A workshop entitled "The Future of Working Cultural Landscapes - Parks, Partners and Local Products" was hosted this month by Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy in partnership with the NPS Conservation Study Institute and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, with additional support from Shelburne Farms and QLF/Atlantic Center for the Environment.
This workshop explored stewardship practices and authentic local products that enhance the sustainability of park landscapes in a regional context. Referencing the recent publication of Stewardship Begins with People: An Atlasof Places, People and Handmade Products, the workshop:
shared innovation and best practices to preserve and protect landscape character, and promote sustainability;
identified opportunities, challenges and next steps for parks and partners to advance this work;
proposed a working network of park managers, non-profit organizations, cooperating associations, concessioners, and producers.
Over fifty participants from across the country attended this two day workshop in CuyahogaValleyNational Park. Attendees included park managers, resource managers, educators, non-profit organizations, cooperating associations, and concession specialists. Also participating was Enrico Vettorazzo from the Office of Environmental Education, Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, Italy.
The keynote guest speaker was Gary Nabhan, who spoke on "Renewing America's Food Traditions: National Parks, Neighboring Communities and their Role in Conserving and Promoting Place-Based Heritage Foods."
Conference proceedings will be summarized in a powerpoint presentation which will be made available to workshop attendees and other interested parties. For more information, contact Nora Mitchell, Conservation Study Institute, at Nora_Mitchell@nps.gov
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