River Bend Farm

Established in 1996, the farm is a 25-acre family-owned and operated business located on the Coast Fork of the Willamette River near Eugene, OR. The family moved to the Pleasant Hill area in 1993 and began planting fruit trees, including Asian and European pears and Oregon hazelnuts. Annette and Dick Pershern, along with their daughters Lauren and Meghan, have cultivated the land and expanded their offerings over the years. Annette’s brother Glenn and his son Zachary have also contributed by planting various apple varieties on adjacent property.

The farm employs Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for growing tree fruits, a method that emphasizes the use of natural predators and careful monitoring to manage pests. All vegetables are cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The interconnectedness of their farming practices ensures the health of the soil, plants, and surrounding ecosystem.

The farm features an on-site store and bakery where visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, hazelnuts, local cheese, honey, and artisan products. The store includes a Department of Agriculture certified kitchen where Annette bakes pies and makes jams using freshly picked berries and other fruits. The farm also participates in local farmers' markets in Eugene and offers u-pick opportunities for strawberries. The farm is open from June to October, providing a welcoming environment for individual consumers, chefs, local institutions, and school groups interested in farm tours.