Kellam-Wyatt County Park
Places like the Kellam-Wyatt Farm are rare in Raleigh. The farm, cherished by three generations of Bob Kellam and Susan Wyatt’s family, has been a beacon of environmental stewardship; its forests and lakes provide sanctuary to countless plants and animals, while sustainable farming practices have kept the air and water clean. The produce grown on the farm and sold at local farmers’ markets nourished communities, with Bob and Susan farming practices inspiring the next generation of farmers.
Working with the City of Oaks Foundation, Bob and Susan envisioned Kellam-Wyatt Farm as a hub for environmental education and sustainable agriculture, and chose to protect the land with a conservation easement to ensure its preservation for future generations. Though Bob passed away in August 2016, Susan and her step-daughter Leewyn Kellam continued their work with the Foundation, resulting in the Wake County Commission accepting the donation of Kellam-Wyatt Farm in April 2018. This lush property featuring woods, lakes, and trails has the potential to become a future park, nature preserve, or community agricultural site, celebrating our community's natural and agricultural heritage.
Bob and Susan, who met while working for the Environmental Protection Agency, began farming the land after retirement. They specialized in produce and pastured laying hens, primarily selling their goods through farmers’ markets and a small community-supported agriculture program. Their work at the EPA fostered their deep appreciation for sustainable farming methods.
“My late husband, Bob Kellam, who grew up working on the farm, was a strong advocate for environmental protection and organically grown local food since the 1970s. He, his daughter Leewyn, and I have enjoyed the beauty of the woods and ponds; the great herons, ospreys, and other water birds; the singing of toads and frogs; and local fresh vegetables and fruits from the fields for many years.
“As Wake County’s population has skyrocketed, and fields and forests have been replaced with roofs and pavement, our determination to preserve and share open space with future generations has been reinforced. Through our visits to county parks, volunteer work with the County Extension Service, and association with the County Soil and Water Conservation Department, we have observed that Wake County shares our values of open space, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture. We feel confident that Wake County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space will be excellent stewards for the farm’s future.” - Susan Wyatt
Wake County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space staff, along with Wyatt and the City of Oaks Foundation, broke ground on Tuesday, November 18 to begin construction on Kellam-Wyatt County Park. The park will balance open space preservation, nature conservation, recreation, and the farm's rich agricultural history.
Photos of the groundbreaking ceremony courtesy of Wake County and Charlotte Jones-Roe.
