There is a lot of history in the fields and buildings throughout the Greenbank area.
In the early 1900s, the Calvin Philips family began experimenting to see what it could raise on Whidbey Island.
In the 1930s, the family switched from dairy farming to berry farming.
By 1972, Greenbank Berry Farm was known as the largest loganberry farm in the United States.
The farm was purchased by Chateau Ste. Michelle, which opened a retail shop at the historic farm.
In 1995, the property was put up for sale as a 700-home development. Instead of it being sold to a developer, however, citizens groups came up with the funds to buy about 522 acres of the property for preservation.
The farm now boasts several barns housing a wine tasting room, cafe, antique store, art gallery, photo studio and cheese shop.
Of course, the area is still known for its loganberries.
The loganberry is a domesticated hybrid of the blackberry and raspberry. It has long, thornless trailing vines and large, reddish berries. To thrive, the plant requires well draining soil, full sun and ample water.
Besides loganberries, hikers are also going to learn about hedgerows.
Also known as shelterbelts or windbreaks, hedgerows are rows of trees, shrubs and other low growing plants that divide or border fields.
Benefits include creating wildlife habitat, diversifying what is farmed, reducing soil erosion, decreasing wind damage and conserving water.
The Trek: After parking in the lot for Barn 3, check out the map kiosk and set out.
Head uphill on the remnants of a dirt road, passing a community garden.
Pass a weed-covered roadway to the left, continuing toward the woods directly to the north. The way is bordered by a large, plowed field to the east and a field of wild grain to the west.
Pass a mowed path that diverts to the left. The roadway “Ts” at an opening in a deer fence. Turning and looking to the east, the blue waters of Puget Sound ripple in the sunshine.
Proceed left and make your way toward an area where the canopy has enveloped the trail, creating a tunnel.
Continuing uphill, pass a sign that simply says “Trail” and points into the woods. This is the trailhead for the Island County Woodland Loop Trail.
That hike will be featured at a later date.
Passing another intersection, burst out atop a ridge and find a bench and another map. Get your bearings before heading south.
Traipsing upon the ridgeline, panoramic views are extensive. Greenbank Farm as well as the dark ribbon of Highway 525 can be seen below.
At the next intersection, proceed left, venturing toward another kiosk. Reaching it, proceed right then left toward a large fenced area housing alpacas.
Reaching the alpaca enclosure, go left. Proceed past a you-pick patch of loganberries and return to the rig.
Distance: 1.3 miles
Destination: Loop Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Minimal
Getting there: State Route 20 through Coupeville. Continue 15 miles past town. Take Highway 525 for 3.5 miles to Wonn Road. Turn left on Wonn Road and left into Greenbank Farm.
Greenbank Farm
Vince Richardson
The canopy on the trail at Greenbank Farm creates a tunnel.
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