Category: News

17 Apr 2026
Featured, News, Research Cassidy Harvey 0 comment

Grounded: Student Filmmakers Explore Agriculture Through Collaboration with Greenacres

Grounded: Student Filmmakers Explore Agriculture Through Collaboration with Greenacres

Produced in partnership with Interlochen Arts Academy and Greenacres Foundation, Grounded highlights hands-on learning in agriculture, connecting students directly with working farms, research, and the broader systems that shape food and land stewardship.

From Idea to Completion: Greenacres and Interlochen’s Documentary Grounded

In 2022, Greenacres Foundation partnered with Interlochen Center for the Arts on an ambitious documentary project exploring regenerative agriculture and its connection to land, food systems, and human experience. What began as an idea between Interlochen Film & New Media leadership and Greenacres has now become a completed feature-length documentary titled Grounded.

The film, created by Interlochen Arts Academy students alongside faculty and guest artists, will premiere at the RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with additional screenings taking place on April 19 and April 23, 2026.

Greenacres as a Living Classroom

Greenacres was an active supporter of the project from the very beginning. With a focus on educating young people, encouraging future farmers, and building a deeper understanding of food systems, the foundation first pitched the idea of a film to Interlochen and ultimately funded the project.

Once production was underway, Greenacres welcomed student filmmakers and faculty onto its farms in Indiana and Ohio. There, students observed and documented agricultural practices while learning directly from Greenacres staff and researchers.

These visits gave students hands-on exposure to soil health, pasture management, livestock systems, and the broader ecological relationships that shape agricultural decision-making. For many, it was their first opportunity to engage with agriculture in a working research and education setting.

Greenacres staff also provided context on regenerative farming systems and the foundation’s ongoing work in education, conservation, and land stewardship, helping ground the film’s narrative in real-world practice.

A Collaboration Rooted in Learning

Throughout production, Grounded evolved into a student-led exploration of food systems, sustainability, and the complexities within agricultural language and practice. According to Interlochen, the project involved nearly 170 students, faculty, and guest artists over multiple years of production.

Co-director Claire Collins reflected on the meaning behind the film’s title, noting its layered significance:

“It uses the word ‘grounded’ to describe both the journey of teenagers as they are becoming young adults, as well as a deeper connection to the earth through soil regeneration.”

Director of Film & New Media Michael Mittelstaedt emphasized the importance of student-driven storytelling and lived experience in shaping the project:

“The film aspires to tell a human, accessible story that will emotionally connect with, inspire and educate audiences, empowering them with knowledge to act.”

The documentary reflects not only what students learned through research and interviews, but also what they discovered through direct experience on farms and in agricultural learning environments like Greenacres.

Looking Ahead

With production now complete, Grounded is beginning its festival run, with its world premiere at RiverRun International Film Festival in April 2026. Additional viewing opportunities, including local screenings, are expected later this year.

Greenacres is proud to have supported a project that connects students to working agricultural systems and encourages deeper understanding of where food comes from and how land is cared for over time.

More information about the film and screenings can be found here:

More information about the original announcement can be found here:
https://green-acres.org/arts-and-agriculture-in-new-documentary-film/

Stay tuned for future updates on additional viewing opportunities for Grounded later in the summer or fall of 2026.

About Interlochen Center for the Arts

The nonprofit Interlochen Center for the Arts is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and the only organization in the world that brings together a 3,000-student summer camp program; a 500-student fine arts boarding high school; opportunities for hundreds of adults to engage in fulfilling artistic and creative programs; two 24-hour listener-supported public radio services (classical music and news); more than 600 arts presentations annually by students, faculty and world-renowned guest artists; and a global alumni base spanning nine decades, including leaders in the arts and all other endeavors. For information, visit Interlochen online at www.interlochen.org.

About Greenacres Foundation

Greenacres Foundation is an Ohio-based nonprofit and underwriter of the project. The foundation’s work focuses on education, conservation and generative agriculture with an emphasis on encouraging appreciation of nature by providing the public, particularly children, opportunities to study plant and animal life in their natural settings. For more information, visit Greenacres online at www.green-acres.org.

20 Mar 2026
Featured, News Cassidy Harvey 0 comment

Around Greenacres – Winter 2026

Around Greenacres - Winter 2026

Winter Stewardship in Practice

Winter brings both challenge and opportunity in livestock care, requiring thoughtful management to ensure animals remain healthy, comfortable, and productive.

