About

Mama Bird Farm is a 6-acre, ethically minded farm nestled in the heart of San Juan Island. We are deeply committed to caring for the land and the living ecosystem that surrounds us. We love our wild birds, salamanders, beneficial insects, and the natural balance of our environment, which is why we never use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides — ever.

We build soil health through crop rotation and cover cropping, allowing nutrients to return naturally to the land. Our farm is bordered by a creek and surrounded by trees, creating a healthy, interwoven relationship between farm and forest.

Mama Bird Farm began as raw land — an open field once used for grazing sheep. Over the years, we have slowly and thoughtfully built what exists today: farm roads, a processing facility, greenhouses, access to power, a drilled well, and thriving fields of produce and flowers grown for our community.

The Northern Flicker is the Mama Bird Farm mascot and logo. This local bird arrives each spring and returns again in the fall, marking the beginning and ending of our growing season. In Native American traditions, the flicker is considered a spirit animal and protector of women, a symbol that deeply resonates with us and our work.

The name Mama Bird reflects our belief in nurturing Mother Earth — protecting her land, soil, and ecosystems through thoughtful, responsible farming practices. We grow food and flowers to nourish both our community and our family, with care and intention at every step.

Mama Bird is also one of Mara’s nicknames, making the name a personal reflection of the heart behind the farm.

Mama Bird Farm is the heart’s work of Mara Lawrence and Lars Johnson. Together, they founded Mama Bird Farm in 2014 as second-generation farmers driven by a deep love of the land, growing food, and a shared desire to move away from the industrial food system toward a healthier, more sustainable way of farming.

In the early years, Mama Bird grew slowly and intentionally. Lars worked as a commercial fisherman, and Mara waited tables by night, all while building the farm piece by piece — saving for equipment, fencing, seeds, and infrastructure as they went.

Both Mara and Lars grew up on the San Juan Islands and are deeply connected to the land and ocean that surround their home. Their roots here guide the way they farm and care for their community.

Their daughter, Otana Freya, is the newest member of the Mama Bird family and brings endless light, love, and joy to the farm.

We grow fresh food that tastes alive and fills you with goodness. Mama Bird Farm specializes in heirloom tomatoes that burst with real flavor and rich color. Trust us — if you think you don’t like tomatoes, you probably just haven’t tried a Mama Bird tomato yet. They’re sweet like candy… only better, and better for you.

Alongside our tomatoes, we grow a diverse and delicious mix of spring greens, English cucumbers, carrots, kale, chard, basil and a variety of other seasonal vegetables. We also grow cut flowers and create floral arrangements for weddings and events.

We strive to grow and deliver the freshest produce possible for our community.

You can find Mama Bird Farm produce at San Juan Island grocery stores and the Food Co-op, the San Juan Island Farmers Market, and at many local island restaurants. Our produce is also available at the Orcas Island Food Co-op and Orcas Island Market, and occasionally at Blossom on Lopez. Additionally, we distribute through the Puget Sound Food Hub, reaching communities in Whatcom, Skagit, and King Counties.