The Journey into Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Hello everyone!

My name is Sylvia Touchstone, and I am the Resource Management Assistant at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I am from the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia and currently in college pursuing a degree in Geography, a minor in Environmental Studies and a certification in Geospatial Science. Growing up, my family and I always loved road trips. We’d pack up the minivan and head out to new places and see new things. As I grow older, that excitement and anticipation of venturing never left. Cuyahoga Valley National Park gave me the opportunity to hit the road again for another road trip and experience life in a different region of America.

In between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to over 900 species. The beautiful National Park covers roughly 33,000 acres and, in the center, the crooked river. Cuyahoga offers numerous hiking trails that are great for bird watching, hiking, biking, and offers scenic views with different habitats such as rivers, forest, wetlands and old fields.

The crooked river is one of the main attractions that offers fishing and kayaking and is home to a diverse number of fish species. The river can be viewed from the main train tourist attraction that runs beside the river and forest. Since the 1880s, the Valley railway service offers visitors a unique way to experience the park’s charm and offers special events, dinner, and brunch.

Including the natural beauty, the park is home to several historic landmarks and cultural sites. Brandywine Falls is a popular and must see 65-foot waterfall with a 1.5-mile loop that lets you explore the waterfall and its surroundings. The park also has historic buildings that include Stanford House and the newly renovated Boston Store Visitor Center.

I look forward to this unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a stunning park with diverse ecosystems including forest, rivers and wetlands. During the five months, I anticipate collaborating on projects that will benefit the park and visitor experience.