Bay Head Farm Conservation Easement

Shaw Island

Year Protected: 2004

Land Protected: 44 acres

Public Benefits: Agricultural land, historic barn, wetlands

Encompassing the largest field on Shaw Island, this easement allows for agricultural activity and limits structures to a well-defined area. The farm includes a historic barn (dated to at least the early 1880s), and was the site of the first post office in the San Juan Islands.

Second-generation owners Andy Thomas and Caryn Buck were inspired by prior owners Geb and John Nichols to protect the character of the farm through permanent conservation. Caryn remarked, “It feels good to know that we have participated in preserving such a beautiful asset for future generations of islanders.”