Category: News

20 Jun 2025

Around Greenacres – Spring 2025

Around Greenacres - Spring 2025

A Strong Season for Our Flock

Spring has brought exciting news from our pastures—this year’s lambing season was one of our most successful to date. With a lambing rate of over 200%, our ewes (adult female sheep) averaged two lambs each, far exceeding the national average of 107%. This strong performance highlights the health of our flock and the success of our rotational grazing and breeding programs.

Our sheep are managed on pasture year-round and serve an essential role in our multi-species grazing system. They are typically rotated alongside our cattle, supporting soil health and pasture diversity by grazing a different mix of plants. This integrated approach not only improves pasture performance but also naturally reduces parasite loads, benefiting the health of both species.

You may also spot our flock in the Ley Field cover crops, where their weight makes them an ideal fit for grazing sensitive soils. Unlike cattle, sheep exert less pressure on the ground, minimizing the risk of soil compaction while still contributing to the breakdown of cover crops and the cycling of nutrients back into the soil.

As always, our management practices focus on the health of the animals, the land, and the long-term sustainability of our farms. With the success of this lambing season and continued thoughtful grazing, we’re optimistic about the months ahead.

Monitoring Wetlands for Wildlife and Water Quality

At Greenacres, our commitment to conservation includes the protection and restoration of imperiled ecosystems—like wetlands. Over the years, we’ve constructed several wetlands on our property with two primary goals in mind: creating vital habitat for native wildlife and improving the quality of water leaving our land.

These constructed wetlands are designed as a series of connected pools that mimic natural wetland function. Water flows gradually from one pool to the next through spillways, allowing suspended sediments to settle and excess nutrients to be absorbed by wetland vegetation. By the time water reaches the final pool and returns to the stream, it is significantly cleaner—benefiting ecosystems at Greenacres and beyond.

To ensure these wetlands are working as intended, our research team collects water samples each spring. We measure indicators like pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, nitrogen, and phosphorus at both the first and last pools to track changes in water quality. Additionally, we survey for macroinvertebrates—small aquatic creatures like insect larvae—that serve as indicators of wetland health. Some species are highly sensitive to pollution, so their presence is a positive sign that our wetlands are functioning well.

This ongoing monitoring not only informs our management practices but also contributes to broader conservation efforts. By stewarding healthy wetlands, we support biodiversity, reduce nutrient pollution, and demonstrate how land stewardship can have positive ripple effects downstream.

Growing Under Cover: High Tunnels Expand Garden Production

This spring, the Garden Department made an exciting addition to our growing infrastructure by installing three 20×100-foot high tunnels on the Indian Hill campus. These metal-framed structures, covered with a protective plastic skin, help us extend our growing season and improve the quality and reliability of our crops. Outfitted with automated ventilation systems, the tunnels give us greater control over temperature, airflow, and moisture—key factors in sustainable, chemical-free growing.

Right now, one of our new tunnels is full of summer’s most anticipated crop: tomatoes. A staple of the season, tomatoes thrive in the warm, protected environment the tunnels provide. This early boost in growing conditions allows us to get tomatoes into the Farm Market sooner than ever. Plus, by eliminating rain exposure and using drip irrigation, we greatly reduce the risk of diseases typically spread by wet foliage and splashing soil—no synthetic chemicals needed.

The high tunnels will continue to play a major role as the seasons change. This winter, we’ll showcase how these structures help us grow cool-season crops, providing fresh, local produce even in the coldest months.

Be sure to stop by the Farm Market soon—our first tunnel-grown tomatoes of the season will be arriving before you know it!

Spring Touch-Ups and Thoughtful Improvements

From thoughtful restoration to creative reuse, the Buildings and Grounds team has been busy making Greenacres shine this spring.

At one of our barns, new shelving was built to help the livestock team stay organized and ready for daily animal care. These sturdy shelves were made from repurposed fencing, giving old materials new life while keeping sustainability at the heart of our work.

Over at the Arts Center, the team worked hard to refresh the landscaping, making sure everything looks its best for a busy season of spring and summer events. Their attention to detail ensures a welcoming and beautiful space for all our visitors. View upcoming events here.

