December 2023 - Greenacres Foundation

20 Dec 2023

News Leonore Salvado 0 comment

2023 Grant Recipients

Image of Snowy Bench with large tree in background

2023 Grant Recipients

In 2023, the philanthropic initiatives associated with the Nippert name, including the L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation and the Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, donated over $11 million to various grant recipients. This support will aid 100 local nonprofits in 2024 and will continue to make a positive impact in the years to come.

The L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation, established in 1981, offers grant opportunities for eligible non-profit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati region. In 2023, the foundation granted a total of $4,753,813 to 79 non-profits, addressing diverse causes such as youth services, recycling support, hospice care, and more.

Managed by the Greenacres Foundation, the Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund was created to champion musical arts initiatives in the local area. As a proud annual supporter of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, and May Festival, the fund also supports other non-profits dedicated to local musical arts initiatives. In 2023, the fund allocated $6,927,783 in grant money to organizations based in Cincinnati.

Nonprofits based in the Greater Cincinnati area can apply for these grants between June 1st and August 1st through the L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation and Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund. Visit lnlcharitable.org or green-acres.org for more information.

2023 L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation Grant Recipients:

Adventure Crew
American National Red Cross
Bayley Senior Care
Beech Acres Parenting Center
Bethany House Services Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati
BLOC Ministries Inc.
Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati
Brighton Center Inc.
Camping Education Foundation
Canine Companions for Independence
Center for Respite Care Inc.
Children’s Hunger Alliance
Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Cincinnati Blue Line Foundation
Cincinnati Cancer Foundation Inc.
Cincinnati Museum Association
Cincinnati Parks Foundation
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Cincinnati Public Radio Inc.
Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship
Cincinnati Works Inc.
Cincinnati Youth Collaborative
CISE Catholic Inner city Schools Education
Community Matters Cincinnati Inc.
Comprehensive Community Child Care Inc.
Crayons to Computers
DDC Clinic Center for Special Needs Children
DePaul Cristo Rey High School
Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home
Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
Episcopal Retirement Services
Fernside Inc. A Center for Grieving Children
Freestore Foodbank
Greater Cincinnati Television Educational Foundation
Holistic Management International
Hospice of Cincinnati Inc.

Inner City Youth Opportunities
Joy Outdoor Education Center LLC
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful Inc.
La Soupe Inc.
Last Mile Food Rescue
Lighthouse Youth Services Inc.
Matthew 25 Ministries Inc.
Mill Creek Alliance
New Life Furniture Inc.
Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Inc.
Ohio River Foundation
Ohio Valley Voices
Our Daily Bread
People Working Cooperatively
Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region
Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio
Santa Maria Community Services Inc.
Shelterhouse Volunteer Group
Society of St Vincent de Paul District Council of Cincinnati
St Rita School for the Deaf
St Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy
Stepping Stones Inc.
Taft Museum of Art
Talbert House
Teach For America
The Children’s Home of Cincinnati
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Eye Institute Foundation
The Dragonfly Foundation
Holistic Management International
The East End Adult Education Center
The First Step Home Inc.
The Nature Conservancy
The Salvation Army
The University of Cincinnati Foundation
University of the Cumberlands
WAVE Foundation
Wesley Education Center for Children and Families
Women helping Women

2023 Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund Grant Recipients:

4-Way String Quartet LLC
Bach Ensemble of St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra
Children’s Choir of Greater Cincinnati
Church of our Savior/La Iglesia de Nuestro Salvador
Cincinnati Ballet
Cincinnati Boychoir Inc.
Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra Inc.
Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Jazz Alive, Inc.
Ken Anderson Alliance
Kennedy Heights Art Center
Linton Inc.
The May Festival
Northern Kentucky Symphony, Inc.
Queen City Chamber Opera
School for Creative and Performing Arts
School House Symphony
Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati
Xavier University

12 Dec 2023

Learn Leonore Salvado 0 comment

Discover Together – Lewis Township

Discover Together – Lewis Township

Closing out 2023: Looking Forward to 2024

It has been a wonderful year for field trips at Greenacres! At our Lewis Township campus, we had the pleasure of serving over 1600 community learners in 2023, with students from Felicity-Franklin, Georgetown, Bethel-Tate, Ripley, Mt. Orab, and Eastern Local. We look forward to seeing many more of you in 2024. We still have space available for this Winter and Spring, click here to register for your free field trip.

