Chegwyn Farms was acquired via a life estate agreement signed in 2008 and transferred in 2021.This working farm located at the edge of McMinnville’s urban growth boundary was vulnerable to future development. Charlie Chegwyn recognized this and therefore had a conservation easement placed on the property to keep it in agriculture rather than be developed into housing which was occurring all around the farm. Charlie passed away in 2021 and the property is now owned by the District.

100 acres of the 166 acre property are currently being cropped under a lease agreement. There is also a mature forested riparian buffer (35 acres) which borders the Yamhill River. Recent restoration work on the property includes general cleanup of aging crops including removal of a hazelnut orchard and a walnut orchard which was infected with a walnut blight. The walnut orchard was replaced with a planting of coniferous trees in early 2023.

There are also several historic structures onsite that the District would like to restore and preserve as an example of early farming practices and a way of life in Yamhill County. There has also been discussion of hosting a community farm and/or orchard that would become more and more unique over time as the City of McMinnville grows around the farm. Yamhill Soil & Water Conservation District is grateful to the Chegwyn family for their dedication to agriculture and natural resource conservation.