Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy

Programs: Countryside initiative the countryside initiative is an ambitious effort, begun in 1999 to rehabilitate and revitalize 20 or so of the picturesque old farms which operated in the cuyahoga valley from the 19th century to the mid 20th - thereby restoring for public use and enjoyment many of the historic, scenic, natural and recreational values for which cuyahoga valley national park cvnp was created, particularly the valleys rural landscape and rural character. The countryside initiative involves a creative three-way partnership between cvnp, the conservancy and private sector farmers. Cvnp rehabilitates the old farms, and retains ownership control of their operation and management. The conservancy provides technical information and guidance on sustainable agriculture practices to cvnp as well as potential and actual farm lessees. Rehabilitated farms are offered for long-term lease up to 60 years through a competitive process called a request for proposals.

farmers market the countryside farmers markets cfm are unique, producers-only farmers markets established and managed by the countryside conservancy. The purpose of the countryside farmers markets is three-fold provide a venue where local farmers, producers, artisans and a limited number of artists can sell their high-quality products directly to the consumer connect consumers with a wide array of locally grown and produced foods and goods in a setting that allows them to interact directly with the grower of produce, thereby reconnecting them to the source of their food and create a space that allows for community interaction and enjoyment, informal public education, and civic engagement.

other program services include professional and technical collaboration, the farmlink program, the countryside center and various other related activities.