Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Initiative

The Countryside Initiative preserves agriculture inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park as a living landscape. Long-term leases, rehabilitated farmsteads, stewardship requirements, nonprofit support, and public markets combine preservation with active production rather than treating farms as static exhibits.

Overview

The Countryside Initiative is a program in Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) designed to preserve agriculture as a living, working landscape rather than a static historic display. It began in 1999 and focuses on rehabilitating historic farmsteads while keeping them active under stewardship-aligned practices.

Program mechanism: long-term leases and stewardship

The program's core structure is institutional:

• Park-owned farmsteads are operated under long-term leases (a commonly referenced lease template specifies a 60-year term).
• A nonprofit partner supports elements such as technical assistance, farmer recruitment, and program execution.

This approach emphasizes continuity: long lease terms can support long-horizon farm planning, infrastructure repair, and stewardship practices that are not easily justified under short tenancy.

Farmers markets as a public interface

Within the broader program ecosystem, farmers markets function as a stable point of sale and community interface, an accessible and repeated venue that can lower market-entry barriers for smaller producers and build demand habits.

Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market

• The organization states it registered as a 501(c)(3) in 2022 to carry forward the Countryside Market tradition.
• It operates seasonal market schedules (Howe Meadow / Old Trail School).

Notable public reporting

Public reporting describes nonprofit leadership transitions after founder Darwin Kelsey's death (2016), including Tracy Emrick's role as acting director prior to becoming executive director.

References

1. “NPS overview of Countryside Initiative:”.
2. “NPS page confirming program start (1999) and rehabilitation goals:”.
3. “Federal Register record (landscape management / long-term leases framework):”.
4. “Countryside Initiative lease template (60-year term):”.
5. “CVFM site (501(c)(3) registration claim and basic market info):”.
6. “NPS context on farmers markets in the park:”.
7. “Obituary record for Darwin Kelsey:”.
8. “Public media coverage naming Emrick as acting director:”.