To help establish the new garden at Nippert Barn, we’ve installed custom gates and fencing to help keep curious deer at bay. Look closely and you’ll spot a charming detail—a section of the original iron fence incorporated into the design, tying the past into the present.

And finally, one of the most exciting spring updates: the completion of our newest wetland near Nippert Barn! This project will enhance wildlife habitat and water quality, and we’re eager to watch it come to life as native plants bloom and birds and pollinators move in.

Leaders in Training: Empowering the Next Generation

Greenacres is proud to welcome a record-breaking 42 Leaders in Training (LITs) to our 2025 summer camps! Designed for high school students ages 14–17, the LIT program offers teens a unique opportunity to volunteer, gain hands-on experience, and receive mentorship from our dedicated educators.

This year, LITs will serve across all nine Greenacres camp sites, including our newest locations: Nippert Barn and Michaela Farm. Each participant commits to two weeks of service, supporting day-to-day camp activities while bringing energy, curiosity, and leadership to every corner of Greenacres.

LITs will also set personal leadership goals and develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals tailored to each site they serve, helping guide their personal and professional growth throughout the summer.

We’re inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment of these young leaders as they engage with nature, build essential skills, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

A Spring Season of Service and Stewardship

The Equine Center had a vibrant and productive spring thanks to the energy and dedication of visiting student groups who joined us in service projects across the property. Their efforts not only supported our daily operations but also deepened their connection to nature and land stewardship.

We welcomed 75 middle schoolers from Clark Montessori over the course of three days. These students rolled up their sleeves to take down, clean, repaint, and reinstall bird boxes throughout the gardens and along the 8400 Blome Road driveway—giving important nesting habitat a fresh start for the season.

Fifth graders from Deer Park spent the day learning about pasture management by measuring and marking the temporary fencing lines we use for rotational grazing. It was a hands-on lesson in sustainable livestock care.

Roger Bacon High School brought nearly 70 students to our South Farm, where they tackled a variety of projects. They pitched in with garden tasks, cleaned and organized equipment in the equine classroom, and even constructed a new stump circle near the jump field pasture—providing a welcoming gathering space for future visiting groups.

We also enjoyed hosting the Indian Hill High School Leadership group, who visited four times this spring. Their visits were a blend of fun and service—they played a round of Greenacres Jeopardy to learn more about our work, painted bird boxes, and helped pack up recycling.

Spending time with these hardworking students was a true highlight of our spring. Their willingness to learn and contribute was inspiring, and we’re grateful for the many ways they supported our team and mission.

03 Jun 2025

From Cincinnati to Classrooms Nationwide: EcoVillage STEM Program Inspires Students to Build Their Own Communities

EcoVillage STEM Program - Exploration

From Cincinnati to Classrooms Nationwide: EcoVillage STEM Program Inspires Students to Build Their Own Communities

Indian Hill, OH – Greenacres Foundation, JASON Learning, and Indian Hill Exempted Village School District are proud to announce the national digital launch of EcoVillage, a free, hands-on STEM curriculum available to educators nationwide through JASON Learning’s digital platform on June 30, 2025.

What started as a community favorite in-person field trip at Greenacres Foundation has now evolved into a dynamic, nationally accessible program that empowers educators to bring hands-on, project-based learning to life in their own classrooms. Designed for grades 3–5, EcoVillage provides the tools and guidance for teachers to help students imagine, design, and build sustainable communities.

Expanding a Beloved Field Trip into a National Learning Experience

For more than 35 years, Greenacres Foundation has delivered immersive, place-based education through hands-on experiences on the farm, in the arts, and in natural spaces. EcoVillage grew out of this mission, originally as an in-person field trip designed to help students explore the connection between community, economy, and environment.

Now, through a partnership with JASON Learning, a nonprofit that provides high-quality, STEM-focused curricula and learning experiences, EcoVillage is available as a free digital resource that helps educators bring this experience to life in their own classrooms. Supported by JASON’s innovative STEM platform, the curriculum equips teachers to guide students through designing their own sustainable communities, encouraging them to think like civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and environmental stewards.

EcoVillage STEM Program Header

What is EcoVillage?

