Engineering a Healthier River

The Gorge Dam removal is changing the Cuyahoga River, but what does it take to keep things running while history is being made? In this episode, Gorge Metro Park manager Josh Perdok takes us behind the scenes of the project, sharing the challenges of managing a busy park during construction, the partnerships that keep the work moving and his firsthand perspective on the river's recovery.  Having fished these waters since high school, Josh has a unique view of how far the river has come and what's ahead. He also shares what he's looking forward to when the Gorge reopens, along with a few unexpected things that have been found in the river (trampolines and washing machines included). As steps are taken to help the river find its natural flow again, Josh and his crew are helping make sure the Gorge is ready for the next generation of visitors to explore, experience and enjoy. Free the Falls ➡️⁠bit.ly/freethefalls ⁠ Follow Summit Metro Parks:  Facebook: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ Instagram: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ X: ⁠metro_parks

What happens when a river is finally allowed to run free?   In this episode of Free the Falls, Mike and Elaine speak with environmental journalist and author Tara Lohan about her new book, “Undammed: Freeing Rivers and Bringing Communities to Life.” Through stories gathered from bodies of water and communities across the country — including the Cuyahoga River — Lohan explores what happens when dams come down and nature gets a second chance. Along the way, she recounts everything from rafting through the Grand Canyon with scientists to discovering that even Disney's “Frozen 2” has a dam removal storyline. But as Lohan shares throughout the episode, some of the most compelling dam removal stories aren't found on the big screen; they're happening in real communities, where rivers have become a catalyst for bringing people together and reimagining what's possible for the future. Tara Lohan has been working as an environmental journalist and editor for more than 15 years. Her work has been published by the Nation, the American Prospect, Salon, High Country News, Grist, The Revelator, Adventure Journal and others.  You can pick up a copy of "Undamned: Freeing Rivers and Bringing Communities to Life" at Maple Leaf Gifts, located inside the visitors center at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm (call for availability: 330-865-8065).  Maple Leaf Gifts ➡️ summitmetroparks.org/gift-shop/ Free the Falls ➡️⁠bit.ly/freethefalls ⁠ Follow Summit Metro Parks:  Facebook: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ Instagram: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ X: ⁠metro_parks

Winter is over, spring ephemerals are blooming and dredging on the Cuyahoga River at Gorge Metro Park has resumed, so naturally, it’s time for a community update! Mike and Elaine share details about the upcoming Free the Falls Public Progress Report on Tuesday, April 28 at the Akron-Summit County Public Library – Main Library (60 S. High St., Akron). We hope to see you there! For more information about the progress report, including information about accessibility and parking, visit bit.ly/FTFppr. Free the Falls ➡️⁠bit.ly/freethefalls ⁠ Follow Summit Metro Parks:  Facebook: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ Instagram: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ X: ⁠metro_parks

Why is milk the worst, and what can “tighty whities” teach us about soil health? Find out with City of Akron Watershed Superintendent Jessica Glowczewski! Clean drinking water doesn’t start at the tap – it starts miles upstream. Jessica’s work stretches far beyond the treatment plant, across thousands of acres of forests, farms and streams in the Upper Cuyahoga River watershed. We dig into the history that shaped Akron’s water system – from a devastating 1904 fire to the creation of Lake Rockwell – and how that legacy still guides decisions today. Jessica walks us through why the city owns so much land, how her team tracks down pollution in real time and what it means to manage water quality in a largely rural landscape. This is a conversation about prevention over reaction. About solving problems before they reach the river. And about the quiet, often invisible work that keeps drinking water safe for hundreds of thousands of people. And yes… we also talk about burying “tighty whities” in the soil to test ecosystem health. (Trust us, it makes sense – and you won’t forget it.) Plus, learn how innovative programs like Project ACORN are planting trees, creating jobs and strengthening neighborhoods, all while improving water quality for generations to come. City of Akron Watershed Division ➡️ Akron, OH Free the Falls ➡️⁠bit.ly/freethefalls ⁠ Follow Summit Metro Parks:  Facebook: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ Instagram: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ X: ⁠metro_parks 

