The flora, fauna and refreshing, clean waters are what make the Olympic Peninsula such a special place. Every day, each of us are nourished by the beauty and bounty of our surroundings. From the food on our plates to the time spent outside enjoying the forests, nature gives us so much.
So, how can each of us support the lands, waters, plants, and animals we love?
One impactful way is choosing to buy local produce and goods from people who care deeply for the well-being of nature.
At the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market, many of our vendors use organic and sustainable practices to grow their produce and make their goods.
Stone Tree Farms is one of those vendors. Situated on a mix of forest and farmed-lands, owners Sam and Jude Konovalov use a variety of regenerative farming methods — such as planting cover crops, utilizing homemade compost teas, and crop rotating — to organically grow flowers, medicinal herbs and heirloom fruits and vegetables.
These time-intensive practices naturally support the health of the soil while also creating a biodiversity-rich landscape where local animals and native pollinators can thrive all year long.
Their deep care for the land is also reflected in the unique crops they’re able to grow.
“I was told you can’t grow melons in Sequim by every farmer in the area,” says Sam Konovalov. “Last year we tried a few different varieties and they all grew — some were over twenty pounds!”
In addition to flowers, fruits, and vegetables, you can also find fresh eggs for sale at their booth.
“We feed the hens organic, fermented grain with botanicals so we never have to give them antibiotics,” Konovalov says. “They’re really happy and have access to forage the whole farm.”
Another vendor whose care for nature can be seen in the quality of their products is Goodness Tea. Made in small batches with locally-grown and wild-foraged seasonal ingredients, their line of “Salish Seltzers” are really something special.
“The thing that’s so exciting about these seltzers is that we’re using our local water,” Goodness Tea owner Shaelee Evans says. “Our farm is right near the Dungeness River and we’re one of the first places it reaches after it comes down the mountain. And that freezing cold, fresh water feeds the well that supplies these brews.”
Anyone who stops by Shaelee’s booth for a tasting and a chat can see how passionate she is about working with native, medicinal plants and the importance of caring for our local watershed.
“I think we all should celebrate our water and lift up how good it is because it’s a gift of the Olympic Peninsula,” Evans says. “I really appreciate the things that our local community is doing to be aware, work together, and take care of our water.”
These are just two of the many vendors who are working to provide locally-grown food and handmade goods in a way that supports the lands, waters and wildlife we all love.
So next time you shop at The Market, you can feel good about the impact you’re having on the world around you.
Layla Forêt is marketing manager for the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market.
Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market
Open: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 29
Location: Sequim Civic Center Plaza and Centennial Place, downtown Sequim
More info: director@sequimmarket.com, 360-582-6218
On the web: sequimmarket.com
