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
- Master plan, April 2010 (PDF)
- Master plan map (PDF)
- Interpretive Trail Plan, August 2011 (PDF)
- Intensive-level Documentation of Poor Farm Buildings and Cemetery (PDF)
Clark County Parks took over administration of the farm in May 2016.
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! - June 10, June 13, June 22, June 27, July 8, July 12, July 19, July 24, August 1, August 11, August 19, and August 28.
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:
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.
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 Heritage Farm provides 20-by-20-foot rental garden plots.
Program Results
Learn how the Heritage Farm is producing results for our community.
Clark County Food Bank Garden for the Community
Read about how the Clark County Food Bank and other groups grow food for hungry families.
Volunteer Events
Interested in volunteering? Find out what you need to know.
4-H Restorative Community Service Food Bank Garden
The Heritage Farm is helping at-risk youth.
Master Gardener Foundation Organic Fields
The only state-certified organic fields in Washington is located at the 78th Street Heritage Farm.
Roots to Road
The Heritage Farm provides small-scale farm training to people in Partners in Careers programs.
Contacts
A listing of different groups associated with the Heritage Farm, as well as how to contact Clark County Parks.
CVTV video
To learn more about the 78th Street Heritage Farm, watch this March 2011 video:
[video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGI3JR78cWo]
Group tours the 78th Street Heritage Farm.