Nurture growth,
inspire change.
Oak & Ember Foundation
From its inception, Oak & Ember Farms has focused on working with student-age programs throughout our region. We believe that educating, empowering and investing in the next generation is essential for advancing a regenerative mindset within our communities.
The momentum and hope that these initiatives have generated is inspiring. In 2023, we launched the Oak & Ember Foundation to build on this success. Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of working with several outstanding student-age organizations and nonprofits.
Our flagship program is a weekly partnership with the Kettering Alternative Program (K.A.P.), a division of Fairmont High School. This program engages reluctant learners and at-risk students through nature and regenerative farming immersion. Students can also earn an Environmental Science Seal and a Local Community Service Seal, which can be applied towards graduation credits.
In just a few short years, we have interacted with several hundred students through our pilot program with Fairmount High School. We’re excited to continue expanding this dynamic partnership, and look forward many others as the Foundation grows beyond its infancy.
Oak & Ember Farms
Oak & Ember Farms is an experience-driven, regenerative farm and nursery located in Jefferson Township, a small rural community just a few miles outside of downtown Dayton, OH.
Our journey began in 2020 when our founding partner formed a group to purchase this beautiful 36-acre farm, steeped rich in history. From being the homestead of the late Bluegrass Hall of Fame legends “The Osborne Brothers” to being the over 50-year home to local BBQ pioneers Earnest and Mary Shields.
Sadly in early 2020 Mr. Shields passed away. Due to poor health leading up to his passing the farm had become too much to manage and was left for nature and Ohio’s many non-native invasive species to have their way.
To date we have over 10,000 hours in restoration redevelopment efforts and just completed our first successful year of our organic, no-till market garden and native plant nursery operations. We’ve developed several strategic partnerships inside the community and have grown food with some of the top restaurants and chefs in our city.
As a regenerative operation, we put a high amount of intention into how we add to and remove from the earth. That, paired with an intentional focus on people and community, we are embracing the idea of leading a revival of the soil and the soul. We are collaborators by nature and our intention is not to provide yet another thing to do or buy, but rather a space to engage, empower and encourage. Whether it be through our volunteer opportunities, private or curated events, or staying with us in one of our beautiful overnight spaces, we invite YOU to participate. Not as consumers, but rather co-conspirators in our plot to Regenerate Ohio, and then the World.