Research
A Multidisciplinary Approach
We are a leader in independent agricultural and ecological research. Our researchers explore connections between agricultural practices and outcomes on soil health, food quality, and the environment. Additionally, through monitoring, we seek to understand our ecosystems to make informed management decisions. The data collected through our research efforts will be used to support the ideas which Greenacres was founded upon, namely: a generative and sustainable approach to agriculture, environmental stewardship, and educational opportunities for both ourselves and others.
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Our Work
Program
Nutrition
Greenacres seeks out and partners with leading universities to be on the forefront of research addressing the complicated relationship between food production and nutritional quality. The data collected from these studies are intended to inform both producers and consumers about the impact of how we raise our food.
Program
Native Grasslands
Greenacres has partnered with the University of Tennessee’s Center for Native Grasslands Management to address the major challenges associated with native warm season grass establishment by limiting weed pressure while providing livestock forage during the seedling year. This is an ongoing study and the first phase is estimated to be completed in 2022.
Program
Soil Health
Soil is the foundation of all healthy ecosystems. The research team routinely monitors soils across the properties, collecting data on key indicators of soil health and tracking changes over time. Our goal is to utilize generative practices to build soils rich in organic matter and biological diversity.
Program
Ecological Monitoring
Preservation is essential to our mission. Monitoring is essential to preservation. We are documenting short and long term indicators of ecosystem health by collecting data on trees, vegetation, litter and soil. These data guide us in making informed management decisions.
Program
Water Quality
Water quality is an issue of great importance to local communities. Our goal is to monitor and and collect data about watersheds in order to protect and preserve them.
Program
Holistic Systems
Working on finding sustainable solutions to dealing with common agricultural pests. Currently working on a tick management initiative.
Research Partners
The Department of Animal Sciences
Center for Native Grasslands Management
Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
Contact Us
Department Director
Chad Bitler
Follow Us
Did you know that deer are ‘diagonal walkers’? This print really captures how the rear foot can drop directly into the front track. Want more cool nature facts? Join our naturalists on next weekend's Night Hike as we explore the woods after dark!
No elves found with these Scarlet Elf Cups! Research team member Chad Gibson noticed something red as the team scouted new research locations last month.
Another great Maple Syrup day despite the weather this weekend! Join us for our annual night hike on the 22nd to explore these woods at night.
Snow days have us reminiscing about this dreamy, spring wedding. It looks like the tent was transformed into a secret garden 🌿 #tentedwedding Photographer: @amandadonahophotography Planner: @i_doweddingsandevents Florist: @clflorals⠀ Rentals: @alloccasionseventrental Draping: @fitztheoccasion
Get to know your local farmers next Wednesday at @turnerfarm_oh and meet our garden operations manager Ian Zeglin. He'll share some advice on successful garden practices in Southwest Ohio.
Summer camp registration is officially open! Visit our site at green-acres.org/camps to sign up! Camps fill up quickly so don't wait.
Our annual maple syrup day is coming up on February 8! Our staff will teach the basics of tapping, collecting, and processing sap with a short hike. Don't miss one of our most popular events of the year. Use link in the profile for tickets.
Winter sunrises. 😍 Our December photo of the month winner perfectly captures the colors that make this place paradise.