Welcome to  Mains Farm’s web site. It is dedicated to providing information on things about Mains Farm for you – our current and/or future homeowners.  There is information regarding our history, our location, utilities (including helpful information regarding use and care of septic systems), local attractions,  coming events, and photos of the community and community events.  You can also read our quarterly newsletters,  minutes from our Board meetings, our Assocation’s Covenants and Bylaws.  We want to make this useful for you so let us know what we can do better.   Feel free to contact any member of the Board and provide feedback to us on this site.

Sequim Area History

Once upon a time, the entire Dungeness Valley around Sequim had heavy forests that extended from the foothills to the Straits of Juan De Fuca.  The area east of Sequim was originally called Quimper’s Bay in 1790.   The area near Sequim was named New Dungeness in 1792 when Captain Vancouver came through.

Even though Captain Vancouver came through in 1792,  white people did not reach this area to settle until about 1850.  When the first settlers came here, they cut down many trees,  floated the logs down the river,  and cleared the land for farming.  The soil was excellent for growing and the farms were successful.  Since there was very little rainfall,  they built irrigation ditches to provide water from the Dungeness River for the pastures,  crops,  and animals.  With the irrigation water,  this area became one of the top dairying spots in the country.

Mains Farm History

Mains Farm was one of the dairy farms located in the Sequim area until the 1970′s.  At that time,  it was subdivided into 199 lots and became Mains Farm Property Owners Association (MFPOA).    Currently, there are 157 houses here with room for another 25-30 houses to be built.  The development of this community occurred over time so we have three different plats with two different sets of covenants.  However, most of the covenants are similar for all three plats. 

In a property owners association,  the owners of property participate in how the community functions.  Whenever issues are voted on,  there is one vote for each lot.   If you own five lots, you get five votes.  Each owner has a share of the Association and is called an Association member.   The purpose of  MFPOA is to promote and maintain Mains Farm for the welfare of all the property owners.  We strive to keep this a pleasant, healthy, and safe place to reside.  The covenants and bylaws  are used as guidelines for maintaining this quality in the community.  Any changes must be approved by the Association members as do any major projects.   The Association members also elect  the Board of Directors.  There are nine Board members and they must be property owners.  At least half of the Board positions are up for election every year during our Annual Meeting in June.   The Board is elected to manage the affairs of the community and to oversee the Bylaws and Covenants. 

Mains Farm

The houses and yards are well maintained and attractive and this makes for a nice community.  Each house is on a lot that is at least 1/3 acre in size so there is space between neighbors.  There are still some of the old growth trees in the area which gives it a rural appearance.  We have no street lights in the community so star gazing when the skies are clear is awesome. 

We have a green belt that is used for picnics and other outdoor activities and we have a water front lot that over looks the Strait of Juan De Fuca.  There is a bench on the water front lot so you can sit and enjoy the views.   Victoria, British Columbia is just to the north across the Straits as are the San Juan Islands.  They can easily be seen.  Many boats go through the Straits – cruise ships, cargo ships, aircraft carriers, canoes, submarines to name a few.  The Dungeness Spit is not far from shore and the Light House, with Mt. Baker in the background, can easily be seen as well.

Water Front Lot and Bench Overlooking Straits of Juan De Fuca

Location

Mains Farm is located approximately 8 miles NNW of Sequim.  We are west of Cays Road and near the north end of Cays (see the map).    There are only two roads that enter Mains Farm – Nelson and Anderson.   When heading north on Cays, you turn left on to either Nelson or Anderson Road. 

Map of Mains Farm

 

Wildlife

There are several dozen deer that call Mains Farm home.  They are  cute and not at all shy around people or friendly pets.  They quite often wear out their welcome by eating plants that you would rather not have  them eat.  Trying to grow a garden is a real challenge as they love to sample everything you plant. You will see them in your yard almost on a daily basis.  We have also  seen raccoons, coyotes, pheasants, and small beasties such as squirrels, moles, etc. in the farm.

One of the resident deer pausing while going through a neighbor's yard.

Water Systems

Irrigation Water:  Mains Farm still uses the water from the same irrigation ditch that was utilized while it was a dairy farm. The ditch was recently enclosed in a pipe to reduce water loss,  but  the  water from the Dungeness River is still used to water the  lawns and gardens in Mains Farm.  The irrigation water is available from April 15th until September 15th.  There are scheduled watering days so that we do not over load our system or the ditch.  Those homes to the north of Mains Road are to water only on the ODD numbered days of the month.  Those homes to the south of Mains Road are to water only on the even numbered days.

Mains Farm Water Storage and Pump House

Potable (drinking) water:  Mains Farm also has its own water system.  This system was well built in the early days of the community and continues to be in excellent condition.  We have hired a water manager to maintain the water system and he makes sure it remains in excellent consition.   The water rates are reasonable and the water is very good.   The potable (drinking) water is not to be used for watering lawns or the gardens as we do not have enough capacity for everyone to do this.  All the water faucets outside should be labeled with tags – Red for IRR (Irrigation water) or Green for POT (drinking water).  If you do not have tags on your faucets, contact the water director so he/she can get the tags for you.

Septic Systems

There are no sewer lines in Mains Farm so each home has its own septic system.  Below are a few of the things you should and should not do to keep your septic system operating well.

