12 Dec 2023
Learn Leonore Salvado 0 comment

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 Tracking – This 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.
      12 Dec 2023
      Featured, News Leonore Salvado 0 comment

      Around Greenacres – Fall 2023

      Yellow, orange, and red Fall maple foliage

      Around Greenacres - Fall 2023

      Artists Weekend at Arts Center

      In November, we welcomed 25 local artists for our inaugural Artist Weekend. The new three-day event was jam-packed with arts engagement, presentations by select attendees, relaxing hikes, and precious time to create art on the breathtaking Arts Center grounds.

      Artist Leslie Durham working in plein air for the first time during the Artist Weekend.

      The Arts Team built the structure for the weekend, and the artists brought the concept to life. We have received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. One attendee mentioned, “I have had writer’s block for six months until this weekend. I now have a new story–beginning, middle, and end.” Another artist commented, “Thank you so much for this beautiful weekend. It meant so much to me and I will hold the memories and experience so dearly. I still feel so honored to be allowed into that space.” The Greenacres team is excited about this new chapter of creativity, community-building, and growth and looks forward to hosting more events like this soon.

      “I have had writer’s block for six months until this weekend. I now have a new story–beginning, middle, and end.”

      “Thank you so much for this beautiful weekend. It meant so much to me and I will hold the memories and experience so dearly. I still feel so honored to be allowed into that space.”

      Greenacres Artist Weekend Attendees

      Growing our Apprentice Program

      To help young farmers learn about regenerative farming systems and experience the practices first-hand, Greenacres has been offering two-year apprenticeships in both Gardens and Livestock. This year, as our program continues to grow, we’re improving our curriculum. With teaching methods intended to foster passion, curiosity, and exploration, we are helping develop well-rounded, confident farmers. Through intentional classroom time, informative field trips, and leadership opportunities, we aim to prepare young farmers to jump-start their careers in the regenerative farming world!

      Click here to learn more about our garden apprenticeship, and click here to learn more about our livestock apprenticeship. We are currently accepting applications for both programs; if you know anyone interested, please encourage them to apply here!

      Sheep at Michaela Farm

      Our growing sheep flock at Michaela Farm plays an important role in improving our soil health while bringing valuable lessons to our apprentices. Recently, our livestock team acquired 35 Katahdin ewes and a Dorper ram for our Indiana farm. These chunky breeds are ideal for high-quality lamb which we’re looking forward to providing in our Indian Hill Farmstore. 

      Pastured Katahdin sheep at Michaela Farm in Oldenburg, IN

      We have three properties at which livestock is raised: Indian Hill, Lewis Township, and Michaela Farm. Each of these properties has slightly different pastures and comes with its own set of challenges. Whether we’re dealing with increased predation or difficult terrain, allowing our apprentices to experience production at each site gives them a better understanding of the issues they may face on other farms.

      Native Perennials at the Arts Center

      We are transitioning the Arts Center gardens from annuals to perennials to help our move towards more sustainable systems. This shift aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility and carries a host of benefits. Because this venue is also one of Ohio’s most sought-after wedding venues in addition to the educational programming it supports, we are working on blending aesthetics while remaining environmentally conscious.

      Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Perennial plants have a longer life cycle than annuals, reducing the need for frequent replanting. This shift aligns with Greenacres’ commitment to sustainable practices by minimizing the environmental impact of traditional annual plantings. Perennials require less water, fertilizer, and overall maintenance, contributing to an eco-friendlier and resource-efficient landscape.

      Biodiversity and Ecosystem Support: Perennials play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems by providing habitats for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The extended lifespan of perennial plants allows for establishing more stable and diverse ecosystems within the Greenacres grounds. This enhances the landscape’s beauty and promotes a healthier and more balanced local environment.

      Potted perennial plants reading to for planting, sitting behind the Arts Center

      Cost-Efficiency and Long-Term Investment: While the initial investment in perennial plants might be higher than annuals, the long-term cost savings are substantial. Perennials require less frequent replacement, reducing the overall maintenance costs associated with landscaping. This shift is a testament to Greenacres’ commitment to responsible stewardship, emphasizing the long-term benefits of investing in perennial flora.

