Category: Learn

12 Dec 2023

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 TrackingThis 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.
      05 Oct 2023
      field trip of fourth graders exploring the creek at Greenacres Miami Township Clermont County

      Discover Together – Fall 2023

      field trip of fourth graders exploring the creek at Greenacres Miami Township Clermont County

      Discover Together – Fall 2023

      Back to Exploration: Field Trips Kick off Again

      It has been a pleasure welcoming you and your students back to Greenacres. We have already hosted some wonderful groups this year and are looking forward to seeing many more of you. Space is still available, 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.
      yellow school bus in archway

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

      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 Lori Dorn: Educator and Site Supervisor at Greenacres Miami Township - Clermont County

      Greenacres has renamed our Water Quality Education Center to Greenacres Miami Township – Clermont County to better reflect the diverse programming offered at this facility. If you missed this update, you can learn more here. Our site supervisor, Lori Dorn, has been instrumental at this location for several years, helping it become a popular field trip destination for students and teachers alike. We asked Lori to share some insights about what she enjoys most about working here.

      Q: How long have you been an educator at Miami Township Clermont County?

      A: I began my career as a classroom teacher but working at Greenacres allows me to be outside and share my love of the natural world with students. I have been with Greenacres since 2016 when the Miami Township Clermont County building first opened its doors for programs.  I have watched the programs and attendance grow as the years go by.

      Q: What do you love about this education site?

      A: Part of what I love most about what happens here at Miami Township Clermont County is that as educators we have a hand in creating educational assets for programming.  We take our natural space and work to make education “wow” moments happen.

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

      A: We have access to two creeks as well as 70 acres of forested areas. We love to give students the opportunity to see nature up close, including macroinvertebrates in the water and animals and insects in the forest. My favorite part of teaching outdoors is taking a group who may be a bit hesitant about walking in the forest at first but then seeing them exploring and enjoying nature by the end of their time.

      Q: What are some of your favorite programs that are offered at Miami Township – Clermont County?

      A: I love rocks and the stories they tell us about our landscape.  Programs that relate to geology, fossils, and soil are some of my favorite programs because we can see many in the creeks and landscapes around our Miami Township site.

      Program Highlights

      Everyone has a favorite Greenacres’ field trip, but the opportunities for students to explore is truly broad. As the seasons change, so does our offering of educational adventures. Here are some of our top picks we enjoy in the fall.

      Grades K-3 – All About Birds

      • All About Birds – Birds are perhaps the easiest wildlife to observe. Birds have many unique adaptations, which allow them to be found in many different habitats. We will use our observation skills to find birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors as we hike around Greenacres.

        Grade 4 – Weathering and Erosion

        • Weathering and Erosion – In Ohio, our rivers and streams tell a story. Changes in the landscape are caused by weathering of rock and soil, and by transportation and deposition of sediments. Students will explore the process of erosion and look for signs of weathering here at Greenacres.

          Grades 4-8 – Maps and Topography

          • Maps and Topography – Maps come in all shapes and sizes and they are useful in many different ways. Students will explore how land surfaces are represented on different styles of flat and topographic maps as well as how different maps are used.

          Grades 9-12 – Water Quality

          • Water Quality The health of a stream can be assessed in several different ways.  Students will perform chemical, physical, and biological studies of a local Greenacres stream, and make conclusions about water quality and impacts of human activity on surface waters.
          24 Aug 2023

          A Small Producer’s How-to Guide to Animal Processing

          A Small Producer's How-To Guide to Animal Processing

          As a small scale farmer, you may want to incorporate animals into your operation to positively impact your soil health, and to provide additional revenue streams for your operation. But how do you go from having animals on your pasture to meat in your freezer? There are many points to consider, and with a little planning you can make the most of the benefits your animals can bring to your operation.

          What kind of processing do you need?