If you have an upcoming field trip scheduled, please make sure you plan and book your transportation. As a reminder, for qualifying organizations, we offer a reimbursement program. Your group must meet the following criteria:

Be one of the following 501(c)(3) types: Public, private, community, or charter school or a recognized child welfare organization.
Your attending group receives Title I funding or 80% free/reduced lunch.
Group of children under the age of 18 with accompanying adults.

To learn more and apply for bus reimbursement, please visit this page. If you have any questions, reach out to our education team.

If you haven’t browsed our available programming lately, we encourage you to check it out. You can find a full list at Greenacres Field Trip Programming.

Meet Joe Phelps: Educator and Site Supervisor at Greenacres Lewis Township

Lewis Township has been providing educational opportunities for students in Brown County and the surrounding area for several years. Our site supervisor, Joe Phelps, has been leading the education team at this location for quite some time, helping it become a popular field trip destination among attendees. Joe shared with us more about his background and what he loves about Greenacres Lewis Township.

Q: How long have you been an educator at Greenacres Lewis Township?

A: I have been with Greenacres as an Educator since 2011, and I have been assigned to Lewis Township since 2019. Before I worked at Greenacres, I was a high school science teacher, stay-at-home dad, graduate student, and wildlife biologist. A fun fact about me is that I was a volunteer naturalist here for about a year before a paid position opened up.

Q: What do you love about this campus?

A: I love the diverse habitats here, and I love the remoteness. When out with a school group, I usually only hear nature sounds, not human sounds like trucks and planes. It is a bit wilder than our other sites, so we have seen things like bobcat tracks, ospreys, and canvasback ducks.

Greenacres educator and Lewis Township site supervisor, Joe Phelps teaching two young students about bugs in the field

Greenacres field trip group hiking through the woods at Lewis Township

Q: What do you want first-time visitors to know before coming for a field trip?

A: We will get our walking in! Because of the large size of the site, sometimes we will walk pretty far to get to something we want to see, like fossils for example. I also want teachers and students to have their minds open to learning something new, because my team of educators is so knowledgeable!

Q: What are some of your favorite programs that are offered at Lewis Township?

A: Some of my favorite programs are Fossils, because we get to dance, and Ecosystems, because I like the challenge of finding connections among all the living and non-living things we might find. But the best part of my job is that it doesn’t depend on the program. I love spending time with kids, watching their love of nature grow, and helping them learn.

Program Highlights

There are so many unique Greenacres field trips to choose from, and as the seasons change, so does our offering of educational adventures. Here are some of our favorites for the winter and spring.

Grades K-5 – Maple Syrup

Maple Syrup –Maple sugaring is the tradition of making maple syrup from sap gathered from maple trees in late winter/early spring. Many animals (and people) benefit from using the sap of the maple trees. Plan to visit our sugar bush at Greenacres as you experience with your senses how maple sap is turned into syrup. (January 29 – February 23, 2024)

Students on a Greenacres field trip learning about maple syrup

Grade 3 – Nature Exploration: Wildlife Tracking

Nature Exploration: Wildlife Tracking – This program engages students in a hands-on exploration of Ohio’s natural areas. We will focus on animal tracks and signs while building observation skills and applying them to learning about our environment. This is an ideal program for a first-time visit to Greenacres or for students to become more comfortable in nature.

Grade 5 – Ecosystems in Nature

Ecosystems in Nature – Getting food is vital to survival. Students will learn how animals and plants fit into nature’s food web. Come explore Greenacres to find examples of producers, consumers and decomposers.

