Contact Info
Paul and Sarah Thelen
8198 Fleisher Lane
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
269 471-7558
Bio
Hillside Orchards has been a family operation since 1836. In 1920, Sarah Feather’s great-grandfather began selling his produce at a farmers market in South Bend, Indiana. Sarah grew up on the farm and married Paul Thelen, who also had a farming background, and together the couple farmed the Feather orchards with Sarah’s father.
Today, their daughters Rebecca and Erica are involved in the 100-acre farm, which contains 1,700 organic chestnut trees and many types of fruit, including a variety of heirloom apples, all grown using an Integrated Pest Management system. The Good Agriculture Practice sessions the family attends are designed to ensure that fruit is produced and marketed in the safest manner possible. The Thelens’ goal is to continue using ever-safer and more sustainable production methods.
Specialties
fruits, honey, jams, chestnuts
Participating Markets
Lincoln Park
Certifications
Certified Naturally Grown
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program
USDA Certified Organic