A community celebration of the preservation of Petersen Farm and dedication of a donor plaque will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, 9-11 a.m. at the farm, 12450 Petersen Lane NW, in Silverdale. Guests will enjoy refreshments and a farm tour. All are welcome to attend.

Silverdale’s historic Petersen Farm will remain a working farm forever. That’s the intent of the land use restrictions placed on the farm in November 2014. This permanent agricultural conservation easement covers 115 acres of the historic 167 acre farm.

The conservation easement was made possible by generous community donations and support, public funds from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, significant contributions by longtime friends of the Petersen Farm, Scott and Peggy Hall, the leadership of Great Peninsula Conservancy and the determination of the Petersen Estate to keep the land a working farm.

For three years, from 2010-2012, the community came out in droves for an annual Petersen Farm Fall Fair. Young and old alike enjoyed hay rides, games, a farmers market, and a peek at the historic Petersen Farm.

Public enthusiasm for saving the farm and their generous donations enabled Great Peninsula Conservancy to purchase the agricultural conservation easement that will protect the farm forever.

In August, the father-son team of Dave and Jeff Berry, operating as D J Cattle & Land LP, purchased the farm. The buyers are experienced ranchers and part of a local family business with long ties to Kitsap County. Before too long, the community can look forward to seeing cattle on the land once again.

Speakers at the celbration will include: Dorothy Lind of the Petersen family, Roylene Rides at the Door, State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Brian Stahl of Kitsap Conservation District, Port of Silverdale Commissioner Lawrence Greaves, and Kitsap County Commissioner Charlotte Garrido.