Category: News

8th Grade: Pythagorean Theorem

Our 8th-grade program debuted with activities highlighting the Pythagorean theorem. Students measured horse conformation points, calculated 2D and 3D jump measurements, and determined jump-field distances to see the theorem in action.

We’ve had a wonderful time blending math and equine education and are already brainstorming more creative activities for next year. Sharing the joy of learning math through the world of horses has been an incredible experience.

Did you know that each eastern box turtle has a unique shell pattern, much like a fingerprint? This fascinating feature is the cornerstone of Greenacres’ Box Turtle Tracking Program, which has been helping us better understand the behavior and range of our resident turtles since 2019.

The program relies entirely on chance encounters by Greenacres employees. When a box turtle is spotted, the employee photographs the carapace and plastron (the top and bottom shell) and records the turtle’s GPS location. This data, or “capture,” is added to a database where the shell patterns are compared to determine if the turtle has been previously documented. If a match is found, the turtle is considered a “recapture,” and its new GPS location is added to track its movements.

As of the end of the 2024 season, the program has documented 140 unique turtles across all Greenacres sites, with 25 recaptures. Impressively, 29 employees from departments such as Education, Research, Livestock, and Buildings and Grounds have contributed to this project, showcasing the cross-departmental collaboration that Greenacres values.

The program has also inspired a hands-on curriculum for students. Activities like “Bowl Turtle Tracking” give students a chance to simulate the tracking process. They design and hide their own “bowl turtles,” recording captures and recaptures and even mapping their movements during extended activities like summer camps.

Tracking eastern box turtles has been a rewarding journey for employees and students alike, offering unique insights into the lives of these elusive creatures. By combining conservation and education, the program has deepened our connection to the land and its hidden inhabitants while fostering a sense of stewardship in all who participate.

Dung beetles tunnel into the soil and take dung with them to provision their nests, thereby relocating carbon, nitrogen, and other nutrients deeper into the soil. These tunnels also improve other aspects of soil health, such as increased air and water flow within the soil and reduced compaction. Dung beetles support our cattle’s health too. Dung beetles are a direct habitat competitor with some flies, a major pest of our cattle. The faster dung is recycled, the less time and space these flies have to breed, and the happier our cattle.

This fall, the Livestock department took an innovative approach to natural fly control by preparing bird boxes for installation across the farm. These boxes, built by students at the Diamond Oaks Career Development Center and the Indian Hill school leadership class, were crafted to attract tree swallows and bluebirds—two bird species known for their incredible ability to consume flies. Each bird could eat up to 8,000 flies, providing a natural solution to reduce fly pressure on our animals while enhancing their overall comfort and health.

The culinary class from Oldenburg Academy recently visited Michaela Farm to enhance their learning experience. During their first visit, the Greenacres education and livestock teams guided students in exploring egg production and the care of laying hens. The students engaged in hands-on activities including collecting, washing, and packaging eggs, and gained insight into industry terms such as “Free Range,” “Cage-Free,” and “Pasture-Raised.”

Dried Floral Wreaths

Available now in the Farm Market, our dried floral wreaths are a seasonal favorite. Carefully handcrafted from flowers grown and preserved on the farm, these wreaths are perfect as a holiday decoration or a thoughtful gift. Supplies are limited, so don’t wait to grab yours!

The Garden department continues to innovate and inspire through sustainable practices, educational opportunities, and offerings that celebrate the beauty of the fall season.