Museum Natural Areas

For more than 50 years, the Museum’s Natural Areas Program has been protecting the best examples of the range of natural community types native to Northern Ohio.

In many cases, these habitats are among the last of their kind in the state. They often provide havens for plants and animals that would otherwise be locally extinct.

This uniqueness makes the Museum’s natural areas ideal locations in which to conduct scientific research. Museum curators and other scientists use them as study sites for short- and long-term projects.

Natural Areas personnel carefully consider the stewardship of each preserve, particularly regarding invasive exotic species. Often, stewardship committees composed of area residents are created to assist and advise on local stewardship efforts.

Learn more about the Museum’s natural areas.

Mentor Marsh

Mentor Marsh is a Museum natural area and state nature preserve.

This preserve is one of the largest natural marshes remaining along Lake Erie. It provides an important breeding and nursery area for several fish species.

It is also a prime birding site. Each spring and fall, migrating birds find refuge here before and after they fly across Lake Erie.

The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center at Mentor Marsh is a good place to start your marsh visit. Several trails run through the preserve.

Learn about the natural history of Mentor Marsh or view this season's Mentor Marsh program schedule.