Driving though the countryside of Adel, Iowa, you will pass a number of signs for various family-owned businesses. Then, about a mile and a half through the peaceful greenery, a sign can be found for Wills Family Orchard, an organic apple orchard and pumpkin patch.

Once you pull past the sign and into the driveway, you will park your car in an old hayfield. Settled into the colorful and tranquil scenery of autumn leaves on a clear fall day sits picnic tables and yard games. Around them, a corn maze and a large pumpkin patch are open for visitors, friends or newcomers.

This is no ordinary orchard, though. Owner Maury Wills describes his family’s orchard as “off the beaten path” as he points to the trail that wraps around their 32 acres of land. But Wills is not only referring to their simple, rustic abode. He is also speaking of the 20 years of hard work his family has put into the land and dedication to using organic practices.

Will, his wife and six children, ranging from adult to 7 years old, all do their part to run a successful business. The family bought the land in 1991, without knowing what it was going to do with it. After researching, they decided they were going to plant apple trees and established Wills Family Orchard in 1992. Eventually, after word-of-mouth publicity, they were selling a few apples out of their kitchen. As their reputation grew, so did their store, as they begin selling on their front porch, then to their garage, then to a breezeway and finally a red barn that serves as their store today.

Since opening the orchard almost 20 years ago, the family has purchased more land and added a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. They now also grow squash, gourds, pears and peaches in addition to the 15 varieties of apples. But all of this growth does not come without its challenges. In 2000, the orchard became certified organic, which means the land needs to be free of prohibited chemicals for three years.

Wills knows what it takes to manage a sustainable orchard. Some of his methods include knowing which chemicals have been approved to use, how to protect his produce from deer, insects and diseases. He also practices sustainability by using prunings to mulch around their trees rather than burning them.

Wills wanted this orchard to be simple and relaxing where people could enjoy being outside for a day. This orchard stands out from the rest with not only the simplicity and family-oriented environment, but also with his sustainable background and organic practices.