Old McDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O. And on that farm, he had a capybara, E-I-E-I-O. Wait, capybara? That can’t be right, can it? Are we even at Old McDonald’s farm? Well, as it turns out we’re at The Healing Farm in Yelm, and this unusual addition to a traditional farm is just one of many unique features that make The Healing Farm so special!
The Healing Farm is a Dream Realized for a Dynamic Duo
Kat Tsoukalas, a nature lover, and Jason Callison, an outdoor enthusiast, were drawn together by their passion for sustainable living. Kat, from the Tri-Cities, had a transformative experience at Quillisascut Farm, milking goats, harvesting crops and sharing meals with a community. Inspired by this lifestyle, she yearned to create her own sanctuary.
“I knew I wanted to live a life connected to nature,” Kat recalls. “The experience at Quillisascut Farm ignited a spark within me.”
Jason, a Bellevue native, was captivated by the natural world from a young age. His childhood summers riding horses and exploring the outdoors fueled his love for nature. “I remember feeling at home at the ranch, wanting that lifestyle but never thinking it possible,” Jason reminisces.
When they met in 2019, they recognized a kindred spirit. They shared a vision of creating a farm to provide a home for animals and inspire others to connect with nature. With determination, they embarked on making this dream a reality.
A Labor of Love: Building The Healing Farm
The path to creating The Healing Farm was far from conventional. With a shared dream but limited resources, Kat and Jason embarked on a journey that required both courage and creativity.
“We had no idea how or when we would do it, but we knew it was something we both wanted,” Kat recalls. As they searched for a place to call their own, they realized that traditional housing options wouldn’t accommodate their dream of living alongside animals.
“One of Kat’s requirements was that we needed to be able to own goats,” Jason explains, stating anytime they mentioned animals, they were typically turned away.
Kat’s mother suggested they consider buying a property. With little savings and no concrete plan, they took a leap of faith.
“We just said, ‘Why not? Let’s try,'” Jason recalls. Navigating the complex world of home loans and real estate, they found a supportive realtor who understood their vision. Securing a loan during the pandemic-fueled housing market frenzy of 2020 was a challenge, but they were fortunate to find their ideal property.
“I know the seller must have had better offers,” says Jason, explaining they wrote a letter explaining their dream and their plan for persevering the land and practicing holistic farming, “It must have resonated with them.”
To bridge the gap between their savings and the down payment, they utilized the Washington First Time Home Buyers program. With the property in their name, they dove headfirst into creating their farm.
“We hit the ground running and never stopped,” shares Jason.
A Day in Life on the Farm at The Healing Farm
Four years later after their initial move to a simpler way of life, a typical day at The Healing Farm is a symphony of tasks, each note contributing to the harmony of the sanctuary. As the first rays of sunlight touch the land, Kat and Jason begin their daily routine.
We’re the caretakers of this land and all our animals,” Kat explains. “It’s the life we want to live.”
The morning ritual involves various chores: milking goats, feeding chickens and turkeys, preparing homemade dog food for their livestock guardian dogs, and tending to their exotic animals. This includes picking fresh blackberry leaves, grasses and plantains for the wallabies, as well as bottle-feeding the baby mara and hand-picking grass and dandelions for them.
As the day progresses, the couple prepares for visitors. They clean the barn, sanitize feeding bowls, and ensure that the animals are well-groomed and ready to greet their human companions.
Healing Visits to The Healing Farm in Yelm
What was once a mere dream for Kat and Jason has transformed into a beloved community staple, offering enriching experiences for visitors of all ages. It’s a place where people reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple joys of friendly animals. With various activities tailored to different interests, The Healing Farm has something for everyone.
Visitors can embark on guided tours, encountering a range of animals at the petting zoo – from gentle goats to curious capybaras – learning about their behaviors, diets and roles within the farm’s ecosystem. The experience includes petting bunnies, cuddling kittens and feeding alpacas and llamas. For the adventurous, there’s the opportunity to take a goat for a walk during guided tours.
The farm also offers educational experiences about sustainable farming practices, animal husbandry and preserving our natural environment. The passionate staff shares their knowledge and inspires others.
For a more immersive experience, overnight camping is available. Visitors can pitch a tent under the starry sky in their own private campsite with a picnic table and fire pit, perfect for roasting marshmallows and gazing at the night sky. In the morning, guests can participate in daily chores, learning how to milk goats, collect eggs, feed animals and more.
Whether stopping by for a visit or camping overnight, a trip to The Healing Farm is always just what visitors needed. “Many people come up to us and say they needed this,” Kat shares. “Spending time with the animals and being in nature seems to have a healing effect on them.”
The Healing Farm’s Bright Future
Kat and Jason have ambitious plans for The Healing Farm’s future. While they currently focus on tours and camping, they envision a larger-scale operation. Their dream is to acquire a property 10 times the size of their current farm, expanding educational offerings and creating a thriving community.
They envision a self-sustaining community where members trade goods and services, reducing reliance on external resources. “We want to create a place where people can live out their passions and contribute to a thriving community,” Kat explains. “We’re inspired by the idea of a barter system and a homestead lifestyle where nothing goes to waste.”
By sharing their knowledge and skills, they hope to inspire others to embrace a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life. The Healing Farm remains a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of human connection, animal companionship, and nature’s beauty. For more information, visit The Healing Farm website.
The Healing Farm
13725 148th Avenue SE, Yelm
509.308.0188
