Situated just east of Port Angeles, the Skerbeck Farm sits on the bluff above the Olympic Discovery Trail overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The farm has been in the care of the Skerbeck family since 1955, when Dr. Frank and Dorothy Skerbeck purchased it. The couple raised their 15 children there, instilling a deep respect for the land in them.
In late 2014, the 20-acre Skerbeck Farm was permanently protected through a conservation easement donated to North Olympic Land Trust by landowners, Pat and Conard Metcalf. Pat is one of the Skerbeck children brought up there. Today, Pat coordinates maintenance of the farm which includes a robust garden with a beautiful assortment of rhododendrons (our Washington state flower).
The Metcalfs’ interest in land conservation was sparked by Pat’s sister Bobbie, who had honored their parents’ legacy by permanently protecting her land near the Elwha River with North Olympic Land Trust in 2011.
When the opportunity to protect neighboring areas presented itself, Pat and Conard were eager to expand their own conservation legacy. Last October, they acquired over 4-acres of forested land connected to their property with the intention of ensuring its protection. The 4-acre forest land includes abundant western red cedar and big leaf maple that is over 50-years-old. On July 18th, North Olympic Land Trust finalized a legal agreement with the Metcalfs to add that 4 -acres to their existing conservation easement.
Today and for generations to come, the conservation of the Skerbeck Farm safeguards quality agricultural land and forest habitat, enhances a protective buffer between the rapidly expanding development along Highway 101 and the ecologically sensitive Strait-front bluffs, and protects the natural character and wildlife corridor offered by the Olympic Discovery Trail.