Off a quaint road on Bainbridge Island, Coyote Farm Homestead is doing more than growing crops. It’s becoming a gathering place where sustainable agriculture, creative expression, and community life intersect.
Owned and run by Julie Rosenblatt, Mira Rosenkotz, and David Kotz, the land has been in their family since 1962. What was once a run-down strawberry farm has transformed over the decades, with its most-recent focus being on adapting to climate change and fostering local engagement.
Recently, the farm has been experimenting with more heat-tolerant crops as BI grows drier with every passing year. A new orchard with figs, persimmons, olives and soon, almonds has taken form. Rosenblatt inferred, “We are like the new California,” and that warrants some adaptation on our part.
To reduce its environmental impact, the farm has installed a 2,500-gallon tank to collect rainwater. Utilizing that resource will lower energy consumption and, in turn, greenhouse gas emissions. It’s one piece of a broader effort to move toward more self-sufficient, low-impact farming practices.
But CFH isn’t just about agriculture. It also serves as a community space where Bainbridge residents can learn, create and connect with nature.
This spring, the farm hosted a foraging hike through the nearby Grand Forest, introducing participants to edible native plants. Fall brings the popular pick-your-own pumpkin days and the Apple Cider Pressing, where all are welcome to harvest apples and press their own juice.
The farm has also collaborated with local artists. This July, Jennifer Dorothy led a watercolor workshop series on the farm, encouraging participants to take inspiration from the bountiful garden surrounding them. In April, a woodworking event invited visitors to make their own Lazy Susans—combining craft, utility and fun.
Live music events add to the farm’s calendar. On Father’s Day, the land welcomed Ferguson & Co., comprised of professional musician Kristen Ferguson and her father, National Flat Pick champion Roger.
Nova Sheppard is a Bainbridge High School student writing for The Review while she’s on summer break.
