Members pre-pay for farm goods on a scheduled basis.

Steward’s business and farming partner Jared Blackinton combined forces with Geddes Martin of Ship Bay to start the pizzeria “Hogstone’s Wood Oven.” They also offer a side menu of dishes inspired by what is growing in the fields as well as the bounty of foraged edibles on Orcas.

West Beach Farm

West Beach Farm is the new kid on the block of Orcas farms.

It was originally the Englehartson farm and was in their family for two generations. Four years ago, the Thompson family purchased the 20-acre farm and began to renovate the land. The farm was familiar to the Thompsons as it was next door to their current home.

“We always thought it was such a beautiful property,” said Hailey Thompson Averna, currently living in the updated farm house with her husband Nate Averna and their nine-month-old son Giovanni.

They currently have four cows, two milking goats, 17 sheep, three pigs, chickens, turkeys, dogs and cats. A large garden surrounds the farm house where pasture had been for nearly a century.

Friends and family who come to visit have learned they are expected to lend a hand. Usually they are rewarded with a meal of farm-raised meats and produce.