Sol Duc Farms will be in the berries next summer

October 4, 2018 1:30 am
Lauren Kerr with her son Nate and the family dogs stand between a couple of rows of blueberries that Kerr and others recently planted, 500 in all. The berries are the first step in what will eventually be a U-Pick berry and flower farm located near Three Rivers. Photo Christi Baron
Lauren Kerr with her son Nate and the family dogs stand between a couple of rows of blueberries that Kerr and others recently planted, 500 in all. The berries are the first step in what will eventually be a U-Pick berry and flower farm located near Three Rivers. Photo Christi Baron

Last summer, Lauren Kerr participated in the Washington Coastworks small business competition. Lauren received the Leadership Award to launch Sol Duc Farms, a u-pick blueberry and flower farm near Forks. The money received in the competition has helped fund an Elk proof fence, soil amendments, an irrigation system, and most recently the blueberry plants.

But as far as Lauren is concerned the value of the free business coaching, classes and support along the way have been invaluable.

The two-acre farm area just off Mora Road will eventually offer several kinds of berries to pick, plus a flower garden, eventually an orchard and maybe even a few camping spots.

“It has been such a positive experience,” Lauren said, “the business coaching has helped keep the project on schedule.”

“I highly recommend anyone with a small business plan to apply for this competition.”

Do you have a sustainable small business idea? A business idea that supports the local economy and contributes to the community and the sustainable use of local natural resources? Applications are being accepted right now! Go to wacoastworks.org to find out more.