©TOM JONES
Ohio's National Park is a restored landscape of unusual vibrance.
History runs deep in the valley, with over 12000 years of human occupation. From the unwritten stories of prehistoric peoples to the environmental disasters and comebacks of the 20th century, humans have left an impact on the valley. Here along the Cuyahoga River, humans have used, shaped, and been shaped by the landscape. Culture and nature interplay here, with each having its impact on the other. Explore the rich history through Places, where prominent and highly visited areas are explored. Under People, meet a few of the local characters. In the tab of Stories, notable stories of the valley are explored, highlighting in particular, the stories of farming here in the valley.
The story of Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP)'s establishment highlights the impact local citizens and political leaders can have when they work together with passion and common purpose to protect aspects of America's heritage.
This story is rooted in the environmental and social movements of the 20th century. It is about the desire to have scenic open spaces near to home, especially for recreation. It is about not only saving significant features but restoring a landscape to be culturally vibrant, less polluted, a better home for wildlife, and a model for sustainable living.
Read the complete story about CVNP in our Ohio's National Park site bulletin.