In 1969, the Cuyahoga River caught fire.
It wasn’t the first time — in fact, it had burned 13 times between 1868 and 1969 — but that blaze became a turning point. When Time magazine published the now-famous photo, Cleveland became a national symbol of environmental neglect. Yet what followed was something extraordinary: a movement that helped spark the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency, and a new era of environmental stewardship.
More than 50 years later, Cleveland’s water story has transformed from a cautionary tale to a national model.
“To go from the river that burned to a river recognized nationally for recreation, that’s a big deal,” said Emily Bacha, Program Director of the Fresh Water Institute. “We should all take pride in that.”
The Freshwater Institute: Catalyzing a Culture of Stewardship
The Cuyahoga County Fresh Water Institute builds on that legacy. Its mission: to catalyze a regional culture of freshwater pride through education, research, advocacy, and workforce development.
“We live on 21% of the world’s fresh surface water—right in our backyard,” Bacha reminded us. “It’s ours to protect and steward as we face the future.”
The Institute’s three pillars center on:
- Education and Research: Youth programs that connect science to lived experience, from fourth-grade water safety to high school fellowships in freshwater ecology.
- Water Economy: Expanding “blue economy” career pathways through internships, technical training, and innovation partnerships.
- Advocacy and Access: Increasing public connection to the lake and river through new parks, recreation, and community engagement opportunities.
Bacha shared how the Institute is helping students move from curiosity to careers – pairing classroom learning with hands-on exploration at organizations like Cleveland Metroparks, Drink Local, Drink Tap, and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
“Get close to our water,” she said. “Boat rides, beach cleanups, hands-on science, those first experiences can inspire a lifetime of stewardship.”
Listen to the full conversation here.
NEOSTEM: Connecting Water, STEM, Sports, and Opportunity
As a regional convener, NEOSTEM connects educators, nonprofits, and businesses working to create meaningful STEM experiences across Northeast Ohio. Through monthly meetings, partners like the Freshwater Institute share resources and identify opportunities to collaborate.
“Water connects us all to health, community, and opportunity,” NEOSTEM team members noted. “When we connect learning to the natural world, we connect students to purpose.”
These conversations fuel the broader work NEOSTEM leads year-round, events like Score with STEM, STEM Day with the Cleveland Guardians, and community recreation center activations that bring STEM learning directly to families.
“It’s no longer just the Cavaliers,” said NEOSTEM’s Jeremy Shorr. “It’s the Guardians, the Monsters, the Charge – a whole way of introducing students and families to STEM through sports.”
Get Involved
The future of water, and the workforce it sustains, depends on collaboration. Whether you’re an educator looking to bring water learning into your classroom, a business leader seeking to grow the blue economy, or a community member passionate about sustainability, there’s a place for you.
Connect with the Fresh Water Institute to join education and career pipeline efforts.
Partner with NEOSTEM to bring STEM to your community.
Get the latest updates on the March 2026 Score with STEM event with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Monsters and Charge.
Visit www.neostem.org to learn more and join upcoming meetings.