What better way to explore one of Ohio’s rarest ecosystems than to step into it yourself? 

Join Museum naturalists on a guided hike through the Scheele Preserve on Kelleys Island, where you’ll explore a unique alvar landscape, characterized by flat, exposed limestone bedrock. We’ll use the newly improved and expanded trails and boardwalks at the preserve to explore its alvar shrubland, forest, swamp, and lakeshore habitats. We’ll pause now and again to examine the species that call these places home: rock elm and wafer ash, coffeetree and juniper. We may even see a Lake Erie watersnake on Scheele’s broad, white-sand beach.  

As we explore, we’ll be joined by Museum Research Associate and bird bander Tom Bartlett, who will share insights from his more than 30 years of studying birds along the Lake Erie coast and islands.   

Space for the free, naturalist-led hikes is limited--please register for one if you wish to join. Guests are also welcome to explore the preserve on their own, before or after the hikes. Scheele Preserve is always open to visitors during daylight hours. 

Instructors: Garrett Ormiston & Ken Schneider

Directions to Scheele Preserve

Scheele Preserve is located off Monagan Road on Kelleys Island.

The Kelleys Island ferry is located at 510 W. Main Street in Marblehead. Use this Google Maps link for directions, or: Follow Ohio Route 2 west of Cleveland to Route 269 north. Proceed north on Route 269 to Route 163 east. Follow Route 163 east into Marblehead. 

Field trip intensity: Easy; family-friendly 

What to wear and bring: Dress for the weather and wear sturdy, comfortable footwear for walking. You may want to bring drinking water—there are no facilities at the Preserve.