As temperatures drop, animals naturally require more energy to maintain body heat. Providing high-quality hay becomes essential, supporting increased forage intake during colder periods. A visible sign of this resilience can often be seen in a dusting of snow resting on a cow’s back, an indicator of effective insulation and overall health.

Protection from wind is equally important. Natural features such as tree lines and hills, along with built structures, provide shelter that reduces stress and conserves energy. At the same time, careful attention is given to balancing nutrition. Each batch of hay is tested to ensure proper levels of energy and protein, supporting digestion and overall herd health.

Water access remains one of the most complex winter challenges. With freezing temperatures limiting standard systems, the team adapts by filling multiple stock tanks and using strategies to keep water moving and accessible. Reliable hydration continues to be critical, even in the coldest conditions.

Winter management also extends to the land. Rotational grazing practices shift with the seasons to protect soil health. During muddy conditions, frequent movement prevents compaction, while frozen ground allows for longer stays in one area. Manure distribution during this time contributes nutrients back into the soil, supporting future pasture productivity.

Through careful attention to animals and the land, winter becomes a season that reflects Greenacres’ commitment to stewardship and long-term sustainability.

Exploring Heritage Breeds

In 2025, the Research and Livestock teams collaborated on a study exploring the role of heritage breeds in Greenacres’ livestock program.

While Berkshire pigs and Cornish Cross broiler chickens have been raised for their reliable production characteristics, the team sought to better understand how these breeds compare to heritage alternatives. The study evaluated four heritage broiler chicken breeds and five heritage pig breeds, tracking feed intake, measuring feed conversion efficiency, and conducting blind sensory evaluations with a Greenacres staff tasting panel.

The results offered valuable insights. Heritage broiler chickens required significantly more feed and, unexpectedly, were generally rated as less flavorful than Cornish Cross chickens. Among pig breeds, differences in flavor and efficiency were minimal across the groups studied.

These findings will help guide future decisions. In 2026, the Livestock team will continue raising Cornish Cross broilers while expanding their experience with Red Wattle cross pigs alongside Berkshire pigs. This work reflects an ongoing commitment to research-informed practices that balance productivity, quality, and sustainability.

An Evening of Music at the Arts Center

In January, Greenacres welcomed 60 guests to the Arts Center for an evening centered on music, history, and shared experience.

The Organ and the Opera featured the historic Aeolian Pipe Organ, installed in 1926, brought to life through a dynamic performance by Dr. Christopher Holman. The program included organ transcriptions of well-known operatic overtures by composers such as Mozart, Verdi, and Bizet. He was joined by soprano Cynthia Holman, whose expressive voice added depth and richness to the evening’s selections.

The performance concluded with a question-and-answer session, offering guests the opportunity to engage more deeply with the music, the artists, and the history of the instrument.

Attendees described the evening as joyful, engaging, and memorable, highlighting both the quality of the performance and the intimate setting of the Arts Center. The event reflected Greenacres’ ongoing commitment to connecting people with the arts in meaningful and accessible ways.

Additional Aeolian Pipe Organ programs are planned for later this fall, continuing this tradition of bringing music and history together in a shared space.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Place

This winter, the Buildings and Grounds team completed projects that highlight both functionality and a deep respect for materials sourced from the land.

At Nippert Barn, custom drying racks were constructed to support educational programming. Built from reclaimed Douglas fir that once served as floor joists in the barn, the wood was carefully milled and shaped into new forms. These racks will be integrated into one of our Farm to Market field trip programs, where students will learn how herbs and flowers are dried for use in wreaths and bouquets. A natural linseed oil and beeswax finish was applied to preserve the wood and extend its life.

At Spooky Hollow Farm, a handcrafted bird sanctuary was created to support local wildlife. The structure incorporates black locust harvested from Greenacres property, along with copper elements repurposed from the roof of the Nippert House. Through forging and careful shaping, these materials were transformed into a functional and visually striking habitat feature.

Together, these projects reflect a thoughtful approach to building, where reuse, craftsmanship, and purpose come together to support both education and the natural environment.

A Year of Growth, Connection, and Discovery

One year into programming at both Nippert Barn and Michaela Farm, the Education team has cultivated meaningful learning experiences rooted in agriculture, environment, and community.

At Nippert Barn, the team welcomed approximately 135 school field trips and Exploring with Grace programs, alongside Family Discovery Times, a family-style farm-to-table experience, and eight weeks of summer camp. These programs created opportunities for learners to engage directly with the rhythms of the farm, from exploring animal genetics to participating in hands-on market simulations.

