For Sale: 180-Acres in Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley

Description

Structured as a blend of food production and education, this well-loved property has been an organic farm and community and permaculture education site since 1998. The current owners, Maud and Tom Powell, are seeking individuals who are passionate about permaculture, education, and farming and are willing to offer an exclusive owner carry option to the right land stewards.

Longtime permaculture educator, author, and visionary Tomi Hazel has been living on the  property in Little Wolf Gulch for twenty-two years and is willing to stay on and continue teaching their popular permaculture courses. Learn more about their work here.

Learn more at siskiyoupermaculture.org and contact Maud Powell for more information:
maudpowell72@gmail.com

Owner’s Short Term Vision for the Property

farming or other land-based businesses, permaculture or other retreats and events

Owner’s Long Term Vision for the Property

farming or other land-based businesses, permaculture or other retreats and events

Current Use

organic seed farm and permaculture education center

Available Water / Irrigation

Two domestic wells
Gravity fed irrigation supplied by three lined holding ponds is set up to irrigate two acres
Water rights to Wolf Gulch, an intermittent stream
4-inch intake pipe from creek that feeds ponds

Buildings and Structures Available for Farm Use

STRUCTURES

Eleven structures, including the main straw bale dwelling comprising three individual family units, two yurts, shed, barn, sauna, cob building, storage building, Hazel’s cabin, a 30’ x 68’ high tunnel, a pole barn, and three 20’x30’ greenhouses
All dwellings (two yurts, Hazels’ cabin, and three units within the straw bale) use woodstove heat
The main dwelling, which has three kitchens, three bathrooms, and a total of six bedrooms, is a heavily insulated custom strawbale construction that provides excellent climate control year round with no air conditioning. Heated as needed by wood stoves in winter
3,000 square-foot metal barn on a concrete pad with a kitchen and office space

Any Restrictions That Could Limit Agricultural Production

In 2017, following several years of drought in Southern Oregon, the seasonal stream stopped flowing, leading us to rely on water storage from the three ponds. After several challenging years, it became clear that there is not enough irrigation water on the property for them to continue farming commercially. It is, however, possible to grow 1-2 acres of irrigated crops, as well as non-irrigated crops (there is a burgeoning market for non-irrigated restoration seed crops). We have successfully grown several crops for the Understory Initiative and the fruit and nut trees and table grapes are well-established enough to require no irrigation.

What are you doing as a landholder to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on your land and in your community?

We are active participants in a diverse and vibrant community. We have welcomed many people and groups to visit and stay at Wolf Gulch Farm over the years, through permaculture classes, Rogue Farm Corps, and more. We will be living just 11 miles away in Ruch and will be available to acclimate new residents.