      Aesthetic Appeal and Seasonal Variety: Contrary to the misconception that perennial landscapes lack variety, these plants offer a diverse range of shapes, colors, and bloom times. Greenacres can maintain its aesthetic appeal while enjoying the added benefit of year-round visual interest. The Arts Center’s picturesque surroundings will evolve with the changing seasons, providing visitors and event attendees with a dynamic and engaging experience.

      Greenacres’ decision to switch from annual plantings to perennial plants represents a commendable step towards sustainable land management. The numerous benefits, ranging from environmental conservation to long-term cost savings, make this shift not only responsible but also forward-thinking. As the Arts Center continues to be a beacon of education and a coveted wedding venue, the perennial landscape serves as a testament to Greenacres’ dedication to creating a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural world.

      100 Years in the Making: The Greenacres Arts Center

      This past October, we celebrated 100 years of history at the Greenacres Arts Center. We hosted visitors in an open house-style event which included a self-guided tour of the facility, along with light appetizers and cocktails. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the craftsmanship, design principles, and innovative techniques that forged the iconic Cincinnati mansion. Informational placards were placed throughout the property to give guests an insight into the original construction methods as well as highlight the attention to detail involved in the remodeling. From the original Fleischmann Estate to Louis and Louise Nippert’s purchase and the creation of the Greenacres Arts Center we know and love today, the building’s history has turned it into a magnificent piece of our city’s heritage.

      Arts Center courtyard with poster

      Metabolomics Study: Preliminary Data with Dr. van Vliet

      In 2022, Greenacres introduced a unique research collaboration with Dr. Stephan van Vliet and Utah State University (USU). You can learn more about this project here. The research aims to study the connection between agricultural practices and human health using the science of metabolomics, which is the study of metabolites (small molecules such as organic acids, secondary compounds, vitamins, etc).

      We are currently wrapping up the second (and final) year of the clinical trial, where study participants are undergoing dietary changes for 14 weeks. For 7 weeks the participants ate a diet of foods produced in an agroecological manner (e.g., pasture-based meats, eggs, and dairy, generative no-till vegetables) with the vast majority of those foods being raised at Greenacres. After a 2-week “washout period” (i.e. going back to their traditional “Western” diet), the participants wrap up the remaining 7 weeks by switching to a comparable whole foods diet as before, only this time the ingredients are grown using conventional practices (e.g., commodity feedlot raised meats, conventional eggs, dairy, vegetables and greens).

      In October 2023, Dr. van Vliet visited Greenacres to report preliminary data from year one of the study. To reiterate, these were all preliminary data. The USU research team still has a lot of data to analyze prior to making any conclusions, however, the initial results showed some promising insights. Perhaps most importantly, irrespective of production practices, switching to a whole foods diet consisting of fresh meats, vegetables, grains, and dairy products has a beneficial effect on human health markers, including a 40% reduction in triglyceride levels. This is important because both diets were high in meat intake, often above the level that the participants reported as part of their normal diet. Also, the intent was for the participants to maintain their pre-study weight; however, participants on average lost weight. In addition to the improved health markers, there was also evidence to suggest that many of the agro-ecologically raised products displayed higher levels of metabolites, specifically several secondary compounds that are produced by plants and then found in pasture-raised meat products.

      Dr. Stephen van Vliet presenting preliminary metabolomics data with slideshow

      “It appears that just switching to a whole foods diet and minimizing intake of ultra-processed foods can get you 80% of the way to improving your health. The question is, can the increased presence of metabolites found in the agro-ecologically raised products have any impact on the additional 20%?”

      Dr. Stephen Van Vliet

      Based on our initial results, Dr. van Vliet stated, “It appears that just switching to a whole foods diet and minimizing intake of ultra-processed foods can get you 80% of the way to improving your health. The question is, can the increased presence of metabolites found in the agro-ecologically raised products have any impact on the additional 20%?”. Our research team hopes that once all of our samples (soil, plant, animal, and human) have been analyzed we are closer to helping answer this question.  

