A PLACE TO RE-IMAGINE OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LAND
Just below the crest at Hillside Pastures, south of the Wisconsin River, the Elderflower Retreat overlooks a mature silvopasture where partner Seven Seeds raises grass-fed organic beef. Guests can enjoy a hike up the tree-lined ridge overlooking the River Valley. Within view is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, take in an outdoor show at the American Players Theater in Spring Green, WI.
ABOUT THE HOUSE
Built in 2014 by the Marquardt Family who envisioned it as a gathering space, the 4-bedroom, 4-bath modern ranch was designed by Chicago-based Wheeler Kearns Architects and constructed primarily of fir and hemlock wood. In 2022, the Savanna Institute purchased Hillside Pastures from the Marquardt Family thanks to the generous support of neighbors in Spring Green. On the farm, Savanna Institute researches and demonstrates silvopasture and managed grazing practices.
ABOUT THE FARM
Hillside Pastures is a 78-acre working farm where White Park cattle graze among oak, hickory, and black locust trees in a mature silvopasture. Each season, the Savanna Institute hosts educational field days for farmers interested in learning more about adopting agroforestry.
ABOUT THE HOST
The Savanna Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to laying the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest.
