A documentary record of agriculture, stewardship, and Countryside programs in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Governance
The board stewards mission, continuity, and public trust for Countryside Conservancy. Profiles below are loaded from the current board registry and presented as public record cards.
ChairBoard chair
Marilyn Wotowiec is a dedicated Countryside volunteer and advocate who has supported the organization’s mission through board service and community leadership.
She brings a deep commitment to local food, land stewardship, and the relationships that sustain a strong regional farm community.
Board member
Daniel Greenfield is a farmer and environmental educator who operates Greenfield Berry Farm as part of the farm program in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
At Greenfield Berry Farm, he grows pick-your-own blueberries, aronia berries, and sunflowers, along with vegetables, tulips, pussy willows, and honey, and he regularly welcomes visitors for tours and educational experiences.
Daniel brings a background in education and a longstanding commitment to connecting people with the land through farming, stewardship, and hands-on learning.
Board member
Elizabeth Blake brings a background in applied ethics, public policy, and higher education.
Her work spans teaching, research, writing, and editorial leadership, with a focus on the ethical foundations of social life, public institutions, and community resilience.
On the Countryside board, she contributes thoughtful perspective on stewardship, sustainability, and the conditions that help local communities thrive.
Board member
Jennifer Gray brings a legal background shaped by work in court and public-service settings.
Her experience in advocacy, analysis, and public institutions supports Countryside’s commitment to strong governance and mission-driven service.
Board member
Jennifer Till is co-owner of Till Family Farms, a family farm known for all-natural goods including candles, soaps, jams, caramels, eggs, and chicken.
With a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and regenerative farm values, she helps connect local families to food and farm-made products rooted in care for the land and animals.
She also shares that work through local markets, helping strengthen the region’s connection to small-scale agriculture.
Board member
Kalyani Sapkal is the founder of Kalyani Consulting, where she supports nonprofit organizations with fund development, grant strategy, and long-term planning.
Her work is especially rooted in food, water, and community-impact sectors, and she brings extensive experience helping mission-driven organizations grow their capacity.
At Countryside, she contributes strategic perspective on fundraising, partnerships, and the long-term health of community-based food systems.
Board member
Sara Steele is an artist whose work reflects a strong connection to creative expression, place, and community.
Through painting, visual storytelling, and public-facing creative projects, she brings an arts-based perspective to Countryside’s work of cultivating vibrant local culture around food and land.
Board member
Susan Schmidt operates Schmidt Family Farms in Medina County, where she raises certified organic produce and other farm products with a strong focus on stewardship and quality.
Her work reflects deep practical knowledge in small-scale agriculture, and she has long participated in local markets that connect growers directly with the community.
Through Schmidt Family Farms, she helps make organic food and farm goods more accessible across the region.
Farm profiles, timelines, and oral-history voices continue on Working farms and History.
Countryside Conservancy