EcoVillage is an interactive, project-based STEM curriculum for grades 3–5 that blends environmental science, social studies, and design thinking. With a focus on outdoor exploration and collaborative problem-solving, students learn by doing; building critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills in a real-world context.

The program includes three hands-on missions:

    EcoVillage STEM Program inspires students to lead sustainable projects

    Community Rooted in Imagination

    Students explore natural resources, goods and services, and the identity of a community through scavenger hunts, mapping exercises, and discussions.

      Students explore real-world solutions through the EcoVillage STEM Program

      Grow Your Budding Community

      Students learn about local government, vote on laws, develop business and marketing plans, and practice civic engagement.

        Hands-on sustainability learning in the EcoVillage STEM Program

        Nurture Your Blossoming Community

        Students prepare for a “grand opening” that showcases their community’s systems, businesses, and culture. Through feedback and reflection, they explore what worked, what didn’t, and how real-world communities evolve.

          Through these experiences, students build critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a real-world context.

          Mary Gordon, Site Supervisor, Education Program Coordinator and EcoVillage Creator at Greenacres Foundation, said:

          “Developing this program began when my sister and I observed our students interact by exchanging goods and services using natural objects. From there, we realized we could turn this natural behavior into a whole curriculum for students to learn, lead, and grow.”

          A Shared Commitment to Accessible, High-Quality Learning

          EcoVillage is hosted free of charge on JASON Learning’s platform, complete with digital materials, printable resources, and optional professional development for educators.

          Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President and CEO of JASON Learning, added:

          “We’re proud to partner with Greenacres Foundation and Indian Hill School District to deliver an interdisciplinary STEM curriculum that inspires students’ love of nature and nurtures their leadership skills as they design sustainable communities and businesses.”

          EcoVillage STEM Program - Brainstorming

          A Local Pilot with National Impact

          Indian Hill Exempted Village School District played a key role in piloting the digital version of EcoVillage. The district integrated the program into its curriculum as part of its #IHPromise initiative—committed to developing leadership, curiosity, and critical thinking in every student.

          Scott Wingate, Chief Program Officer at Greenacres Foundation, emphasized:

          “At Greenacres, classroom concepts come to life when we combine hands-on, authentic experiences with our innovative educators, curious students, and community partners like Indian Hill School District! We encourage educators nationwide to implement EcoVillage and create transformative learning opportunities for their students.”

          Indian Hill continues to expand student access to JASON’s broader catalog of inquiry-based STEM resources—connecting students with real-world careers and industry experts.

          Where to Find the Program

          EcoVillage will be available at no cost to educators nationwide on June 30, 2025.

          ➡️ Learn more about the EcoVillage program on JASON Learning

          About the Partners

          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.

          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.”

          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.

          EcoVillage STEM Program Footer
          24 Apr 2025

          Shedding Light on the Forest: How Data is Guiding Our Work at Greenacres Lewis Township

          Shedding Light on the Forest: How Data is Guiding Our Work at Greenacres Lewis Township

          It’s difficult to care for something you don’t fully understand. Managing land without information is like navigating in the dark—each step uncertain. At Greenacres, we believe in beginning with knowledge. That’s why we use data to guide our decisions, helping us understand where we are and where we need to go.

          Recently, one of our largest efforts has focused on the forests at Lewis Township in Brown County, Ohio. Together, our Land Management and Research departments have been developing a long-term land management plan to protect and restore this unique landscape. The plan identifies current conditions, potential threats, and a roadmap for improving the health of the ecosystems found there.

          Why a Tree Inventory?

          Roughly two-thirds of the Lewis Township property—about 350 acres—is forested. Until recently, this area was largely unexplored by our staff. We lacked key information about the trees growing there, such as what species were present, how big they were, and how densely they were growing. Since trees are the foundation of any forest ecosystem, this information is essential to managing the land responsibly.

          To close that knowledge gap, we conducted a comprehensive tree inventory. It was a big job: nearly 3,000 trees were measured and identified, representing 41 different species. The results are helping us better understand the forest and plan for its future.

          What We Measured—and Why

          Our inventory focused on four important aspects of forest health:

              • Native Species Diversity: A variety of native tree species helps support more wildlife and makes the forest more resilient to stress.

