Fundraiser garnered more than $70,000 for future projects

More than 400 Land Trust supporters from ages 2 months to 92 years gathered under a big white tent on the freshly hayed fields of Matsuda Farm Saturday to celebrate the conservation of the historic site.

Two head tables were filled with three generations of the Mastuda family, including matriarchs Miyoko Matsuda and Mary Matsuda Gruenewald. Children ranged in the fields and forest as adults enjoyed food and music and honored the rich history of the Farm, which Heisuke Matsuda founded in 1930.

Board President Mary Frances Lyons provided an original rap song for the event, recounting the entire history of the Island in twelve verses — aptly performed by host Kevin Joyce.

“It was clear that everyone was having a blast,” said Lyons, “and we are certainly honored by the incredible and generous outpouring of support.”

Executive Director Tom Dean laid out a vision to develop and run Matsuda Farm as a benefit to the community, supporting food security and growing for island kids and elders at the Vashon Island School District and Vashon Community Care. State Sen. Sharon Nelson was celebrated for her support of conservation on Vashon; The Land Trust is currently rehabilitating the original Matsuda farmhouse with a grant of $150,000 from the state, which Nelson secured.

Attendees stepped forward with donations totaling more than $70,000, Dean said, and then dug into 50 pies baked by volunteers.

Proceeds from the event will go toward developing irrigation and fencing for the farm, for an extension to the Shinglemill Trail and for restoration of 700 feet of salmon habitat on a newly protected six-acre parcel on Judd Creek.