Vancouver Food Network

In 1990, when Nelson and Anne Lawrence purchased their farm, their children were only one, six, and ten. They started a family tradition of gathering under an enormous fir tree on their property, to tell stories. The tree became known as the Story Tree.

Anne Lawrence said when they decided to start their CSA farm, Storytree Farm was the natural name. Nelson Lawrence has gardened his entire life, even as a youngster. This is their fourth season as a C.S.A. with their share offerings growing from four during the first year, to thirty shares to be offered in the 2009 season. Since many members purchase half-shares, the total number of member families is around 45.

Produce is picked fresh every morning; biodegradable bags purchased from Trellis Earth in Portland are used when produce needs to be bagged. Herbs and recipes are included in the shares as appropriate for that week and help members learn new ways to use the produce and interesting ways to use less familiar produce. Eggs are offered as available from free-range chickens which share a three-quarter acre enclosure with pet goats.

Storytree Farm uses no herbicides or pesticides and starts their own seeds in a greenhouse. They grow heirloom tomatoes and use heritage varieties and only organic seeds when available. They recycle everything on their farm; tree branches are shredded and become pathways; the goats and chickens recycle vegetable scraps. Weeds, leaves, grass clippings, and animal manure are composted.

The farm offers an annual public tour, as well as participating in county-wide tours. Storytree Farm also offers classes at the farm. Check Storytree Farm’s web site for current events and tours.

Contact Information

Storytree Farm

Nelson and Anne Lawrence
(360) 576-7139

For Further Information

• Storytree Farm

• Storytree Farm at Local Harvest

• Maps from Google Yahoo Mapquest