our story

21 Acres is a center for sustainable agriculture education and collective action. We offer a range of food and farm-based programs, workshops, events, and tours within the farm, market, and LEED platinum certified building.

 

Founded in 2006, 21 Acres is a program of the HumanLinks Foundation. Our purpose is to promote the benefits of local food systems within the context of climate challenges. We explore the relationship between our natural and built environments, and the transition from an unsustainable, fossil fuel-based lifestyle to sustainable and regenerative ways of living.

 

We innovate to solve current problems by infusing traditional concepts with new knowledge, and we value a whole systems approach to food production, small-scale food economies, environmental preservation, and climate resilience. People come to 21 Acres to unite around ideas and practices that will lead to a better future locally, regionally, and globally.

OUR MISSION

We inspire action to solve climate challenges by learning as a community to grow, eat, and live sustainably.

Through the years
  • 1999: The idea for 21 Acres emerged from the search for a new location for the Woodinville Farmers Market.
  • 2004: The 21 Acres land parcel was identified and the first community garden and youth education programs started.
  • 2005: The actual 21-acre parcel was purchased.
  • 2006: The organization and site were officially named "21 Acres" and a committee was formed to oversee development of an eco-conscious building.
  • 2007: Plans were drawn up for the Center considering water conservation, healthy working space, renewable energy, sustainable materials, and more.
  • 2008: Due to a high water table considerations for on-site water treatment and a geo-pier foundation were included in the design.
  • June 2009: The official groundbreaking for the 21 Acres Center took place.
  • 2011: The first two fields received Organic Certification status, with additional acreage in organic transition.
  • 2012: The Farm Market opened.
  • October 2013: All production acreage achieved 100% Organic Certification.
  • November 2013: The 21 Acres Center achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification from the U.S Green Building Council.
  • Today: We continue to learn and discover more about sustainable growing, eating, and living.