Your Hosts

Years ago, as guests, Emily and Rob Klavins fell in love with Barking Mad Farm. Now, as hosts, they can’t wait to share it with you!

Emily is a native Oregonian. She grew up on a small farm near Salem before heading to university in the Midwest. She returned to Oregon to teach outdoor education and coach soccer. After exploring the far corners of the state, Emily settled in Portland and became the Program Coordinator for a small non-profit. Today she leads Greater Hells Canyon Council, a conservation organization that works across Northeast Oregon and into Washington and Idaho. Emily loves spending time on the trail, learning how to transition from gardener to farmer, and finding new ways to be involved in the community.

While Emily may cook cheese in her breakfasts, Rob is unashamed to wear it on his head (he’s from Wisconsin). A dual US/Australian citizen and son of violinists, Rob grew up hiking, fishing, and exploring the shores of Lake Michigan. He taught outdoor education with Emily before traveling the country as a community organizer and joining Oregon Wild as a wildlife advocate. Rob still works for the conservation group, cheers for the Packers, and is doing his best to become a handyman. Thanks to his work, Rob knows a lot of great spots to explore and will usually trade them for a good campfire story.

They share their home with their small cattle dogs Roo and Zuke, who can entertain you with their abundant energy, tricks and eagerness to chase a ball or two!