           

              • Species Quality: Some trees play a bigger role in conservation due to their value to wildlife or their sensitivity to environmental change.

           

              • Size Complexity: Forests with trees of all sizes—from saplings to giants—are better at supporting different types of wildlife and indicate that the forest is naturally regenerating.

           

              • Basal Area: This measures how dense the forest is by calculating the total area of tree trunks at chest height per acre. Higher values usually mean a darker, cooler, and more mature forest.

          We combined these four measurements into what we call a Forest Quality Score. This score helps us identify the highest-quality areas of the forest—those that will likely become a focus for conservation and careful management.

          What We Learned

          Two major insights came from this project:

              1. Forest Uniformity: Much of the forest has a similar density—about 100 square feet of tree trunk per acre. That’s common in forests that regrew after logging in the mid-1900s. These forests have closed canopies, little sunlight reaching the forest floor, and limited plant diversity in the understory. While mature forests are important, having the entire landscape look the same limits the variety of habitats available to wildlife. That’s why we’re considering creating more open areas, like woodlands and savannas, which historically occurred through natural disturbances and support different plant and animal species.

              2. The Future of Oaks: Oaks are a keystone species in many eastern U.S. forests, and they’re abundant at Lewis Township. But their future is uncertain. Oak seedlings need sunlight to grow, and in these dense forests, they’re losing ground to shade-tolerant species like maples. Our inventory did uncover several areas where oaks are thriving and regenerating naturally. These zones could become priority areas for management efforts to support oak populations and ensure their long-term survival.

          Moving Forward

          Now that we have a clearer picture of the forest, we can move forward with confidence. This tree inventory gives us the tools we need to make informed decisions, protect what’s thriving, and restore what’s not. It’s a major step toward building a healthier, more resilient landscape at Lewis Township—one that supports diverse wildlife, strong native plant communities, and the long-term ecological sustainability that Greenacres is committed to.

          07 Apr 2025

          Flourishing Arts & Environment Education at Greenacres Lewis Township

          Flourishing Arts & Environment Education at Greenacres Lewis Township

          Greenacres Lewis Township is growing! We’re on track to welcome over 2,800 learners in 2025, marking a significant milestone in our mission to provide high-quality environment and arts education to the community. Through new school and community partnerships, expanded programming, and enhanced arts initiatives, we’re creating meaningful learning experiences that engage students and support educators.

          New Programs: The Arts Take Center Stage

          This year, we introduced Arts-only as well as hybrid Environment Education + Arts programs, thoughtfully designed to meet Ohio State Standards across Fine Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Social-Emotional Learning. These programs offer students hands-on, immersive arts experiences that encourage creativity and a deeper connection to the world around them.

          Our Arts Education team, based at our Cincinnati campus, has been instrumental in shaping these programs. Sophie Kussman, a dedicated Arts Educator, has led the expansion, bringing her passion for visual and performing arts to Lewis Township. Programs like Art for the Heart—which blends art, music, and mindful movement—are already making an impact, supporting students’ emotional well-being and artistic expression.

          Expanding Access: More Schools, More Learners

          We are excited to welcome an increasing number of schools and organizations to Greenacres Lewis Township, providing more students with the opportunity to experience hands-on, outdoor learning in a meaningful way. Schools from Brown, Clermont, Adams, and Clinton counties continue to join us for field trips, summer camps, and special programs, with even more schools already scheduled for the upcoming year. As we grow, so do the opportunities for students to connect with nature and the arts, engage in meaningful learning experiences, and explore the world around them.

          Growing Partnerships, Expanding Opportunities at Greenacres Lewis Township

          At Greenacres Lewis Township, we are proud to welcome more schools, homeschool groups, and young leaders into our growing community of learners. Our commitment to hands-on, immersive education continues to resonate with educators, students, and families alike.

          ✅ New & Returning School Partnerships
          Our reach is expanding, with both returning schools and new partnerships joining us for unforgettable nature-based and arts-integrated learning experiences:

              • Felicity K-8 has committed to the 2025-2026 school year, with most grades visiting twice for even more in-depth learning.

           

              • Hill Intermediate (Bethel-Tate District) has made our 4th-grade fossil program a tradition since 2019—a testament to the lasting impact of our field trips.

