The Vetter Farm has been part of the local agricultural landscape since the 1890s. Once a family homestead, the property was generously donated to Washington State University (WSU) in 2020 and is now jointly managed by the Stevens County Conservation District (SCCD) and WSU Extension.
Together, SCCD and WSU have revitalized the 158-acre property into a working demonstration site that mirrors a typical Stevens County farm while also serving as a hub for research, education, and innovation. About 120 acres are managed in partnership to support soil health trials, agroforestry demonstrations, and a reservoir for livestock, all designed to promote resilience amid shifting precipitation patterns.
The mission of Vetter Farm is simple yet powerful: to provide the local agricultural community with a space for networking, sharing ideas, and testing new approaches that strengthen the region’s working lands. Through partnerships with NRCS, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local producers, the farm hosts hands-on field days and collaborative learning events that bring science and practice together.
The Vetter Farm stands as a testament to the value of partnership, where local knowledge, research, and conservation align to ensure Stevens County agriculture continues to thrive for generations to come.
With support from the Riparian Plant Propagation Program, large-scale native plant production is underway through a partnership with Puget Sound Plants, enabling the cultivation and statewide distribution of more than 30,000 riparian plants. This high-volume nursery system strengthens Washington’s restoration supply chain and ensures consistent access to locally grown native material.
Grays Harbor Conservation District maintains tens of thousands of native plants annually at a partner-operated holding site, using gravel beds and nursery infrastructure to support healthy plant growth and regional riparian restoration. Through project support and community distribution, the district helps meet evolving restoration needs across the region.
Snohomish Conservation District is expanding its riparian plant capacity while preparing for a new office and greenhouse facility. Through partnerships with Snohomish County, Edmonds College, and the Latino Educational Training Institute, the district maintains thousands of native plants and supports hands-on workforce development for local restoration efforts.
