A Crooked River Conversation
And then it happened. Sparks off a bridge in Cleveland’s Flats ignited the Cuyahoga on June 22, 1969 for the 15th time. This time, people had had enough. The fire, though rather small by previous fire standards, fueled an outcry so incendiary it created the Clean Water Act, the EPA, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Great Lakes protection measures and cleanup efforts nationwide.
The fire formed part of the legacy of Mayor Carl Stokes and his brother, U.S. Representative Louis Stokes, who fought for clean water accountability and legislation. Finally, the chokehold of hundreds of years of uncurbed water, air and land pollution would lessen. And the river would gain a chance to heal.
For the last seven years, alumnus Peter Bode (Environmental Science ’12), of West Creek Conservancy has been a water warrior, playing a key role in leading the river and lake to ever-improving health. This year he’s also managing the Cuyahoga River’s milestone birthday, Xtinguish. Fifty years since the fire, the river has become a national symbol of renewal and hope, though it, like Cleveland, is still a too-easy target of jokes. Bode is working to change that, too.
How did you come by your passion for healing the Cuyahoga and Lake Erie?
“My dad spent his career in wastewater management, is now a Class 4 operator and assistant superintendent, and develops and teaches courses for those looking to gain their certification. He began his career with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. His whole career has been focused on healthy people and waterways.
“There were many other motivations as a kid. I grew up in North Royalton in a house next to the Cleveland Metroparks. So getting outside in nature was second nature!”
In his early career, Bode worked as a professional landscaper, touring musician and songwriter for six bands. He designed gardens and waterfalls and became a native plants expert. He earned a degree in recording arts from Cuyahoga Community College. Then he suffered a serious back injury while on a landscaping job and was bedridden for months. “I knew then,” he says, “this was my opportunity to follow the path I knew I was meant to follow.”
CSU beckoned in 2010 with its Environmental Science program in the College of Sciences and Health Professions.
How did CSU help you find your new career?
”I knew CSU’s reputation and many graduates who were working in the Sewer District, Cleveland Metroparks and locally. Dean Meredith Bond was always helpful and a mentor. I was active in faculty research; Dr. Michael Walton’s lab had an opening and I joined, researching vegetation on urban lots throughout Northeast Ohio. Then the U.S. Forest Service provided funding to assess urban lots and analyze vegetation for the ecological design of all Cleveland neighborhoods, where I created a sampling method that coincided with the graduate research within that lab.
“Dr. Julie Wolin was the advisor for the Student Environmental Movement, of which I became president. We grew from 10 to 750 members across campus in multi disciplines, including business, education and urban affairs. I joined the NET Impact and American Planning Association student groups, and became a student representative to the Faculty Senate.
“When I graduated, I thought, where can I have the most impact? Answer: the Cuyahoga!”
Bode joined Cuyahoga River Restoration, where he wrote the 2015 Remedial Action Plan for the river that was adopted by the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern overseen by the Ohio EPA. He helped leverage millions of dollars to restore fish habitat, stabilize river banks, improve water quality and more.
After five years, he joined West Creek Conservancy as Central Lake Erie project manager in Cleveland. West Creek’s executive director saw an additional role for Bode – providing technical expertise for a regional collaborative, as well as helping to foster strategic partnerships.
The Central Lake Erie Basin Collaborative (CLEB) now comprises 17 regional watershed organizations, from Sandusky to Conneaut. The group has leveraged millions of dollars in resources to restore wetlands, reduce flooding, improve water quality and plan for the future across the region. In addition to CLEB’s successes, Bode and West Creek Conservancy are actively involved in the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern and act as fiscal and administrative leads for the Cuyahoga River Water Trail Partnership.
And then Xtinguish was born. How? This combination of teamwork, leadership, knowledge and experience created a natural opportunity for Bode and his colleagues to create a regional celebration along all 100 river miles.
What do you hope to achieve with Xtinguish?
“Xtinguish has grown into a regional effort with more than 350 community partners, including museums, colleges, environmental and community groups, and historic collaborations between Kent, Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Peninsula, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland. Fifty years after the fire we’ll appreciate the progress made under committed stewardship and help determine the future of our communities and Lake Erie the next 50 years.
“We’ll motivate new generations of clean water stewards and share the recovery and challenges, all of which demonstrate the impact, strength and solidarity we hold as a region.”
What’s next for the Cuyahoga River?
“This year we are designating the Cuyahoga River Water Trail, which is featured as one of our Crooked River Conversations. Xtinguish celebrates the 100-mile Trail, designated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Twenty-six new public access points, many with amenities, are open for nature-watching, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and more. The Trail provides a lasting legacy of renewal and an economic boost to the region, and celebrates the power of partnerships.