Grade 6 – Nature Exploration: Journaling

Nature Exploration: Journaling – This program gives your students the chance to slow down and focus their attention on nature. Students will write, draw, and count or measure what they see around them as they visit different ecosystems at Greenacres. This program can be used to inspire creativity and knowledge of the natural world through drawing, writing poems, or story telling.

12 Dec 2023

Yellow, orange, and red Fall maple foliage

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Around Greenacres – Fall 2023

Around Greenacres - Fall 2023

Artists Weekend at Arts Center

In November, we welcomed 25 local artists for our inaugural Artist Weekend. The new three-day event was jam-packed with arts engagement, presentations by select attendees, relaxing hikes, and precious time to create art on the breathtaking Arts Center grounds.

The Arts Team built the structure for the weekend, and the artists brought the concept to life. We have received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. One attendee mentioned, “I have had writer’s block for six months until this weekend. I now have a new story–beginning, middle, and end.” Another artist commented, “Thank you so much for this beautiful weekend. It meant so much to me and I will hold the memories and experience so dearly. I still feel so honored to be allowed into that space.” The Greenacres team is excited about this new chapter of creativity, community-building, and growth and looks forward to hosting more events like this soon.

“I have had writer’s block for six months until this weekend. I now have a new story–beginning, middle, and end.”

“Thank you so much for this beautiful weekend. It meant so much to me and I will hold the memories and experience so dearly. I still feel so honored to be allowed into that space.”

Greenacres Artist Weekend Attendees

Growing our Apprentice Program

To help young farmers learn about regenerative farming systems and experience the practices first-hand, Greenacres has been offering two-year apprenticeships in both Gardens and Livestock. This year, as our program continues to grow, we’re improving our curriculum. With teaching methods intended to foster passion, curiosity, and exploration, we are helping develop well-rounded, confident farmers. Through intentional classroom time, informative field trips, and leadership opportunities, we aim to prepare young farmers to jump-start their careers in the regenerative farming world!

Click here to learn more about our garden apprenticeship, and click here to learn more about our livestock apprenticeship. We are currently accepting applications for both programs; if you know anyone interested, please encourage them to apply here!

Sheep at Michaela Farm

Our growing sheep flock at Michaela Farm plays an important role in improving our soil health while bringing valuable lessons to our apprentices. Recently, our livestock team acquired 35 Katahdin ewes and a Dorper ram for our Indiana farm. These chunky breeds are ideal for high-quality lamb which we’re looking forward to providing in our Indian Hill Farmstore.

We have three properties at which livestock is raised: Indian Hill, Lewis Township, and Michaela Farm. Each of these properties has slightly different pastures and comes with its own set of challenges. Whether we’re dealing with increased predation or difficult terrain, allowing our apprentices to experience production at each site gives them a better understanding of the issues they may face on other farms.

Native Perennials at the Arts Center

We are transitioning the Arts Center gardens from annuals to perennials to help our move towards more sustainable systems. This shift aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility and carries a host of benefits. Because this venue is also one of Ohio’s most sought-after wedding venues in addition to the educational programming it supports, we are working on blending aesthetics while remaining environmentally conscious.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Perennial plants have a longer life cycle than annuals, reducing the need for frequent replanting. This shift aligns with Greenacres’ commitment to sustainable practices by minimizing the environmental impact of traditional annual plantings. Perennials require less water, fertilizer, and overall maintenance, contributing to an eco-friendlier and resource-efficient landscape.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Support: Perennials play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems by providing habitats for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The extended lifespan of perennial plants allows for establishing more stable and diverse ecosystems within the Greenacres grounds. This enhances the landscape’s beauty and promotes a healthier and more balanced local environment.

Potted perennial plants reading to for planting, sitting behind the Arts Center

Cost-Efficiency and Long-Term Investment: While the initial investment in perennial plants might be higher than annuals, the long-term cost savings are substantial. Perennials require less frequent replacement, reducing the overall maintenance costs associated with landscaping. This shift is a testament to Greenacres’ commitment to responsible stewardship, emphasizing the long-term benefits of investing in perennial flora.

