Our new commercial kitchen is open!

We first want to thank you for your generous support of this vital community improvement project. Then, we want you to make a reservation to use the facilities...

Reserve the Kitchen

What’s Happening with the Grange

locally sourced chicken feed - chickens

Locally Sourced Chicken Feed

Posted Jan 5, 2023 ~ by Bruce Robinson

We ask a lot of our chickens. The ancestor of the modern chicken, the Red Jungle Fowl, lays from 10 to 14 eggs a year —enough to continue the species; a good modern layer hen can produce 300 or more eggs a year; and a slow-growing broiler can grow to 4 or 5 pounds in 3 months. Nutrient needs for this kind of production are high. It is possible, though, with a community effort to produce a poultry feed ration sufficiently nutrient dense to support our local needs. Chicken are the quintessential omnivores. There are a few things they won’t or shouldn’t eat. Generally, they will eat just about anything and everything. Our responsibility is to make sure they have an optimal amount of protein and essential nutrients. We could meet this demand by working cooperatively... click button below for full story in the January Newsletter.

solar power storage

Solar Power and Batteries

Posted Jan 5, 2023 ~ by Bill Severson

Boy, I sure could have used storage batteries to keep critical stuff powered during the recent countywide, 12-hour power outage! I had put off purchasing them, waiting for the battery technology to mature, but maybe now is the time. The Washington State Department of Commerce will soon solicit proposals for grants through a new program called Solar Plus Storage for Resilient Communities, which will fund solar and battery back-up power for community buildings that provide essential services when the power goes out. Grants will support planning for and installation of solar plus storage systems at community buildings, including schools, community centers, libraries, owned by local, state, and tribal governments and non-profits in Washington State. The San Juan Island Grange might like to apply!

Saturdays at Brickworks!

Come see us at the San Juan Island Farmers Market. We have fruit and vegetables, fruit trees, vegetable starts, flowers, handmade items, books and biochar, all grown or made by San Juan Island Grange members. Our booth is a cooperative effort by Grangers, staffed by Grangers, so is a good place to meet us and see what we are all about. You can even fill out an application to join us. And then you too can sell at our booth! The market is open every Saturday from 9:30AM to 1:00PM.

The Grange is Going to Seed

Posted Dec, 2022 ~ by Nancy Best

A Seed Bank, Seed Library, and Seed Exchange—there is lots of seed-related action in the works for the Grange!

A Seed Bank of non-hybrid seeds, enough for gardens for 50 families should the need arise, is already in place. Seeds vary by variety in their viability. Every year there will be seeds reaching the last year of their maximum viability, for which new seeds will be bought and the older seeds made available for exchange.

Apple Press Success!

Posted Nov, 2022 ~ by Bruce Robinson

The Grange’s newly acquired fruit crusher and cider press have had a successful inauguration with a series of pressings this fall. On September 24, Sweet Earth Farm hosted over 50 people at a pressing party and Grange new-member welcoming ceremony. This was followed by a series ofpressings at Grange Hall, where people could bring in apples and take home cider.

Our Mission

To support a resilient community of growers, makers, and keepers, to foster social and political engagement, and to maintain our Hall as a home for celebrations and programs.

We are a grass-roots, non-partisan advocacy group, and because we are a non-profit (501c8), we can accept donations and participate in crafting legislation at all levels.

Our Grange

San Juan Island Grange #966 is for rural citizens with both legislative programs and community activities such as talent and craft contests, scholarships, and much more. You don’t have to be a farmer to belong, though many are. Our elected officers volunteer and our ‘work’ occurs through various committees, but the heart of our mission is community well-being, and we enjoy gathering to celebrate this.

The complete list of our 2022 Officers of the San Juan Island Grange #966 is here.

Our bylaws and resolutions are here.

Our History

The Grange started after the Civil War to begin healing and overcome the sense of isolation that many farmers were feeling as well as help them respond to new national markets. Grange Halls across the country housed mutual assistance programs, and many agricultural cooperatives were started by Granges to improve the economic lot of the family farm. Today each local Grange chooses its own mission and program, and Granges come together at the state and national levels for joint efforts.

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