“And we’re already thinking about the future of Xtinguish!”
Bode is now a trusted and respected voice across the Great Lakes. Of many achievements, several rise to the top.
“I’m proud of the role I’ve been able to play with so many great colleagues and supporters in improving the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie,” he says. “From our progress in watershed restoration, to mapping out plans for future improvement, to bringing the region together in solidarity with the efforts of Xtinguish, I love what I do. And none of it is possible without the partnerships that have been fostered throughout this watershed I call home.”
Alumna Mary Grodek, MNAL ’15, is a local freelance writer.
This year,
Northeast Ohio marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River igniting.
Cleveland State, with its prime location near the river and Lake Erie, is joining in the celebration.
Through research, conservation and other means, CSU faculty, staff, students and alumni are focusing their energies on this most precious natural resource.
FIRE & FAME: 1969 to Today
Then: The Cuyahoga River from Akron to Cleveland was declared “dead” by national media.
Now: It boasts over 60 species of fish and is an ecotourism hub.
Then: The Navigation Channel was used as a sewer for industrial, human and toxic waste.
Now: 21 species of migratory fish live in the Navigation Channel.
Then: During early industrial booms, many dams were installed for hydroelectric power, drinking water and other uses.
Now: Dams are being removed to improve water quality, including the Kent Dam, two dams in Cuyahoga Falls, the Route 82/Brecksville Dam and Gorge Dam in Akron.
Photo Credit: Michael J. Zaremba / The Plain Dealer, Cleveland Public Library Photograph Collection
Also in This Issue...
Pillars of Success
“Forward Together” has been the focus of President Harlan Sands’ first year at Cleveland State University. Now, in that spirit, the University is charting a bright future by focusing its resources on seven key priorities, or pillars.
Pathway to College
CSU partners with CMSD, Tri-C, and LCCC to expand college access through initiatives like Say Yes, Degree Link, and UP Express, offering scholarships, dual admission, and wraparound support.
Parker-Hannifin Living and Learning Community Promotes Academic Success
Helping students succeed through Say Yes to Education is the Parker Hannifin Corporation, a longtime partner of CSU.
Cleveland State Global Targets International Students
CSU is the only public university in Ohio to partner with Boston-based Shorelight Education. This new collaboration will connect international students seeking an American education with CSU and provide job opportunities after graduation.
Career Empowerment
With a Viking network of more than 126,000 alumni, CSU graduates provide the brainpower and personpower for successful careers in Northeast Ohio, the nation and the world.
Waves of Inspiration
“I was born with one skill, writing,” says Mark Lantz, BA ’87 and MACTM ’90. Some might call that an understatement.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates first-year milestones: new partnerships, Say Yes scholarships, strategic priorities, and a focus on student success to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s future.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland attorney and business leader P. Kelly Tompkins has made a $750,000 gift to his alma mater, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, to establish a substantive leadership education program for law students.
Athletics Hall of Fame
Three star student-athletes comprise the 41st class of the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Congratulations to J’Nathan Bullock, BA ’09, men’s basketball, Kailey Klein, BBA ’10, women’s basketball and Phil Orno, BA ’10, men’s tennis.
Around Campus
The Cleveland Foundation has awarded a $2.2 million, one-year grant to the Internet of Things Collaborative (IoTC), a partnership between Case Western Reserve University and CSU
App Aids Drug Treatment
A team of CSU faculty and students has developed a new web application that will improve access to drug treatment services, reduce wait times and better ensure that individuals get the help they need.
Making Magic
A tin can, three cups, four balls, some string, a deck of cards and, of course, a magic wand. That’s all it took to get Elie Haoui hooked.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
After an intensive national search, CSU selected Scott Garrett as its seventh director of athletics, providing leadership and oversight for 18 NCAA Division I sports.
Preventing Leaks
Water leaks… burst pipes… they can be an expensive problem for homeowners and municipalities alike. But researchers at Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University are helping the city of Lakewood stop leaks before they happen.
When Environmental Laws Conflict
To protect the interests of residents, businesses and the environment, should the requirements of a local environmental ordinance take precedence over state laws supporting natural resources business development?
Alum Restores Mentor Marsh
Imagine seven years of grueling work depending on one day of ideal Northeast Ohio weather. CSU alumnus David Kriska doesn’t have to imagine. He lived it.
Engineers without Borders
Student Shaun Clark received hands-on engineering experience when he traveled to the western end of Panama to study a community’s water needs.