Collaboration has been central to this work. A close partnership between Nippert Barn Education and the Farm Market team has allowed students to experience the farm as a connected system. Weekly coordination between Farm Market Manager Katie Albert and Site Supervisor Hanna Berwanger ensures programming remains dynamic and relevant. Students gain insight into real farm operations, from egg washing to product preparation, while staff across departments deepen their understanding of how education and agriculture intersect.

The team also strengthened partnerships with Cincinnati Public Schools’ Agricultural Pathways programs, designing curriculum-aligned experiences and custom programs that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

At Michaela Farm, Education programs reached over 2,200 students and 600 adults through 95 field trips and programs, along with four weeks of summer camp and continued participation in community events such as Holiday Under the Spires and Freudenfest.

The strength of Michaela Farm lies in its culture of collaboration. Education staff regularly work alongside garden, livestock, and Farm Market teams to create immersive, interdisciplinary experiences. Whether students are harvesting in the garden, collecting eggs, or learning about farm products, these interactions reflect a shared commitment to hands-on learning.

Partnerships with local schools, including Oldenburg Academy and Batesville School District, have created opportunities for repeat visits throughout the year. These ongoing relationships allow educators to build upon previous lessons and foster deeper connections with students over time. Participation in Batesville’s Bulldog Readiness Program has further expanded these relationships, connecting educators with teachers and increasing awareness of available learning opportunities.

Looking ahead, both sites are preparing for a vibrant summer season. Nippert Barn will host camps such as Fairytales at the Barn, Camp Green: Summertime Adventures, and Barn Breakout, while Michaela Farm will welcome back favorites like Fun on the Farm, Farm to Market, and introduce a new arts and agriculture hybrid camp. New field trip offerings, including animal tracking and expanded agriculture-based programming, will continue to grow the reach and impact of Education across Greenacres.

27 Feb 2026
Featured, Learn, News, Research Cassidy Harvey 0 comment

Statewide Quarantine Issued for Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

Statewide Quarantine Issued for Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

On February 17, 2026, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) issued a statewide quarantine for the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). As part of this quarantine, trees and nursery stock must be inspected for the insect before they are transported out of Ohio.

The spotted lanternfly was first documented in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has continued to spread across the eastern states. The insect was first detected in Ohio in 2020 and confirmed in Hamilton County in 2022. It is now considered fully established in the region.

Spotted lanternflies can spread easily because their egg masses are often laid on movable surfaces, including railroad cars, vehicles, and outdoor equipment. When these items are transported, the insects can be carried to new locations.

Because of their growing presence in the region, we expect to see more spotted lanternflies at Greenacres and throughout Indian Hill this coming summer.

What Can You Do

Residents can help reduce the spread of this invasive insect by learning to recognize and remove it at different stages of its life cycle.

      • Scrape and destroy egg masses found on trees, outdoor furniture, vehicles, or other surfaces

      • Squish nymphs or adult lanternflies when you see them

      • Check outdoor equipment and materials before moving them to another location

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is no longer asking residents to report sightings, as the insect is now established in the state.

Learn More

If you would like to learn how to identify spotted lanternflies and understand their impact on local ecosystems, visit these related Greenacres articles:

These resources provide additional information about identification, life stages, and the relationship between spotted lanternflies and the invasive Tree of Heaven, one of their preferred host plants.

20 Jan 2026
Featured, Learn, News Cassidy Harvey 0 comment

Growing the Future: Greenacres Apprentices Achieve State Certification

Growing the Future: Greenacres Apprentices Achieve State Certification

At Greenacres Foundation, education is rooted in the land, shaped by experience, and strengthened through community. This year marks a meaningful milestone in that work: our first cohort of apprentices has officially received State of Ohio apprenticeship certification, affirming both the depth of their training and the strength of Greenacres’ generative farming apprenticeship programs.

A Milestone for the Apprenticeship Program

Issued by the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, these Certificates of Completion recognize members of this cohort as journeypersons in their respective fields. Garden apprentices earned certification as Organic Vegetable Farm Managers, while a livestock apprentice earned certification as Farm Worker, General I.

For Greenacres, this certification strengthens the foundation of our apprenticeship program. It formally recognizes that the learning happening in our fields, barns, and classrooms meets rigorous state standards, while remaining deeply rooted in generative practices, mentorship, and place-based education.

