Restoring Sustainable Farms in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The reestablishment of small family farms in the Cuyahoga Valley is gaining momentum. In 1999, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) began the “Countryside Initiative” program in order to achieve one of its core missions. As the park’s legislative mandate states, CVNP was created by Congress in 1974 to preserve and protect “the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational” resources of the Cuyahoga Valley including the farming heritage. The Countryside Initiative strives to preserve and protect the agricultural resources of the valley—the farmsteads and their associated houses, barns and outbuildings as well as the farm fields. In fact, it actually restores and revitalizes the rural heritage as modern-day farmers live in the farmsteads and farm the fields.
To date, there are seven farms actively involved in the program with the likelihood of ten or more in the upcoming years. The farms are in various stages of development as some began as early as 2002 and several others just came on board last year. Three more will become available this spring. In addition, the Countryside Initiative also plays a significant role in the local foods movement of Northeast Ohio. The participating farmers are required to farm according to National Park Service (NPS) guidelines and use only sustainable production practices. For the park, this is an ecologically-friendly way to reestablish and preserve the rural heritage while maintaining balance and compatibility with its important natural resources. For the Northeast Ohio region, these farms are new local food sources that consist of healthy foods grown in a sustainable manner. Common sustainable practices employed include diversified crop selection and use of disease-resistant cultivars, use of smother crops and mulches to suppress weeds, crop and livestock rotation, free-range livestock practices and minimal use of herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals.
By being located in a National Park, these farms experience added public exposure, unlike most other farms. They serve as a showcase to help educate and bring awareness to the region about sustainable farming as well as the benefits of eating locally grown food. As part of their agreement with the park, the farms are required to have a public component to their operation. These farms provide volunteer work days, farm tours, educational events such as Junior Ranger programs, farm stands, as well as pick-your-own (PYO) and community supported agriculture (CSA) opportunities.
The Countryside Initiative farmers also have the opportunity to participate in the Countryside Farmer’s Markets (CFM). The CFM’s are open during the growing season and provide a community venue for these farmers as well as other local farmers to sell their goods. The Peninsula CFM is located at Heritage Farms within the heart of CVNP. The Akron CFM is located just south of the park at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. The Countryside Conservancy, a non-profit organization created to help manage the Countryside Initiative, runs both of these markets. The Conservancy is also highly active in the local foods scene.
THE COUNTRYSIDE INITIATIVE FARMS:
Basket of Life Farm - The Walters family grows a variety of vegetables including many heirlooms. They also offer free-range eggs. They run a CSA operation and sell at the farmers markets. Visit www.basketoflifefarm.com.
Greenfield Berry Farm - The Greenfields offer a PYO operation consisting of a variety of berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and elderberries. Garlic, granola and jelly may also be available. Call 330-657-2924.
Goatfeathers Point - The Bechter-Smith family sells humanely-raised, free-range pastured meat, goats and heritage breed turkeys. Call 330-657-2726.
Neitenbach Farm - The Neitenbach family plans an enterprise of mixed vegetables and medicinal herbs. The family will sell at the farmers markets and also have an on-the-farm roadside stand. Call 330-926-1176.
Sarah’s Vineyard - The Lytz family has established a vineyard, winery and art gallery. Food is also available. Call 330-929-8057 or visit www.sarahsvineyardwinery.com.
Spicy Lamb Farm - The Wright family plans a 3-tiered enterprise composed of agriculture, ag-tourism and education. They plan to feature lamb, wool, an orchard, spicy herbs and vegetables. Visit www.thespicylamb.com.
Spring Hill Farm & Market - The Halko family sells at their farmstand as well as at the farmers markets. They offer live plants and herbs, mixed vegetables including over 20 varieties of tomatoes, a wide assortment of cut flowers and free-range eggs. Call 440-546-0652.
For more information on the Countryside Initiative including available farms for lease this spring, the Countryside Farmers’ Markets or the Countryside Conservancy, contact Stephanie Webb at 330-657-2542 or visit www.cvcountryside.org or www.dayinthevalley.com, which provides a calendar of events.