Aesthetic Appeal and Seasonal Variety: Contrary to the misconception that perennial landscapes lack variety, these plants offer a diverse range of shapes, colors, and bloom times. Greenacres can maintain its aesthetic appeal while enjoying the added benefit of year-round visual interest. The Arts Center’s picturesque surroundings will evolve with the changing seasons, providing visitors and event attendees with a dynamic and engaging experience.

Greenacres’ decision to switch from annual plantings to perennial plants represents a commendable step towards sustainable land management. The numerous benefits, ranging from environmental conservation to long-term cost savings, make this shift not only responsible but also forward-thinking. As the Arts Center continues to be a beacon of education and a coveted wedding venue, the perennial landscape serves as a testament to Greenacres’ dedication to creating a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural world.

100 Years in the Making: The Greenacres Arts Center

This past October, we celebrated 100 years of history at the Greenacres Arts Center. We hosted visitors in an open house-style event which included a self-guided tour of the facility, along with light appetizers and cocktails. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the craftsmanship, design principles, and innovative techniques that forged the iconic Cincinnati mansion. Informational placards were placed throughout the property to give guests an insight into the original construction methods as well as highlight the attention to detail involved in the remodeling. From the original Fleischmann Estate to Louis and Louise Nippert’s purchase and the creation of the Greenacres Arts Center we know and love today, the building’s history has turned it into a magnificent piece of our city’s heritage.

Metabolomics Study: Preliminary Data with Dr. van Vliet

In 2022, Greenacres introduced a unique research collaboration with Dr. Stephan van Vliet and Utah State University (USU). You can learn more about this project here. The research aims to study the connection between agricultural practices and human health using the science of metabolomics, which is the study of metabolites (small molecules such as organic acids, secondary compounds, vitamins, etc).

We are currently wrapping up the second (and final) year of the clinical trial, where study participants are undergoing dietary changes for 14 weeks. For 7 weeks the participants ate a diet of foods produced in an agroecological manner (e.g., pasture-based meats, eggs, and dairy, generative no-till vegetables) with the vast majority of those foods being raised at Greenacres. After a 2-week “washout period” (i.e. going back to their traditional “Western” diet), the participants wrap up the remaining 7 weeks by switching to a comparable whole foods diet as before, only this time the ingredients are grown using conventional practices (e.g., commodity feedlot raised meats, conventional eggs, dairy, vegetables and greens).

In October 2023, Dr. van Vliet visited Greenacres to report preliminary data from year one of the study. To reiterate, these were all preliminary data. The USU research team still has a lot of data to analyze prior to making any conclusions, however, the initial results showed some promising insights. Perhaps most importantly, irrespective of production practices, switching to a whole foods diet consisting of fresh meats, vegetables, grains, and dairy products has a beneficial effect on human health markers, including a 40% reduction in triglyceride levels. This is important because both diets were high in meat intake, often above the level that the participants reported as part of their normal diet. Also, the intent was for the participants to maintain their pre-study weight; however, participants on average lost weight. In addition to the improved health markers, there was also evidence to suggest that many of the agro-ecologically raised products displayed higher levels of metabolites, specifically several secondary compounds that are produced by plants and then found in pasture-raised meat products.

Dr. Stephen van Vliet presenting preliminary metabolomics data with slideshow

“It appears that just switching to a whole foods diet and minimizing intake of ultra-processed foods can get you 80% of the way to improving your health. The question is, can the increased presence of metabolites found in the agro-ecologically raised products have any impact on the additional 20%?”

Dr. Stephen Van Vliet

Based on our initial results, Dr. van Vliet stated, “It appears that just switching to a whole foods diet and minimizing intake of ultra-processed foods can get you 80% of the way to improving your health. The question is, can the increased presence of metabolites found in the agro-ecologically raised products have any impact on the additional 20%?”. Our research team hopes that once all of our samples (soil, plant, animal, and human) have been analyzed we are closer to helping answer this question.