Natural Areas Public Programs - Free Events
Hurrah for World Migratory Bird Day!
This year’s World Migratory Bird Day focuses on the importance of water, and we’re celebrating by taking stewardship action at Mentor Marsh. Join us as we pull garlic mustard and pick up litter along our trails, our roadway, and at the Marsh’s edge. Bags will be provided. Wear clothing and footwear for off-trail walking. Co-sponsored by Blackbrook Audubon Society.
Nonmembers: Free
Leadership Circle: Free
Leaders: Rebecca Donaldson
Meeting Location:
Exact location and directions will be emailed to registrants prior to the date of the field trip.
Field trip intensity: Moderate
What to wear and bring (if out of the ordinary): Waterproof footwear, water, gloves (if you have a favorite pair—otherwise we’ll provide them)
Event name
Start time
End time
Bug Hunt!
September is peak time for insect activity! Bring your love of arthropods—plus your curiosity and imagination—as we hunt for all kinds of “bugs” around Mentor Marsh. We might be able to catch and tag some monarch butterflies, too! We’ll have containers to lend so you can try your hand at catching butterflies, bees, bugs, spiders, and more.
Nonmembers: Free
Leadership Circle: Free
Meeting Location:
Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, OH 44060
Get Google Maps directions
Field trip intensity: Moderate
What to wear and bring (if out of the ordinary):
Bring binoculars, a hand lens, a camera, or any other tools for exploring. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear for off-trail explorations.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Bug Hunt!
09/06/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Bug Hunt!
09/06/2026
More Info
Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Woodland Wanderings
Join us for a wandering walk along the Zimmerman Trail—part of the larger Buckeye Trail—to see what we find at the end of summer in the woods. We’ll look for late summer woodland blooms, insects, birds, mammals, and at the wide diversity of trees that support this woodland ecosystem perched on the rim of this great wetland.
Nonmembers: Free
Leadership Circle: Free
Meeting Location:
Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, OH 44060
Get Google Maps directions
Field trip intensity: Moderate
What to wear and bring (if out of the ordinary):
Bring binoculars, a hand lens, a camera, or any other tools for exploring. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear for off-trail explorations.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Woodland Wanderings
09/13/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Woodland Wanderings
09/13/2026
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Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Winged Wonders
Join us on our weekly naturalist-led hike at Mentor Marsh at the end of the Headlands Birding Festival. On this afternoon bird walk, we’ll search for early-fall migrating birds (and maybe monarchs, too). The marsh’s diversity of native plants and habitat provides food and shelter for both migratory and resident bird species. How many can we find? Birders of all experience levels are welcome—group birding is a great way to learn!
Nonmembers: Free
Leadership Circle: Free
Meeting Location:
Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, OH 44060
Get Google Maps directions
Field trip intensity: Moderate
What to wear and bring (if out of the ordinary):
Bring binoculars, a hand lens, a camera, or any other tools for exploring. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear for off-trail explorations.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Winged Wonders
09/20/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Winged Wonders
09/20/2026
More Info
Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Marsh Crown of Fall Flora and Fauna
Sunday, September 27
In the fall, Mentor Marsh is ablaze with a variety of blooms in royal shades of gold and purple. Come along on a walk to enjoy the seasonal wildflowers in the prairie, woods, and wetlands and look for the animals they attract. Are there some plants that attract more pollinators? We’ll discuss wildflower identification tips and plants you can add to your own landscaping to boost biodiversity along the way.
Nonmembers: Free
Leadership Circle: Free
Meeting Location:
Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, OH 44060
Get Google Maps directions
Field trip intensity: Moderate
What to wear and bring (if out of the ordinary):
Bring binoculars, a hand lens, a camera, or any other tools for exploring. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear for off-trail explorations.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Marsh Crown of Fall Flora and Fauna
09/27/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Marsh Crown of Fall Flora and Fauna
09/27/2026
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Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Marsh Marvels
Fall is a fabulous time to explore Mentor Marsh. Come along on a hike and see what kind of marsh treasures we can discover. What birds will we find? Will we see late-migrating monarchs? What wildflowers are still in bloom?
Nonmembers: Free
Leadership Circle: Free
Field trip intensity: Moderate
What to wear and bring (if out of the ordinary):
Bring binoculars, a hand lens, a camera, or any other tools for exploring. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear for off-trail explorations.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Marsh Marvels
10/11/2026
More Info
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Marsh Marvels
10/11/2026
More Info
Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM