Learning experiences in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, in partnership with National Park Service

Welcome to Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center (CVEEC). Nestled within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, CVEEC is a unique learning place for children and adults run in partnership with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and National Park Service.

If you are looking for an unforgettable nature experience, you have come to the right place.


How to Contact Us Directly:

Phone: (330) 657-2796


For virtual programs and field trip inquiries, please contact Administrative Coordinator Molly Postlethwait at mpostlethwait@forcvnp.org.


For extended day programs and overnight trips at the CVEEC, please contact Program Coordinator Ali Maxwell at amaxwell@forcvnp.org.


Sign up to receive our Educator E-Newsletter to stay up-to-date on program offerings!

Subscribe to Our Educator E-Newsletter

Youth Programs

Day Programs

Day programs allow students to explore ecology, natural history, and Ohio history in Cuyahoga Valley National Park or in their own classrooms. Programs are provided for a wide age range of students from public school districts, independent and private schools, daycare centers, and preschools.

All programs meet Ohio academic content standards for the recommended grades listed.  For field trip inquiries, please contact Administrative Coordinator Molly Postlethwait at mpostlethwait@forcvnp.org.

Every Kid Outdoors

If you are a 4th grade teacher, your students may qualify for a free program and transportation! Visit the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Eventbrite pages for more information and to register:

Overnight Trips

The curriculum incorporates the arts, technology, science, math, social studies, language arts, and social-emotional learning into a discovery-based program that complements classroom instruction. For extended day programs and overnight trips at the CVEEC, please contact Program Coordinator Ali Maxwell at amaxwell@forcvnp.org.

 

Virtual Programs (Available during winter)

During the winter, free virtual Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) programs are offered to a variety of grades. All 4th grade students who attend receive a national park voucher! All EKO programs include three program pieces: an asynchronous video to welcome and introduce students to the concept of national parks, a live presentation with a CVNP ranger or educational staff member, and a follow up activity that can be done at your own pace.  Program offerings and grade levels include:

– Wild About Animals: Pre-K – 2nd grade 

– Prehistoric Peoples: 3rd – 5th grade 

– Ohio and Erie Canal: 3rd – 5th grade 

– Northeast Ohio Geology: 3rd – 5th grade 

– Wetland Ecosystems: 3rd – 5th grade 
 

Junior Ranger Day Camp

At Junior Ranger Day Camp, your child will have exclusive opportunities to explore and learn about the national park that’s in their very own backyard! We have two weeks of camp and your camper can join us for both of them, learning new topics and playing new games each week!
Your child will work toward earning their official Cuyahoga Valley National Park Jr. Ranger badge at the closing ceremony on Friday.  Registration open to ages 6-12. Drinks and snacks will be provided; campers must bring a packed lunch.

Week 1 – “Into the Woods” is July 17-21
Join park rangers for a week of fun outside exploring the forest and the critters that call it home. Learn what it takes to be a ranger and earn your junior ranger badge.

Week 2 – “Winged Wonders” is July 24-28
Come uncover the flying wonders of CVNP by hiking the trails, learning from rangers, and sharpening your observation skills. After a week of discovery while exploring the field and pond, campers will be sworn in as official Junior Rangers.

 

Current Programs Open for Registration

Teacher Development & Resources

CVEEC’s teacher professional development programs provide innovative hands-on outdoor and environmental learning opportunities for all educators. Through these professional development programs, educators engage in best practices to integrate the natural and cultural resources of Cuyahoga Valley National Park into classroom learning.

Our national park provides countless opportunities for learning across content areas. The Environmental Education Center strives to provide high-quality, relevant workshops that are correlated to Ohio learning standards and offer continuing education units (CEUs) when applicable.

For more information, contact Vice President, Education January Miller at jmiller@forcvnp.org.

 

Resources

Curriculum Materials

The National Park Service offers curriculum materials on their website.  They include:

 

Cuyahoga Connections 

A variety of book recommendations, journals, activities and challenges to guide you and your family through various topics, including water quality, trees, geology and more.

 

Animal Posters

Available photos and facts of various birds and other animals you may see in the park.