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
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Forest Foray
The upland woods along the rim of Mentor Marsh are diverse and always interesting to explore. Join us for a hike to find fall treasures, seek out fall foliage, and look for late-season invertebrates, fall birds, mushrooms, and more. Views across the marsh are stunning at this time of year!
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: Forest Foray
10/25/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Forest Foray
10/25/2026
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Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Join us for a hike along the Zimmerman Trail on the first Sunday of the month. For almost 4 miles there and back, we’ll meander along the east side of the marsh along the north rim enjoying fresh fall air, colorful foliage, and migrating waterfowl with beautiful wetland views. Learn the latest on the marsh restoration and see it firsthand along the way.
We'll be following the blue blazes—our 2-mile section of the Zimmerman Trail is part of the larger Buckeye Trail system!
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 (hills and possibly muddy spots)
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: Fall Hike on the Zimmerman Trail
11/01/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Fall Hike on the Zimmerman Trail
11/01/2026
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Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
to start before we venture out to a serene spot to view the sunset across the marsh!
Field trip intensity: Moderate (hills and possibly muddy spots)
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 on or off-trail explorations.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Sunset at Mentor Marsh
12/03/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Sunset at Mentor Marsh
12/03/2026
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Thu 04:00 PM
Thu 06:00 PM
Winter Wanderings
Come along on a wintertime foray at the marsh where we'll meander along a trail while enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. Exploring at this time of the year allows us to tune in to sights and sounds we may not notice in the full summer season.
Nonmembers: Free
Leadership Circle: Free
Field trip intensity: Moderate (hills and possibly muddy spots)
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 on or off-trail explorations.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Special Sunday Winter Walk: Winter Wanderings
12/06/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Special Sunday Winter Walk: Winter Wanderings
12/06/2026
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Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Christmas Bird Count at Mentor Marsh
Join our local Christmas Bird Count—the annual tradition of counting all the birds we can find in our area of Mentor Marsh.
Part of the larger area count organized by the Blackbrook Audubon Society, this early-winter bird census has collected citizen-science data for more than 120 years! Join us for a couple hours or all day. We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant mid-day to catch up with other area birders, then go back out to finish birding our area!
Exact location and directions will be provided upon registration.
Field trip intensity: Moderate to difficult, depending on weather conditions
Bring binoculars, a camera, or any other tools for birding/exploring. We will have a limited number of binoculars that may be borrowed and will also provide a spotting scope for the group. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes for off-trail walking.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Christmas Bird Count at Mentor Marsh
12/27/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Christmas Bird Count at Mentor Marsh
12/27/2026
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Sun 08:00 AM
Sun 04:00 PM