Composting at the 78th Street Heritage Farm.
The Heritage Farm has a rich history that dates back nearly 150 years to the 1870s, when Clark County started operating a poor farm along the south side of Northeast 78th Street, once called “poor farm road”, in Hazel Dell. The site was later used as a research and experimental farm by Washington State University Extension before the county resumed managing the property in 2008.
The March 2020 Master Plan envisions an agricultural, educational, and recreational community asset that reflects the site’s history and provides a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations.
Helpful Links
About the Heritage Farm
The 78th Street Heritage Farm consists of 79 acres adjacent to residential areas, along the south side of Northeast 78th Street just west of Northeast 25th Avenue. The site has a long history of farming and agricultural research.
Heritage Farm was placed on the Washington Historic Register in 2012 and the National Register of Historic Places and Clark County Historic Register in 2013.
Many community groups utilize the farm for projects or programs. Organizations or individuals who wish to use portions of The Heritage Farm property for an ongoing project or program, hold an event, or series of activities must receive prior approval. An application for proposals is provided here:
- (We are not accepting applications at this time.)
WSU Clark County Extension
The WSU Clark County Extension is based at the 78th Street Heritage Farm and operates several programs there, including:
- Agricultural research and education.
- Local agriculture and business development.
- Youth development, including coordination of 4-H Club activities.
- Workshops on food safety and nutrition.
- Food preservation education.
- Health and wellness education.
Heritage Farms Tours - Open for Registration!
Heritage Farm Event Calendar
Guiding Documents for Heritage Farm
Sustainability Plan
Sustainability Plan (Spanish)
Sustainability Plan (Russian)
Sustainability Plan (Ukrainian)
2020 Master Plan Update
2020 Master Plan Map
2010 Master Plan
2013 Historic Registry Application
2011 Interpretive Trail Plan
Intensive-level Documentation of Poor Farm Buildings and Cemetery
The following links provide more information about the 78th Street Heritage Farm.
Heritage Farm’s history
Read about the farm’s history, going back to 1871.
WSU Clark County Extension
The WSU Clark County Extension manages many of the programs at Heritage Farm, including 4-H and the Master Gardeners.
Friends of Heritage Farm
Visit the website of the nonprofit group that receives and manages funds, donations and endowments for the Heritage Farm.
Community Gardens
The farm has 88 garden plots available to community members, administered by the WSU Clark County Extension.
Group tours the 78th Street Heritage Farm.