“Doomsday Glacier” in Antartica
Mekki Bayachou was teaching his students about the physical chemistry of global warming when a National Public Radio story gave him a crazy idea.
Combatting Disease Through Gene Research
With a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CSU is investigating the effect of a key enzyme on plaque build-up, which could be central to developing effective genetic therapies for addressing Atherosclerosis.
A Lab Made for Dreamers, Makers and Doers
Entrepreneurs and startups have a new home in the Weston Ideation Lab, a space designed around the unique needs of venture development.
Giving Day Sets Records!
Thanks to everyone who helped make CSU’s sixth-annual Giving Day another record-breaking success! Nearly 2,000 donors made gifts totaling $305,000 in a 24-hour period — shattering last year’s $269,000 total.
Radiance – CSU Realizing the Promise
Surpassing $2 million for the first time, a record $2,080,510 was raised by Radiance 2019!
Roadtrip
The CSU Alumni Association has been on the road, engaging with graduates near and far. All trips featured CSU “Then and Now” presentations, receptions that drew large and enthusiastic audiences, and a very special guest – President Harlan Sands.
Class Notes – Summer 2019
Pillars of Success
“Forward Together” has been the focus of President Harlan Sands’ first year at Cleveland State University. Now, in that spirit, the University is charting a bright future by focusing its resources on seven key priorities, or pillars.
Parker-Hannifin Living and Learning Community Promotes Academic Success
Helping students succeed through Say Yes to Education is the Parker Hannifin Corporation, a longtime partner of CSU.
Career Empowerment
With a Viking network of more than 126,000 alumni, CSU graduates provide the brainpower and personpower for successful careers in Northeast Ohio, the nation and the world.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates first-year milestones: new partnerships, Say Yes scholarships, strategic priorities, and a focus on student success to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s future.
Athletics Hall of Fame
Three star student-athletes comprise the 41st class of the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Congratulations to J’Nathan Bullock, BA ’09, men’s basketball, Kailey Klein, BBA ’10, women’s basketball and Phil Orno, BA ’10, men’s tennis.
App Aids Drug Treatment
A team of CSU faculty and students has developed a new web application that will improve access to drug treatment services, reduce wait times and better ensure that individuals get the help they need.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
After an intensive national search, CSU selected Scott Garrett as its seventh director of athletics, providing leadership and oversight for 18 NCAA Division I sports.
When Environmental Laws Conflict
To protect the interests of residents, businesses and the environment, should the requirements of a local environmental ordinance take precedence over state laws supporting natural resources business development?
Engineers without Borders
Student Shaun Clark received hands-on engineering experience when he traveled to the western end of Panama to study a community’s water needs.
Combatting Disease Through Gene Research
With a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CSU is investigating the effect of a key enzyme on plaque build-up, which could be central to developing effective genetic therapies for addressing Atherosclerosis.
Giving Day Sets Records!
Thanks to everyone who helped make CSU’s sixth-annual Giving Day another record-breaking success! Nearly 2,000 donors made gifts totaling $305,000 in a 24-hour period — shattering last year’s $269,000 total.
Roadtrip
The CSU Alumni Association has been on the road, engaging with graduates near and far. All trips featured CSU “Then and Now” presentations, receptions that drew large and enthusiastic audiences, and a very special guest – President Harlan Sands.
Pathway to College
CSU partners with CMSD, Tri-C, and LCCC to expand college access through initiatives like Say Yes, Degree Link, and UP Express, offering scholarships, dual admission, and wraparound support.
Cleveland State Global Targets International Students
CSU is the only public university in Ohio to partner with Boston-based Shorelight Education. This new collaboration will connect international students seeking an American education with CSU and provide job opportunities after graduation.
Waves of Inspiration
“I was born with one skill, writing,” says Mark Lantz, BA ’87 and MACTM ’90. Some might call that an understatement.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland attorney and business leader P. Kelly Tompkins has made a $750,000 gift to his alma mater, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, to establish a substantive leadership education program for law students.
Around Campus
The Cleveland Foundation has awarded a $2.2 million, one-year grant to the Internet of Things Collaborative (IoTC), a partnership between Case Western Reserve University and CSU
Making Magic
A tin can, three cups, four balls, some string, a deck of cards and, of course, a magic wand. That’s all it took to get Elie Haoui hooked.
Preventing Leaks
Water leaks… burst pipes… they can be an expensive problem for homeowners and municipalities alike. But researchers at Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University are helping the city of Lakewood stop leaks before they happen.
Alum Restores Mentor Marsh
Imagine seven years of grueling work depending on one day of ideal Northeast Ohio weather. CSU alumnus David Kriska doesn’t have to imagine. He lived it.