      21 Nov 2023
      Uncategorized Peter Wheeler 0 comment

      Land Use Request Form

      Land Use Request Form

      Greenacres Foundation (GAF) has extensive woodlands and agricultural land which may be of interest to researchers. Projects must be directed through a charitable avenue (e.g. a non-profit entity such as a university or 501c3). Researchers applying for GAF grants and researchers looking for field locations for their own research can request to use Greenacres properties. All requests will need the approval of the Greenacres Leadership Team. Guidelines for using GAF property will be dependent on the location and nature of the request and will be determined on a case by case basis. Greenacres is a working farm and educational site and there may be periodic limitations to accessing the land. Researchers must communicate with GAF regarding planned visits and what work is taking place each visit.

      15 Nov 2023
      Uncategorized Peter Wheeler 0 comment

      2024 Turkey Pickup Time

      2024 Turkey Pickup Time

      If you have questions about how the process works or questions about our turkeys, see our Frequently Asked Questions section below.

      FAQ

      Why can’t I choose a specific weight for my turkey?

      Because our turkeys are raised outdoors on our farm, their sizes can vary significantly year-to-year. When we bring the turkeys back from the butcher, we sort them by size and make a determination on what weights will fall into each bracket (small, medium, large, x-large). We do our very best to provide you with a turkey as close to your expectations as possible, but can make no guarantees on the final sizes of our birds.

      How do I pay my $20 deposit?

      The easiest way to pay your deposit is online. Click here to make your reservation and pay your deposit by credit card. We are also happy to take your deposit in person at the Farm Market, using cash, credit, or your CSA card.

      What is your process for filling turkey orders?

      Turkeys will be offered to customers in the order in which we receive their pre-order. Customers who complete their pre-order early will get first access to their preferred turkey size. An email will be sent out for customers to pick their preferred pickup time.

      When will I pick up my turkey?

      1-hour assigned pickup time windows will be available the Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. We will contact you via email in early November to schedule your pickup date and time. A limited number of frozen turkeys may be available prior to Thanksgiving – please contact us to discuss on a case-by-case basis.

      What size turkey do I need?

      In general, a small turkey will feed 4-6 people, a medium for 7-10, a large for 11-14, and an XL for 15+ people however we are big fans of leftovers! We recommend erring on the side of having more leftovers to share, rather than not having enough to go around.

      What can I expect at pickup?

      Within your assigned pickup window, you will arrive at the Farm Market and be greeted by a Greenacres staff member. While they are retrieving your turkey and any other pre-ordered items, you will be able to check out the new exhibit space about Nippert Barn or shop in the Farm Market with our full selection of 100% grass-fed beef, pastured pork, chicken, vegetables and flowers. Once your preorder is retrieved, a staff member will assist you with checkout. We accept cash and credit card.

      Do I need to prepare this turkey any differently because it’s fresh and pasture raised?

      Nope! Your turkey will be fresh, so no thawing is necessary. Prepare as you would any other turkey (only it’s going to taste better!). For basic oven roasting, plan on 13 minutes per pound at 350º, until the thickest portion reaches an internal temperature of 165º

      What if I need to cancel or change my order?

      We do our best to accommodate these situations, but please keep in mind that changes may not be possible. Please get in touch with us so we can find the best solution for you. If you need to cancel, let us know ASAP so we can offer your turkey to another customer, and we will refund your deposit.

      What about vegetables, flowers and eggs?

      We will have a wide assortment of vegetables available for your feast! Sweet potatoes, carrots, greens, fresh herbs and more, as well as dried flower wreaths. In mid-November we will email you a list of everything we will have available with the option to pre-order.

      Contact Us

      Phone: 513-891-4227 press 1

      Email: farm@green-acress.org

      8255 Spooky Hollow Rd

      Cincinnati, OH 45242