It is our goal to address commonly asked questions in this section. If you don't find the answer to your question here or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Q. Who are the main contacts for the Countryside Initiative program?
A.
Most general questions regarding the CI program should be directed first to Julie Gabelman, Administrative Coordinator for the Conservancy. If necessary, she will forward your question(s) to Darwin Kelsey, Executive Director of the Conservancy, or to Darlene Kelbach, Historical Landscape Architect for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Q. When is the Exploring the Small Farm Dream course offered?
A.
Exploring the Small Farm Dream is offered at least once annually, in the Spring. It is held at the Boston Store Visitor Center in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Q. Do other National Parks in the country that have programs similar to the Countryside Initiative program?
A. Although over 90 of the 387 or so units of the National Park Service have “significant agricultural landscape resources”, CVNP is the only park with such a broad, carefully defined program as the Countryside Initiative.
Q. I would like to make a contribution to the Countryside Conservancy, would my gift be tax-deductible?
A. The Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy, dba Countryside Conservancy, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Q: Are there grants to help me buy a farm?
A: Unfortunately, no, there is no grant money available for farmland purchases. However, Farm Service Agency, does offer low interest and down payment assistant loans. The State of Ohio Treasurer’s Office also offers an interest rate reduction through the Ag-Link program. Once you own a farm, there are opportunities for cash payments for certain activities. Visit our Protection Tools page for more details.
Q: Where can I find a list of local farmers’ markets and Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) farms?
A: Countryside Conservancy manages three Farmers’ Markets that feature many CSA farms. Local Harvest and Our Ohio are great resources for finding farmers' markets and CSAs. In addition, you can find local pastured products at Eat Wild.