“Doomsday Glacier” in Antartica
Mekki Bayachou was teaching his students about the physical chemistry of global warming when a National Public Radio story gave him a crazy idea.
A Lab Made for Dreamers, Makers and Doers
Entrepreneurs and startups have a new home in the Weston Ideation Lab, a space designed around the unique needs of venture development.
Radiance – CSU Realizing the Promise
Surpassing $2 million for the first time, a record $2,080,510 was raised by Radiance 2019!
Class Notes – Summer 2019
Pillars of Success
“Forward Together” has been the focus of President Harlan Sands’ first year at Cleveland State University. Now, in that spirit, the University is charting a bright future by focusing its resources on seven key priorities, or pillars.
Cleveland State Global Targets International Students
CSU is the only public university in Ohio to partner with Boston-based Shorelight Education. This new collaboration will connect international students seeking an American education with CSU and provide job opportunities after graduation.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates first-year milestones: new partnerships, Say Yes scholarships, strategic priorities, and a focus on student success to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s future.
Around Campus
The Cleveland Foundation has awarded a $2.2 million, one-year grant to the Internet of Things Collaborative (IoTC), a partnership between Case Western Reserve University and CSU
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
After an intensive national search, CSU selected Scott Garrett as its seventh director of athletics, providing leadership and oversight for 18 NCAA Division I sports.
Alum Restores Mentor Marsh
Imagine seven years of grueling work depending on one day of ideal Northeast Ohio weather. CSU alumnus David Kriska doesn’t have to imagine. He lived it.
Combatting Disease Through Gene Research
With a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CSU is investigating the effect of a key enzyme on plaque build-up, which could be central to developing effective genetic therapies for addressing Atherosclerosis.
Radiance – CSU Realizing the Promise
Surpassing $2 million for the first time, a record $2,080,510 was raised by Radiance 2019!
Pathway to College
CSU partners with CMSD, Tri-C, and LCCC to expand college access through initiatives like Say Yes, Degree Link, and UP Express, offering scholarships, dual admission, and wraparound support.
Career Empowerment
With a Viking network of more than 126,000 alumni, CSU graduates provide the brainpower and personpower for successful careers in Northeast Ohio, the nation and the world.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland attorney and business leader P. Kelly Tompkins has made a $750,000 gift to his alma mater, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, to establish a substantive leadership education program for law students.
App Aids Drug Treatment
A team of CSU faculty and students has developed a new web application that will improve access to drug treatment services, reduce wait times and better ensure that individuals get the help they need.
Preventing Leaks
Water leaks… burst pipes… they can be an expensive problem for homeowners and municipalities alike. But researchers at Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University are helping the city of Lakewood stop leaks before they happen.
Engineers without Borders
Student Shaun Clark received hands-on engineering experience when he traveled to the western end of Panama to study a community’s water needs.
A Lab Made for Dreamers, Makers and Doers
Entrepreneurs and startups have a new home in the Weston Ideation Lab, a space designed around the unique needs of venture development.
Roadtrip
The CSU Alumni Association has been on the road, engaging with graduates near and far. All trips featured CSU “Then and Now” presentations, receptions that drew large and enthusiastic audiences, and a very special guest – President Harlan Sands.
Parker-Hannifin Living and Learning Community Promotes Academic Success
Helping students succeed through Say Yes to Education is the Parker Hannifin Corporation, a longtime partner of CSU.
Waves of Inspiration
“I was born with one skill, writing,” says Mark Lantz, BA ’87 and MACTM ’90. Some might call that an understatement.
Athletics Hall of Fame
Three star student-athletes comprise the 41st class of the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Congratulations to J’Nathan Bullock, BA ’09, men’s basketball, Kailey Klein, BBA ’10, women’s basketball and Phil Orno, BA ’10, men’s tennis.
Making Magic
A tin can, three cups, four balls, some string, a deck of cards and, of course, a magic wand. That’s all it took to get Elie Haoui hooked.
When Environmental Laws Conflict
To protect the interests of residents, businesses and the environment, should the requirements of a local environmental ordinance take precedence over state laws supporting natural resources business development?
“Doomsday Glacier” in Antartica
Mekki Bayachou was teaching his students about the physical chemistry of global warming when a National Public Radio story gave him a crazy idea.
Giving Day Sets Records!
Thanks to everyone who helped make CSU’s sixth-annual Giving Day another record-breaking success! Nearly 2,000 donors made gifts totaling $305,000 in a 24-hour period — shattering last year’s $269,000 total.