Spring Green Campus

Spring Green Campus
Spring Green, WI

Savanna Institute Demonstration Farm

North Farm is located directly north of the Wisconsin River, comprising well-drained river valley bottomland and undulated upland hillslopes. In addition to native savanna restoration and riparian management along the shorelines, we planted a 7-acre pilot farm for clonally propagated hybrid hazelnuts and established a 10.5-acre chestnut orchard for a cold-hardiness trial. As the hazels took root, we grew 20,000 pounds of organic vegetables in the alley cropping system to demonstrate ways to diversify farm income streams. We also partnered with Sauk County Land Resources and Environment to develop over 50 acres of pasture for researching and demonstrating silvopasture systems. Tours available during events and by appointment only. Private residence.

Agroforestry Systems:
Alley cropping, Silvopasture

Valley Farm consists of flat, highly productive farmland along the Wisconsin River, and is ideal for intensive research plots, our tree crop improvement program, and large-scale windbreak and alley cropping demonstrations. In 2022, we planted 12 more acres of hybrid hazels as part of the tree crop improvement program, planted a five cultivar clonal hybrid hazelnut pruning trial, and established a 12 cultivar elderberry variety trial. Canopy also established a 15-acre mother tree and bareroot nursery. Tours available during events and by appointment only. Private residence.

Agroforestry Systems:
Alley cropping, Windbreak

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. Here the Savanna Institute researches and demonstrates silvopasture and other managed grazing practices. The Elderflower Retreat is a 4-bed, 4-bath modern ranch built in 2014 by the Marquardt family and designed by Chicago-based Wheeler Kearns Architects. The Savanna Institute purchased the farm in 2022 and opened the Elderflower Retreat for public events and rentals in 2023. Guests can enjoy a hike up the tree-lined ridge at Hillside Pastures overlooking the River Valley. Within view is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Farm tours available during events and by appointment only. Retreat stays available upon request.

Agroforestry Systems:
Silvopasture

South Farm contains both riparian and upland ground and offers opportunities for multispecies silvopasture, wetland and riparian management, savanna restoration, alley cropping systems, forest farming, and facilities ideally suited for tree crop processing. Tours available during events and by appointment only. Private residence.

Agroforestry Systems:
Riparian buffer

One-On-One Support for Farm Planning

Technical Service Program

Get help planning your perennial farm system. Our Technical Service Program is here to guide you through the process of planning, funding, and planting trees on your farm.

LEARN MORE