Year: 2025

25 Sep 2025
Featured, Learn, News Cassidy Harvey 0 comment

Locally Developed Education Program Gains National Recognition

Locally Developed Education Program Gains National Recognition

EcoVillage Wins 2025 Educators Pick Best of STEM® Award for Environmental Science

Indian Hill, OH (September 3, 2025) — Greenacres Foundation is proud to announce that EcoVillage, a collaborative environment education program developed in partnership with JASON Learning and the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, has been named the Best of STEM for Environmental Science in the 2025 Educators Pick Best of STEM® Awards.

The Educators Pick Best of STEM® Awards are the only national STEM honors program created by educators, for educators, and judged by a distinguished panel of STEM professionals. Each year, thousands of STEM teachers across the country evaluate and select innovative resources that are transforming teaching and learning in today’s classrooms.

EcoVillage stood out for its unique, hands-on approach to environment education. Designed for grades 3–5, the program challenges students to design and build a sustainable community from the ground up—making decisions about natural resources, businesses, and civic life. By combining environment education, entrepreneurship, and civics, EcoVillage encourages systems thinking, creativity, and responsible stewardship.

What began as a community favorite, in-person field trip at Greenacres has now expanded into a free, nationally accessible digital curriculum through JASON Learning’s online platform. Since launching in June 2025, EcoVillage has been available for educators nationwide to integrate into their classrooms at no cost.

Are you an educator?

The collaboration highlights Greenacres Foundation’s mission to connect people with the land through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. By integrating authentic classroom learning with sustainability and environment education, EcoVillage reflects Greenacres’ commitment to preparing the next generation of problem-solvers and community leaders.

About Greenacres Foundation

Greenacres Foundation is a nonprofit committed to education, research, and conservation. Managing over 1,200 acres in Indian Hill and beyond, Greenacres provides immersive experiences in nature, sustainable agriculture, and the arts—serving over 30,000 students annually.

    About JASON Learning

    JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for Pre-K–12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.”

      About Indian Hill Schools

      Ranked consistently as one of the top-performing schools in Ohio and nationally – the vision of the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District (IHEVSD) is our #IHPromise which prioritizes our students by empowering their voice in a personalized, collaborative, and inclusive learning environment. More than 2,200 young scholars enjoy the exceptional educational services IHEVSD offers ensuring each student’s intellectual development, personal growth, and social responsibility. IHEVSD serves students in the Village of Indian Hill; Kenwood; parts of Symmes Township; Camp Dennison; and a few houses in Loveland.

      For more information, please visit www.indianhillschools.org, and join the social media conversation – Facebook: Indian Hill Exempted Village School District; X/Twitter: @IHSchools; Instagram: indianhillschools; LinkedIn INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

      Learn More

      ➡️ Learn more about the Partnership
      ➡️ Learn more about the EcoVillage program

      EcoVillage STEM Program Footer
      26 Aug 2025
      Featured, News, Research Cassidy Harvey 0 comment

      More Than Rolling Hills: The Story of Michaela Farm’s Forest

      More Than Rolling Hills: The Story of Michaela Farm’s Forest

      If you’ve driven along State Route 229, you’ve likely admired the sweeping pastures of Michaela Farm. While those rolling hills are a defining feature of the landscape, they’re only part of the story. Michaela Farm is home to a rich mix of ecosystems that provide habitat for native wildlife—bobwhite quail call across the grasslands, spring peepers sing from ponds and wetlands, and deer and turkey forage on acorns in the forest.

      At the heart of this nearly 250-acre farm lies a small but ecologically vibrant forest of about 40 acres. Walking its trails reveals a living story of change, resilience, and renewal.

      These efforts build on decades of stewardship by the Sisters of St. Francis, who established CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) plantings and native grasslands across the farm. Today, Greenacres continues that mission with support from the community. This past spring, our staff joined students from Oldenburg Academy to plant more than 100 native trees and shrubs near the Education Center. Species like redbud, black gum, hazelnut, plum, persimmon, and black cherry were carefully chosen to stabilize a slope, create a gradual transition from forest to field, and provide food and habitat for wildlife. For students, it was also a hands-on lesson in what it means to care for the land.

      The forest at Michaela Farm may be small, but its impact is wide-reaching—supporting wildlife, nurturing biodiversity, and offering daily reminders of the importance of stewardship.

      If you’re curious about how you can manage forests, natural areas, or invasive plants on your own property, reach out to our Research team at research@green-acres.org.

      26 Aug 2025
      Recipe Cassidy Harvey 0 comment

      Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad

      Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad

      This refreshing watermelon salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Juicy watermelon and crisp cucumber are tossed with fresh mint and basil, then drizzled with a light honey-lime dressing. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a creamy, salty finish, making it a bright and flavorful dish ideal for summer gatherings.
      Print Recipe

      Ingredients
        

      Ingredients for Salad

      • 1/2 Watermelon , remove rind, cut into cubes
      • 1 English Cucumber (or regular cucumber peeled and seeded), cubed (2 cups cubed)
      • 15 Fresh Mint Leaves
      • 15 Fresh Basil Leaves
      • 1/2 Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese

      Ingredients for Dressing

      • 2 tbsp Honey
      • 2 tbsp Lime Juice
      • 1-2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
      • Pinch of Salt

      Instructions
       

      • Whisk together in a bowl the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.  Set aside.
      • Combine watermelon, cucumber, mint, and basil in a large bowl.
      • Add dressing to the salad and toss.  Top with feta cheese and serve.
      31 Jul 2025
      Recipe Cassidy Harvey 0 comment

      Zucchini Lasagna

      Zucchini Lasagna

      This hearty, low-carb lasagna swaps traditional noodles for thinly sliced zucchini and layers in savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and plenty of cheese. It’s a great way to use up seasonal zucchini while enjoying a comforting, wholesome meal.
      Print Recipe
      Prep Time 30 minutes
      Cook Time 45 minutes
      Servings 8

      Ingredients
        

      • 4 Large Zucchini
      • 2 lbs Ground Beef
      • 24 oz Pasta Sauce (reserve 1 cup)
      • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
      • 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Reggiano
      • 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
      • 1 Egg
      • Salt and Pepper
      • Fresh Parsley and Basil (chopped)

      Instructions
       

      • Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin slices.
      • Brown ground beef in a pan, add pasta sauce (except reserved ½ cup), and set aside.
      • In a bowl, mix ricotta, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
      • In a 9x13" baking dish, layer: ½ cup pasta sauce, zucchini slices, half of the beef mixture, half the ricotta mix, ½ cup mozzarella, and herbs.
      • Repeat layers. Top with a final zucchini layer, herbs, and remaining mozzarella.
      • Bake for 40–45 minutes. Broil for a golden top. Garnish with basil and serve.

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