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.

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.

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.

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 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.