• DO divert rainwater away from your drain field.
• DO check faucets and toilets for leaks and repair as needed.
• DO wait until your dishwasher is full before running it.
• DO keep trees away from your septic system.  Keep trees at least 100 feet from the system to help prevent root damage.  Willows should be even farther away.
• DO plant grass on top of the drain field to prevent soil erosion.
• DO perform regular maintenance.  The septic tank should be pumped every 5 years or so depending on usage.
• DO learn the location of your septic tank and drain field.
• DO install risers from the central manhole and inspection ports  up to the soil surface for use in the periodic inspections.
• DON’T overload the septic tank and drain field.  A soggy drain field will not absorb and neutralize liquid waste.
• DON’T flush cat litter, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, coffee grounds, cigarette butts or filters, or any unused drugs.
• DON’T use very much heavy household cleaners as they kill beneficial bacteria in your septic tank.  When that happens, solids will not break down as well.
• DON’T put grease down  your drain as it will clog your drain field.
• DON’T drive over your drain field or build a structure on top of it or cover with concrete or asphalt.
• DON’T use an excessive amount of water as your system can be over loaded.
• DON’T put hazardous chemicals such as varnish, paint thinner, motor oil, gasoline in your septic tank.  They are hazardous to your system and yo the ground water.
• DON’T use septic tank additives or rejuvenators as they can actually cause damage to your system.

Classes are held on spetic systems periodically.  The class is alled :  Septics 101.  The classes are suually held at the Dungeness River Audubon Center at the Railroad Trestle Bridge park at the west end of Hendricksen Road.  Classes as two hours long (6-8 pm) and tell you everything you want to know about septic systems.   Call 360-417-2258 to register.  The next classes are scheduled for:  Tues, March 17th; Wed April 21st; Wed, May 28th; and Wed, June 24th.

Community Areas

One of the community areas we have in Mains Farm is our greenbelt.  This is located on Mains road between Cline Road and North Olympic.  This can be used for picnics and/or games.  Every Labor Day weekend, we have a community picnic.  Everyone who attends brings something to eat.  We all have a great time enjoying the food and the company.  We have games that we play and last year one of our association members won an ice cream contest so we had an ice cream social.  That went over very well with kids of all ages! 

Mains Farm Greenbelt

 Local Attractions

Some of the attractions in and around Sequim include the following:

a.  Olympic Game Farm.  This is located a couple miles from Mains Farm on Ward Road.  It is a drive through park where you can feed the wildlife – llamas, yaks, bears, fallow, deer, elk,  zebras, and bison.  They are open almost every day of the year although they have been known to close when we get snow and for Christmas.  If you want to learn more about the farm, click here.

Howdy

b.  Lavendar Fields/Festival – The annual lavendaer festival will be held July 17-19 this year.  There are numerous farms in the area, but two of the closest ones are Jardin de Soleil and Graymarsh.  During the festival each farm has vendors selling a variety of lavendar products, many have live entertainment, and you can buy lavender and lavender plants.   Some of the larger farms also have gifts shops.  For information on the lavendar festival,  click here.

Jardin de Soleil

c.  John Wayne Marina.  This marina is east of Sequim just off Highway 101.  It was built on 22 acres of land donated by John Wayne.  He used to visit Sequim frequently on his boat,  the Wild Goose, and wanted to give the land to Sequim to be used for the marina.  There is a very nice restaurant located at the Marina and also some John Wayne memorabilia.  There is also a boat launch and nice picnic area where you can sit and enjoy the scenery and watch boats in the bay.  

John Wayne Marina

Alpaca Parade at Happy Valley Alpaca Ranch

 

e.  Dungeness School House.  Thsi school house was built in 1893 and is now registered as a Washington State Historical site.  The school house is used for programs and classes and can also be rented for weddings, reunions, or seminars.  Visitors are welcome.  Click here to read more about the school and get the numbers to call.

Dungeness School House

 

f.  Railroad Trestle Bridge.   This is an old railroad trestle that is located on the Discovery Trail and is on the west end of Hendricksen Road.  There are nature trails there, picnic areas, as we4ll as the Audbon Society’s headquarters.  You can visit their website to learn more about the bridge and what they have to offer by as well as the OIlympic Discovery Trail.    Click here for their web site. 

 

Railroad Trestle Bridge

 

Snowy Days

We don’t have these snow days very often, but we had a dandy today – February 26, 2009.  In our farm, we had up to nine inches of snow and it is beautiful.   This time of year,  however, the snow is wet and heavy and does a lot of damage to plants and trees.   Just near my house there are quite a few big branches that have broken off and are on the ground.  There were some areas around Port Angeles and Sequim that received about 18 inches of snow.     A good time to stay inside and catch up on the indoor chores.

Cline Road on a snowy day!

Another view on our snowy day - the south end of Cline Road

 

Mains Farm Real Estate – For Sale/Rent

FOR SALE.   This home is located in a quiet cul-de-sac at 41 Farm Place.   There are 3 bedrooms,  2 bathrooms,  and a 2 car garage on .4 acres.   The living room has a vaulted ceiling with  a propane fireplace.  There is a large kitchen with slab granite counter tops, maple cabinetry, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances.   This is a  lovely home and is listed at $299,950.   For more information on this home,   click here  to reach Rita Adragna from John L. Scott Real Estate or call her at 360-460-3692.

For Sale – 41 Farm Place