Picnic in Your Park

Join us for a NEW fundraiser for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Sunday, Sept. 13

It’s time to celebrate – safely!

We’re excited to launch a new way to safely celebrate our love for CVNP while practicing social distancing. The past few months have changed the way we do most things, but one thing has stayed the same – Cuyahoga Valley National Park is there for us. The eager chirps of baby birds waiting for their lunch, the calming breeze coming off the river, the kindness of a stranger smiling as they jog past – these moments have filled us with joy in a time when many of us have needed it most.

Please join us for a new, hybrid event that celebrates the many gifts of CVNP while helping to secure these offerings for generations to come.

Your tickets ($150/person, $100 tax deductible) include everything you need to enjoy a gourmet picnic! Just stop by the Environmental Education Center between noon and 3 p.m.*** to get your pre-packed Conservancy picnic basket to enjoy at your leisure in the park or back home. The basket has everything you will need to enjoy your meal including a welcome mocktail, appetizers, salad, sides, entrée and dessert with appropriate utensils, napkins and plates. Don’t forget to bring along your own refillable water bottles and please remember there is no alcohol permitted on National Park Service (NPS) property.

***Please note that this window is an adjustment from the original 2-4 p.m. pick up for our Cleveland Brown’s fans to enjoy their picnic while watching the 1 p.m. game!

Accompanying your ticket will be a link for a short virtual message from our CEO Deb Yandala and CVNP Superintendent Craig Kenkel and some entertainment, Conservancy style! You will also receive some suggestions for some of the best “off the beaten path” picnicking locations. There are a limited number of picnic tables in the National Park; because of Covid-19 restrictions, we encourage you to bring your own camp chairs and/or picnic blanket to find your perfect spot.

How it will work:

Pick up your picnic basket at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center (3675 Oak Hill Road) between noon and 3 p.m.*** on Sunday September 13. Follow the signs for curbside pick up – we will welcome you, check you in, load your basket(s) in your trunk or back seat and say goodbye all with social distancing and touch free service. ***Please note that this window is an adjustment from the original 2-4 p.m. pick up for our Cleveland Brown’s fans to enjoy their picnic while watching the 1 p.m. game!

What’s for lunch?

Mocktail: Apple Ginger Lemonade
1st Course: Artisan Cheese, Charcuterie and Pickled Crudite Board and Prosciutto & Melon Satays
2nd Course: Quinoa Salad with butternut squash, apple, green onion, cranberry, spinach, kale and almonds with a cider maple vinaigrette and Cornbread with butter
3rd Course: Sliced grilled chicken served with Farro Salad with roasted corn, Maple Star Farms blistered tomatoes, grilled asparagus and fresh herbs and Roast Beets with Mackenzie Creamery goat cheese with arugula, pepita seeds, charred lemon vinaigrette.
4th Course: Brown Butter Cake with caramelized apples

***Vegetarian entrée available upon request

Catering by Driftwood

Picnic Upgrade Available

For those interested in a little bit more, we will have a limited number of reserved picnic locations available for your private group of eight to gather. A donation of $5,000 reserves one of these locations and includes a private, custom designed picnic location for you and your guests. Table coverings, camp chairs, picnic blankets and wine with dinner are all included with this custom package. For information on this Picnic Upgrade, contact Stacey Rusher 440-242-1516 or srusher@forcvnp.org

Leave No Trace

As you start to think about where you might like to enjoy your picnic, please keep Leave No Trace Principles in mind.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorships are available at the $1,000 and $2,500 range and include recognition during our virtual messaging and in all Picnic in Your Park print and virtual information. For more information on becoming a sponsorship, contact Dan Blakemore 330-647-2909 ext 133 or dblakemore@forcvnp.org.