June was a busy month here at the Conservancy. From fundraising events to 50th anniversary celebrations, we had a blast with all of our supporters! Take a look at all the fun things we’ve been up to.
Elevation & Topography
Our biggest fundraisers of the year, Elevation and Topography, brought hundreds of CVNP trail supporters to the Ledges for a night of food, drinks, hiking, campfires, and dancing! Supporters raised a net of $140,000 combined at Elevation and Topography to support the TRAILS FOREVER Legacy Fund of the Conservancy!
Jazz on the River
The Conservancy was excited to host a concert at Music Box with Grammy Award nominee Eric Roberson featuring percussionist Elec Simon to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River burning. At this sold-out event, the Conservancy presented the 2019 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Visionary Award to Cordell Stokes, the son of former 1969 mayor Carl Stokes.
Canoemobiles
To celebrate 50 years of river renewal, the Conservancy partnered with our friends at Wilderness Inquiry to get as many people on the Cuyahoga River as possible… and we did a pretty good job. Over 300 kids, families, and adults rode on canoemobiles, a program that travels around the country to give people the opportunity to experience being on the water. Cleveland children who were participating in programs at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center had the special chance to ride a canoe. For some, this was their very first time!
Xtinguish Torch Fest
A ceremonial torch traveled the length of the Cuyahoga River, and it made a stop in Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Members of the public, Conservancy staff, and park partners lined up at Station Road Bridge to watch Gary Whidden, a very active river advocate, pass the torch to NPS staff Meg Plona. In addition, a new statue was unveiled! The statue, a Return to the River heron, was created by Akron metal sculptor Michael Marras.
If you joined us in any of these activities, make sure to tag #forcvnp when you post on social media!
