Spice Acres
Culinary-forward farming, woodland pasture pork, and the original Field Kitchen supper series.
Countryside Initiative
Working farms in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley
Since 1999, the Countryside Initiative has invited farmers back into the national park—restoring historic farmsteads, supporting local food businesses, and keeping the valley’s agrarian character alive.
Stewarding working lands
01
Historic farms renewed
Long-term leases rehabilitate heritage farmsteads so producers can invest in soil, infrastructure, and community partnerships.
02
Local food economy
From markets to CSA shares and farm dinners, Countryside farmers keep fresh, seasonal food flowing to neighboring towns.
03
Education & access
Workshops, volunteer days, and agritourism open the landscape to learners, eaters, and future growers.
Featured farms
Greenfield Berry Farm
Certified organic brambles and blueberries, U-pick traditions, and pollinator hedgerows along the ridgeline.
The Spicy Lamb Farm
Heritage sheep, orchard rows, and agritourism that invite visitors into a working landscape of fiber and fruit.
How we got here
1999
Countryside Conservancy founded alongside the National Park Service to steward agricultural leases within the park.
2004
First farmsteads reopened to working farmers; program gains national attention for place-based agriculture in parks.
Today
A network of growers, markets, and educators keeping 19th-century farms active and welcoming the public.
Upcoming & ongoing
July
Fieldside Supper Series
Dinners among the rows, featuring produce from Countryside growers. Limited seats each month.
See eventsSeasonal
Farmers Market
Saturday markets with farm stands, bakers, florals, and rotating prepared foods—rain or shine.
Market detailsVoices from the valley
Support the mission
Keep farms active inside the park
Your gift maintains historic structures, grows farmer training, and keeps public programs open to all.