It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it.   In this episode, Mike and Elaine talk with Project Manager Charlie Stein of Sevenson Environmental Services, the company responsible for dredging contaminated sediment as part of the Free the Falls dam removal project on the Cuyahoga River. Charlie walks us through how nearly one million cubic yards of sediment are being dredged, pumped, sorted and stabilized (yes, it’s as complicated as it sounds). Along the way, hear about surprise discoveries like century-old mussel shells, creative problem-solving and how a construction project can leave behind not just a free-flowing river, but a brand-new park. Dirt never sounded so interesting!  Sevenson Environmental Services ➡️ sevenson.comFree the Falls ➡️⁠bit.ly/freethefalls ⁠Follow Summit Metro Parks:  Facebook: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ Instagram: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ X: ⁠metro_parks 

An engineer who talks to humans instead of just blueprints? That’s Heather Ullinger. You may have seen City of Akron Senior Engineer Heather Ullinger at a Free the Falls public meeting or heard her name in the news covering the city’s major water-related projects. However you know her, you’re in for a treat when you tune in to this episode.  Heather talks about how she found her way into engineering and what it’s like to lead some of Akron’s most ambitious environmental projects, including the Aqueduct Street green improvements, the Northside Interceptor Tunnel (NSIT), and the long-awaited Gorge Dam removal. She also discusses the partnerships that make these projects successful and shares where she draws her inspiration to keep pushing forward – even when some projects feel as demanding as motherhood. And somehow, we made it through the entire episode without a single poop joke (we’re as surprised as you).   Akron Waterways Renewed ➡️ akronwaterwaysrenewed.com Free the Falls ➡️ ⁠bit.ly/freethefalls ⁠ Follow Summit Metro Parks:  Facebook: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ Instagram: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ X: ⁠metro_parks 

In this episode, Mike and Elaine are joined by Jennifer Grieser, Cleveland Metroparks director of natural resources and chair of the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern (AOC) Advisory Committee. The Cuyahoga River AOC is comprised of the lower 46.5 miles of the Cuyahoga River, including all the tributaries that drain to that section of river and the adjacent Lake Erie shoreline and its direct tributaries. Jennifer walks us through the Cuyahoga River’s incredible comeback, highlighting why public access makes it one of a kind. She dives into past and ongoing restoration projects that require collaboration, accountability and measurable progress. Plus, get a glimpse of what’s next when the AOC is delisted—a major milestone in the Cuyahoga’s journey. Cuyahoga River AOC ➡️ cuyahogaaoc.org  Free the Falls ➡️ ⁠bit.ly/freethefalls ⁠ Follow Summit Metro Parks:  Facebook: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ Instagram: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ X: ⁠metro_parks

Is it true that it takes two really good mechanical engineers to make one average civil engineer? Once you sit down with Pat Gsellman, you’ll agree the answer is no. In this episode, Mike and Elaine chat with Pat about his journey from nature-loving kid to civil engineering leader behind Akron’s Waterways Renewed program. Discover how innovation, collaboration and a deep love for clean water transformed a federal mandate into a model for sustainability.  For more, visit ⁠bit.ly/freethefalls ⁠ Follow Summit Metro Parks:  Facebook: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ Instagram: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ X: ⁠metro_parks 

Mike and Elaine reflect on years of grassroots advocacy, collaborative river restoration and environmental stewardship rooted in personal passion and long-term vision. Along the way, hear how a kitchen-table brainstorming session that started with “fat chance” evolved into a decades-long campaign to remove the Gorge Dam — because sometimes, big ideas start small. You’ll also find out how Elaine accidentally crashed a wedding in a wetsuit and why planting invasive trees isn’t the environmental silver bullet everyone hopes for. Plus, Mike and Elaine get real about how parks aren’t magical stormwater sponges (spoiler: we’re full of water already) and why saving clean water means thinking bigger than just timing your showers. This episode celebrates the resilience of the river and the people dedicated to its revival, reminding us that rivers know where they want to go – we just need to listen. For more, visit ⁠bit.ly/freethefalls ⁠ Follow Summit Metro Parks:  Facebook: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ Instagram: ⁠summitmetroparks ⁠ X: ⁠metro_parks

After a period of quiet progress, big things are happening with the Free the Falls project! In this episode, Mike and Elaine share exciting news about the upcoming public meeting on Monday, May 19, marking the official start of sediment removal from behind the Gorge Dam. Hear what’s next for the project, who will be at the meeting – including local leaders and key partners – and why this moment is worth celebrating.For information about the public meeting and more, visit bit.ly/freethefalls Follow Summit Metro Parks: Facebook: summitmetroparks Instagram: summitmetroparks X: @metro_parks