           

              • Mt. Orab Elementary & Middle sent multiple grades this year, with exciting plans to expand their participation.

           

              • St. Michael School in Ripley joined us for the first time and is already planning to bring students from K-8 next year—a growing partnership we’re thrilled to cultivate.

          ✅ Growing Interest in Homeschool Programs
          Due to increased demand, we’ve added a second homeschool group to our field trip roster, ensuring more families have access to engaging, nature-based education in a dynamic, hands-on setting.

          ✅ Leaders in Training (LITs) – A New Summer Opportunity for Teens
          We’re excited to introduce our Leaders in Training (LITs) program, offering volunteer leadership opportunities for 14-17-year-olds at our summer camps. This initiative provides teens with the chance to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience working with younger campers, and build confidence in an outdoor learning environment. Learn more and apply today: Leaders in Training Program

          As our Lewis Township Education Center continues to grow, we invite even more schools and students to join us. With a capacity of 5,500 learners in 2025, there’s still room for your class to explore, learn, and connect with nature and the arts. Schedule a field trip today!

          STEAM Partnerships: Strengthening Our Community

          Greenacres continues to collaborate with Brown County ESC to support local educators and students through STEAM (Strategies To Engage All Minds) initiatives. This year, we plan to participate in:

              • Little State STEAM, an exposure event for middle schoolers.
              • STEAMology, a two-week summer professional development opportunity for teachers.

          Our presence at community events has also expanded, including participation at Georgetown Elementary, Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington Elementary, Eastern High School, and Hamersville Elementary-Middle School. We’re committed to enriching education in our community and providing teachers with valuable resources and experiences.

          This chart represents Total Attendance at Greenacres Lewis Township (2019-2025), with a 2025 capacity of 5,500 learners. We have more room for your school or class to explore and learn with us—schedule a field trip today!
          This chart represents Total Attendance at Greenacres Lewis Township (2019-2025), with a 2025 capacity of 5,500 learners. We have more room for your school or class to explore and learn with us—schedule a field trip today!

          Why Educators Love Greenacres

          Teachers and administrators continue to choose Greenacres for field trips because of our engaging programs, alignment with classroom curriculum, and accessibility. Here’s what they’re saying:

              • “Being in Brown County, attending field trips in Cincinnati can be a challenge due to time restraints. Having the Lewis Township location makes the bus ride much shorter. I also enjoy that our school is the only school there! The students received lots of small group attention. The trip was well-organized, and the staff was very knowledgeable. Financially, this trip is wonderful, too—we did not have to worry about any students who couldn’t pay a fee to attend. Thank you for providing this great experience close to us!”
                — Mt. Orab Elementary School

           

              • “We came because we were looking for a new field trip experience. Many of our students are low-income, so the fact that they did not have to pay an entrance fee was appealing. Also, we were so thankful to receive a grant that covered our bussing. I was referred by a parent who attended a field trip as a chaperone last school year. We will definitely be returning next school year!”
                — Mt. Orab Elementary School

           

              • “We love Greenacres across the board. I love that I can find excellent enrichment content so close to the school and that we can detail our goals/objectives for the trip, and the Greenacres team delivers.”
                — Western Brown – Hamersville School

           

              • “Greenacres is close to our school, is free, provides the standards we are covering, and offers an amazing topic to interest kids in learning (maple syrup).”
                — Georgetown Elementary School

           

              • “It was local and affordable for our school, making the field trip possible. Many students don’t get outdoors and get to see a lot of things in nature!”
                — Western Brown Local School

           

              • “We bring our students to Greenacres to get the outside learning experience, hands-on activities, and multiple ways of learning.”
                — Western Brown Gifted Trip 1

          Join Us—There’s Room for More!

          As we continue to grow, we’re excited to welcome even more schools, students, and community members to Greenacres Lewis Township. Whether you’re looking for a field trip that supports your curriculum, a summer camp that immerses campers in nature and the arts, or professional development opportunities for educators, we have something for you!

          📅 Now registering for summer camp and the 2025-2026 school year!
          📍 Want to schedule a field trip? We have space available! Sign up today and bring your students for an unforgettable hands-on learning experience.

          ➡️ Schedule Your Field Trip Today