Meet the Maker: Green River Maple Camp

Tucked along the banks of the Green River just north of Mancelona, Green River Maple Camp is a true labor of love for Ron and Kenna Rhynard. Both were born and raised in Shepherd, Michigan, a town known for its strong maple syrup tradition. Ron has been deeply involved in that legacy for years, serving as president and now board member of the Shepherd Sugarbush, where the annual festival celebrates real maple syrup, pancakes, and community.

In 2019, the Rhynards set out to build something of their own. They purchased a 34-acre property near the Green River, where a small syrup operation already existed. Since then, they’ve expanded production, upgraded equipment, and earned organic certification. Today, they manage over 2,600 taps, with plans to grow to around 3,000.

This is not easy work. The 2024/25 season brought deep snow, and the Rhynards often had to navigate the woods on snowshoes just to keep up with their lines and taps. While Green River Maple Camp avoided direct damage from the devastating ice storm that hit northern Michigan this spring, many fellow maple syrup producers in the region weren’t as lucky. Camps across southern Northern Michigan suffered severe and lasting damage to their sugarbushes, with thousands of trees and lines brought down under the weight of ice. (Read more here.)

Despite the challenges, Green River Maple Camp remains proud to be a 100% family-run, farm-direct operation. Every drop of syrup they sell comes from their own trees and their own hands — they never bottle syrup from other producers. That care and commitment have earned them multiple awards at the North American Maple Syrup Council conference, where their Dark/Robust syrup has stood out among the best.

You can find their rich, organic syrup on shelves across Michigan, including right here at Oryana. When you bring home a bottle, you’re supporting local agriculture, Michigan maple heritage, and a family that continues to pour heart and soul into every season — snowshoes and all.