Peter Mustin, a name now resonating with hope and renewal in Chimacum, Washington, embodies a powerful story of transformation. But Who Is Peter Mustin? Far from a simple label, his identity is woven from threads of past struggles, a deep connection to nature, and an unwavering commitment to community and sustainable agriculture. This is the story of Peter Mustin, the driving force behind Woodbridge Farm, a project that is not only revitalizing neglected land but also offering a vision of healing and opportunity.
From Philadelphia Roots to Pacific Northwest Soil
Originally hailing from Philadelphia, Mustin’s early years were marked by challenges. He openly acknowledges navigating troubled times during his teenage years in the city. However, amidst the difficulties, glimmers of his future path emerged. He found solace and purpose in outdoor work, cultivating flowers and produce. These experiences, coupled with memories of his self-sufficient grandparents and their bountiful garden, planted a seed of connection to the land that would later blossom.
In 1978, a significant change occurred when the Mustin family relocated to the Pacific Northwest, settling in Chimacum. His father purchased a 24-acre parcel of land in this fertile valley. Tragically, his father battled mental illness and addiction, leaving the land untended and in disrepair. This neglected land, however, became the canvas for Peter Mustin’s ambitious restoration project.
Woodbridge Farm: Reclaiming Land and Cultivating Hope
Today, that very parcel of land is undergoing a remarkable transformation, mirroring Peter Mustin’s own personal journey. Woodbridge Farm is not merely a cleanup effort; it’s a conscious restoration project driven by Mustin’s vision to breathe life back into the soil and create a thriving ecosystem. With the support of his community, Mustin is diligently clearing years of accumulated debris, preparing the ground to nurture flowers, poultry, wildlife, and ultimately, people.
Woodbridge Farm chickens, showcasing Peter Mustin's diverse poultry plans.
When asked about his floral ambitions, Mustin’s enthusiastic response, “What won’t we grow?” encapsulates his ambitious spirit. He envisions a vibrant array of dahlias, peonies, paperwhites, and poinsettias, alongside a diverse poultry flock including chickens, turkeys, and geese, with plans to add quail and pheasant, creating a unique niche for Woodbridge Farm. The farm’s name itself, Woodbridge, pays homage to a bridge Mustin constructed at the edge of his property, acknowledging the Chimacum Creek that gracefully flows through the land, a habitat he is committed to honoring and preserving.
The initial phase, however, demanded confronting the neglect of the past. Squatters had occupied the land, leaving behind a staggering amount of refuse. Mustin faced the arduous task of removing abandoned vehicles, scrap metal, tangled barbed wire, and decaying lumber. He recounts filling numerous dumpsters with tons of waste, a testament to the scale of the cleanup.
Community Rallies to Support Mustin’s Vision
Despite the overwhelming task, Peter Mustin’s vision for Woodbridge Farm has resonated deeply with the community. Recognizing the potential, Crystie Kisler, co-owner of Finnriver Farm & Cidery, partnered with Mustin to launch a GoFundMe campaign through Woodbridge Farm’s website. This initiative, enhanced by a compelling video crafted by Gabe Van Lelyveld of Whaleheart Productions, quickly garnered significant attention and support.
Donations poured in from across Jefferson County and beyond, demonstrating the community’s enthusiastic embrace of Mustin’s project. Contributions ranged from modest amounts to a remarkable $5,000 anonymous donation, underscoring the profound impact of Mustin’s vision. Local organizations like Chimacum Corner Farmstand, the Port Townsend Food Co-op, the Jefferson County Historical Society, and fellow farmers from SpringRain Farm and Finnriver also contributed, propelling the Woodbridge Farm campaign to raise three-quarters of its $50,000 goal.
These funds are crucial for establishing the farm’s infrastructure. Mustin is strategically investing in a large greenhouse, animal shelters, fencing, a water well and filtration system, and essential insurance. With business partner Cameron Jones joining the endeavor, Mustin is navigating the financial complexities of launching a farm and pursuing USDA organic certification. Regardless of certification, Mustin and Jones are committed to sustainable practices, benefiting from the ongoing support and mentorship of Finnriver’s experienced team.
Crystie Kisler’s involvement stems from a neighborly spirit and a recognition of shared resources. Having navigated the establishment of Finnriver Farm & Cidery, she understands the support systems needed for agricultural ventures and is eager to extend that help to Mustin. Kisler emphasizes the collective joy in witnessing Mustin’s vision take shape, deflecting personal credit and highlighting the community’s collaborative spirit.
A Vision Beyond Agriculture: A Refuge for Healing
Peter Mustin’s vision for Woodbridge Farm extends far beyond cultivating crops and raising livestock. He aspires to create a sanctuary, a refuge for individuals who, like himself, seek respite and healing. His dream is for Woodbridge Farm to become a welcoming space where Black, Indigenous, and people of color can find solace, connection, and a place to breathe freely.
Approaching his 46th birthday, Mustin brings three decades of farming experience to this endeavor. He reflects candidly on the twists and turns of his life, acknowledging past incarceration and a serious workplace injury. His openness and wry humor are evident as he contemplates his journey: “A few years ago, I was in a prison cell. How does that happen?”
This personal experience fuels his deeper purpose. Mustin envisions Woodbridge Farm as a place of second chances, hoping to guide others who have faced similar challenges. He dreams of young people working the land, discovering alternative paths, and realizing their potential.
While the vision is grand, Mustin is grounded in the present, focused on the immediate work ahead. He welcomes volunteers as winter transitions to spring, inviting those interested to connect via email. He also acknowledges the significance of being a Black farmer in Jefferson County, expressing a desire for the focus to be on Woodbridge Farm’s produce and mission, rather than solely on his race.
Standing on the fertile land, watching a hawk soar overhead, Peter Mustin is undeniably at home. His concluding remark, “I’m putting all my eggs in this basket,” encapsulates his full commitment to Woodbridge Farm – a testament to his resilience, vision, and the transformative power of second chances.
