Ayeko Farm was founded in 2018 by Victor Anagli and Deepa Iyer to create space for BIPOC communities to reconnect with the land and their culture through food and farming. While the farm engages in traditional agricultural activities like raising goats and planting crops, they also dedicate significant time to holding cultural events and healing retreats on the property.
“We’re working to heal the land. Much of the past has been taking, and we’re excited to see so many people out here to help with healing.” – Deepa Iyer, Ayeko Farm
This commitment to community and renewal is reflected in the conservation work being undertaken on the property. Instead of just focusing on what they can extract from the land, they also look for what they can build. Since taking over, they have planted native trees and pollinator-friendly shrubs. With KCD’s help, they are also building a 3.5-acre riparian vegetation buffer along a half mile stretch of Newaukum Creek that flows through the property.
This will provide critical wildlife habitat, filter water, and improve conditions for the Chinook, coho, sockeye, and chum salmon that call the creek home. The project is made possible by the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) that compensates farmers for voluntarily planting native vegetation along salmon-bearing streams, rather than crops. Through CREP and a volunteer planting day, over 5,000 native trees and shrubs have been put in along the creek.
Program Coordinator, Urban Riparian Habitat Stewardship
425-773-8017
Ashley joined KCD in December 2017 with a background in stream restoration and environmental education. Native to Washington, Ashley grew up in Kent and later moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in marine ecology. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, and caring for her pets.