          One of the most important questions is: how are you planning to sell your finished meat? If you are planning to sell it in a retail setting, you will need to select a State or Federal (USDA) inspected processing facility. Federal inspection is required if you are selling the finished product across state lines (common if you are shipping meat to customers). If you are processing animals only for your own consumption, or plan to sell only to customers who will work with the butcher directly, you may instead choose a custom exempt processor.

          If you are processing animals for your own consumption only, on-farm slaughter could be an option for you. Consider buying a copy of Adam Danforth’s book Butchering, which provides very thorough step-by-step information. There may also be butchers in your area who will harvest animals on-site for you on a contract basis. Ask around at your local 4-H, extension office, butcher shops, or ask other local farmers to see if anyone nearby is offering this service.

          How to find processors in your area:

          Be sure you start your search early. While each processor has their own timeline, some slaughter appointments are commonly made a year in advance.

          Start with a Google search in your area. Another good resource is the FSIS Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory. You can use their search tools to locate butchers in your state/region that accept the species you are planning to harvest. Be sure to ask other producers in your area who is processing their animals – personal recommendations from other farmers can be the best place to start.

          How to choose a processor:

          Once you have identified some processing options, it’s time to follow up with each one to make sure you make informed decisions. Some things to consider:

          • Call and talk with someone at the facility. Building a personal relationship with your butcher is important.
          • Understand their fees, minimum requirements, and any other particulars.
          • Make sure they can provide the services you need – organic processing availability, label claims, retail labels with weights, etc. are different at each facility. Most processors will offer vacuum sealing, which will offer the longest shelf life while frozen (at least 1 year). Paper wrapping may also be available at a lower cost, but the product will need to be consumed more quickly to avoid freezer burn.
          • Value-added products, like ham, bacon, and sausages may help boost your total carcass value. You may want to purchase and sample some value-added products from the processor, in order to select what best suits the taste of your customers. Be sure to review ingredient lists to make sure they meet your expectations.
          • Make a facility visit ahead of time, and make sure their facility and dropoff site suits your needs and meets your standards. This is also a good time to meet their staff in person.
          • Consider travel time to their location and its related stress on your animals, and wear and tear on your equipment.
          • The processor may not accept appointments for all species at all times of year. Make sure to confirm that the harvest dates you have in mind align with their schedule.

          Deciding what cuts and products to order

          Before your drop-off date, the processor will have you fill out a form (known as a cut sheet or cutting instructions) to make sure your animals are cut to your preferences. The most important factor when filling out the cut sheet is: what do you/your customers want to eat? Are there seasonal or regional variables you should keep in mind? Are there less popular cuts you could have fabricated into more valuable items (like having chicken drumsticks made into sausages)? Make sure to work with your butcher when filling out the cut sheet, to make sure your requests are within their capability and to understand if any of your choices will incur additional fees.

          What equipment is needed to transport animals to a processor?

          It is very important to ensure the safety of yourself and your animals during transport. Transportation can be stressful on animals, so ensuring your equipment is properly selected and in good working order can help mitigate additional stress. Stressed animals can have a greater tendency to be injured during transport, which could lead to bruising or broken bones that can reduce carcass quality or could lead to an animal being condemned at the processor.

          Small animals like chickens and rabbits may be transported in crates made for that purpose. Large animals like sheep, hogs and cattle should be transported in a livestock trailer towed by a truck. Make sure your vehicle is capable of towing the total weight of your trailer with the animals inside.

          Picking up your finished product

          Work with your processor to schedule a pickup date and time. Keep in mind that value-added products might take longer to produce than your standard cuts. Ask how many/what size boxes to expect, and plan cargo space in your vehicle accordingly. If you are traveling a long distance, make a plan to keep the meat cold (insulated blankets, coolers, refrigerated truck or van, etc.).

          Storage post-harvest

          If you are selling directly to a customer in bulk, your customer may pick up the finished product from the butcher directly and you will not need to store the meat yourself. If you are planning to sell the product in bulk at a later date, or as individual retail cuts, you will pick up the meat from the butcher and then maintain it in your own cold storage.

