Please click here for more information:

Much of the nursery work here at Minto Island Growers is a continuation of many years of research and production by the Miller family operation- Mt. Jefferson Farms Inc.

The Mt. Jefferson Farms operation encompasses many acres and projects, both in the Willamette Valley and Eastern Oregon, and the Salem farm was purchased in the early 1970′s. The Salem farm had an industrial scale, operating mint still- a unique asset because at that time MJF grew extensive mint acreage for essential oil. The farm was also located close to another family farm- one of the first large-scale blueberry farms planted in Oregon which borders the Illahee Hills Golf Club.

Native and hybrid poplars were planted in research blocks and other stoolbeds were cultivated to supply other poplar plantings. The native plants work, started in Scio/Shelburne at the mint farm, was also expanded into a native plants nursery specializing in large riparian restoration projects.

All the Miller family kids spent summers working at the Salem farm and nursery. When Minto Island Growers was formed, Elizabeth wanted to continue the many years of forestry, mint and research work that had formed her early experiences with plants. Chris, who  worked at Rana Creek- a green design, native nursery and restoration design company in Carmel Valley California, had much of the interest and expertise to propel many of the existing projects forward and pursue nursery projects of our own. We are lucky to be able to work on these projects during the fall, winter and spring when there is less vegetable production. It keeps us and our crew busy year round!