the cuyahoga: a dam good story

Speaker: Elaine Marsh

Date & Time: March 18, 2026 @ 7pm

​Location:
Goodyear Heights Lodge - East Room
Goodyear Heights Metro Park
2077 Newton Street
Akron OH 44305

Abstract:
The Cuyahoga River is a legend in our time.  From its pristine state prior to the coming of the Europeans, to its degraded River Burning, to its restored present day condition, the Cuyahoga is an account of man’s checkered history with water quality.  This presentation will feature the role of science, public policy and funding in this stunning tale.  The status of the Gorge Dam Removal will be showcased.

Biography:
Elaine Marsh is a life-long lover of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Currently, she is a Watershed Specialist for Summit Metro Parks.  She co-founded Friends of Crooked River, a grassroots group dedicated to the Cuyahoga River for which she is the current President and Project Manager for Canal Diversion Dam Removal.  She was Project Director for Ohio Greenways for eleven years, a statewide program which expanded greenways and trail funding across the state.  Elaine sits on many local, state and national committees and boards and was a governor appointee to two advisory boards.  She has received numerous recognitions, including 2009 Woman of the Year Award from the Akron Women’s History Project, 2013 Champion of the River from the Cuyahoga AOC and the 2005 Life Time Achievement Award from Ohio Environmental Council. One of Akron’s tunnel boring machines was named “Elaine, Friend of the River” in her honor.



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