          Acquire adequate frozen storage sized to meet your needs, such as chest/upright freezer(s), or a walk-in freezer with shelving. Consider a battery powered temperature alarm to make sure you don’t lose product in the event of an unexpected freezer failure or power outage – these alarms are often equipped with bluetooth alerts, which can be useful if your storage is in a less frequently visited location. Have a backup power plan (such as a generator) in the event of a power outage.

          Find a storage organization method that works for you. Keep an inventory list to make sure you know what you have available to sell, and the date the product entered your inventory. In general, it is best to sell vacuum sealed meats within a year of packaging.

          If you are selling meat to others, you may be subject to Health Department standards for inspection, safe storage and handling. Be sure to check with your local jurisdiction for accurate information in your area. In general, refrigerated meats must be kept below 40ºF and frozen meats must be kept frozen at or below 0ºF at all times. Raw poultry must be cooked or frozen within 9 days of slaughter (slaughter day is day 1). In general, other meats should be frozen with 10-14 days of packaging in order to maintain quality.

          Data collection post-harvest

          You may find it beneficial to track some data post-harvest, to better inform your management decisions in the future. Data you may consider tracking in a simple spreadsheet may include:

          • Animal weights pre-harvest (if available).
          • Animal hanging weights post-harvest.
          • Weights of the product received back from the butcher from each harvest. You can use this to calculate your total carcass yield. You can also decide what your profit margin needs to be, and work backward to determine your retail pricing per pound/cut/animal.
          • Your sales over time, in total and per cut. You may find it useful to track this information at different intervals for comparison, for instance each month, quarter and year. This data may help inform the way you fill out your cut sheets for future harvests, as you compare your sales vs. your inventory.

          There are many considerations to keep in mind when deciding how to harvest animals, which can be overwhelming at first. If you have questions that we haven’t addressed here, please reach out to mail@green-acres.org and we will do our best to help.

          17 Apr 2023
          vet tech students vaccination cattle in handling facility

          Livestock Vaccination

          Black angus cow with her calf and a flock of sheep, grazing through lush green pasture, surrounded by tall trees

          Our Livestock Vaccine Practices

          Vaccinations are an important part of the Herd Health Plan at Greenacres Foundation. Under guidance from our veterinarian, we use two vaccinations on our cattle and sheep every year to prevent diseases and ill health. Greenacres partners with the University of Cincinnati Veterinary Technician program by bringing Vet Tech students on-site to gain practical hands-on experience of vaccinating large animals.

          Our Director of Agriculture, Michael Cox tells us that, “the vaccines we use are either ‘killed’, meaning they contains an inactive or ‘killed’ version of the disease causing germ, or ‘modified live’ vaccines, which means they contain a viable virus that can replicate, but it’s attenuated and does not cause disease in the animal. We do not use any mRNA vaccines on our animals”.

          vet tech students vaccination cattle in handling facility

          “We do not use any mRNA vaccines on our animals.”
          Michael Cox, Director of Agriculture

          The diseases we protect our animals against are common across the US and many of the infectious bacteria/viruses are naturally found in soil and local wildlife populations. Vaccinations protect our animals from clostridia diseases, respiratory disease and reproductive disease. Clostridia diseases are harbored in soil, typically cause rapid death in unvaccinated animals and are untreatable. ‘Blackleg’ and ‘Pulpy Kidney’ are two common clostridia diseases.

          Respiratory diseases such as ‘IBR’ and reproductive disease such as ‘Leptospirosis’ cause lethargy, poor growth, lung damage, infertility and abortion in affected unvaccinated animals.

          By vaccinating our livestock we are able to provide a safe and nutritious product to our consumers and ensure our livestock can remain healthy and thrive on our pastures. If you have any questions or concerns about how we raise our animals we always welcome queries and are happy to share our generative practices. You can reach us at mail@green-acres.org