For the apprentices, it validates two years of hard work and the confidence gained through real responsibility. As one garden apprentice reflected:

“Over the course of the two-year apprenticeship, I was immersed in low-till, market garden–style production in a more comprehensive and accessible way than I ever could have learned on the job or out of a book. What was even more valuable was the confidence I built in handling crops I had never grown before, all on my own.”

Hunter, Greenacres Garden Apprentice (Cohort 2024–2025)

Learning by Doing

Greenacres’ two-year Garden and Livestock apprenticeships are designed to be immersive, challenging, and supportive. Apprentices work full-time alongside experienced staff while also participating in classroom learning, field trips, and public education events.

Across both programs, apprentices are encouraged to build not only technical skills, but also strong communication, accountability, and decision-making abilities. One livestock apprentice shared:

“With my team by my side, I gained skills I didn’t even know I needed. I learned tactical skills like confidence with heavy equipment, animal handling, and grazing knowledge, but just as importantly, I developed soft skills like organization, communication, and personal accountability.”

Bethany, Greenacres Livestock Apprentice (Cohort 2024–2025)

That combination of hands-on learning and teamwork is intentional. Apprentices are invited into the full rhythm of the farm and trusted with meaningful responsibility early on.

Resilience, Adaptability, and Joy in the Work

This cohort of garden apprentices was the first to experience Greenacres’ formal classroom curriculum, and they helped shape the culture of the program in lasting ways. Their second year was marked by collaboration, humor, and resilience, even during one of the most challenging growing seasons our farm has seen.

Excess water, crop loss, and persistent weeds turned the field into a real-time lesson in adaptability. Rather than becoming discouraged, the apprentices embraced the experience as preparation for the realities of farming beyond Greenacres.

As one apprentice put it:

“It’s an incredibly formative experience to be encouraged to follow your ‘farmer gut,’ to make decisions in your own growing space, and learn from the outcomes. That trust builds real confidence.”

Julia, Greenacres Garden Apprentice (Cohort 2024–2025)

Growing with Intention and Impact

Second-year apprentices are given the opportunity to manage their own growing spaces, applying what they’ve learned while exploring individual interests within the broader mission of Greenacres.

One apprentice dedicated an entire growing season to donation, harvesting weekly with gleaners, volunteers who collect surplus produce for community food partners, and donated more than 1,200 pounds of produce in just five months. That experience required thoughtful planning, considering not only what to grow, but where it would go and who it would serve, reinforcing the idea that farming is about relationships as much as production.

Another apprentice grew a wide range of vegetables and flowers, including new flower varieties integrated into Greenacres’ bouquet production and custom greens mixes sold in the Farm Market. Their creativity and love of collaboration brought fresh life to market offerings and strengthened the team.

Reflecting on the experience, a garden apprentice shared:

“The production systems were an incredible place to start my journey as a grower, but what made the biggest difference was feeling empowered to explore what interested me and seeing real-world practices in action.”

Hunter, Greenacres Garden Apprentice (Cohort 2024–2025)

Preparing for What Comes Next

As the apprenticeship comes to a close, Greenacres staff work closely with apprentices to prepare them for what’s next, refining resumes, practicing interviews, and identifying future opportunities in agriculture.

Graduates of this cohort are moving into roles in greenhouse management and field leadership on organic vegetable farms, carrying forward both technical skills and the confidence to step into leadership.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without this program. The passion the Greenacres team brings to its work is contagious and makes it easy to fall in love with growing food.”

Hunter, Greenacres Garden Apprentice (Cohort 2024–2025)

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As an organization, we are incredibly proud of this first state-certified cohort. Their success affirms the care, collaboration, and intention behind the Greenacres Apprenticeship Program and strengthens its future for generations of learners to come.

This milestone expands professional opportunities for apprentices, reinforces Greenacres’ role as a leader in generative agricultural education, and honors the belief that meaningful learning happens through trust, mentorship, and shared work on the land.

We look forward to welcoming future cohorts into a program that continues to grow, rooted in community, guided by experience, and now recognized at the state level for the excellence it cultivates.

Interested in Joining a Future Cohort?

Each year, Greenacres welcomes new apprentices into our Garden and Livestock programs. Garden Apprentice applications open each December, with the two-year, full-time paid apprenticeship beginning the following spring.

Livestock Apprentice applications will open on a future date to be determined, as we continue redeveloping and strengthening the livestock curriculum to best serve future apprentices and the evolving needs of our farms.

To learn more about the programs, expectations, and application process, visit:

If you feel called to work with the land, grow food for your community, and be part of a learning-driven, mission-centered farm, we invite you to explore whether Greenacres is the right place to begin.

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