Natural Areas Field Trips: Mentor Marsh Birding Extravaganza

No, it’s not quite Halloween yet—and it’s not particularly spooky, either. But Cottonwood Hollow is still a perfect spot for a fall hike.  

Join us for a hike at this preserve, which features a small, high-quality wet meadow and a hemlock–mixed hardwood forest. In the fall, the dark green of hemlock will contrast with the colors of the deciduous trees in their full splendor. We’ll seek out one tree in particular—the swamp cottonwood, a rare species in Ohio.  

The small tributaries that run through the preserve drain into Big Creek, itself a tributary of the Grand River. We’ll take a close look at all these tributaries, then climb the steep center of the preserve to gaze down on Big Creek from above.