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
Summer’s Stunning Wildflowers
Sunday, July 26
Join us on a summer flower power hike! Let’s see what summer wildflowers are blooming in our native landscaping, our prairie, and Mentor Marsh. Our diverse habitats support a great number of plants, and summertime is the perfect time to enjoy their beautiful blooms!
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: Summer’s Stunning Wildflowers
07/26/2026
More Info
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Summer’s Stunning Wildflowers
07/26/2026
More Info
Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Caterpillar Hunt!
Come along on a hike at Mentor Marsh and learn how to look for caterpillars! Butterfly caterpillar or moth caterpillar? How many species will we find? We’ll talk about life cycles, host plants, timing, and more on this fun exploratory hike.
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. Bring a lawn chair for the beginning of the program. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Caterpillar Hunt!
08/02/2026
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Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Caterpillar Hunt!
08/02/2026
More Info
Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Dog Days of Summer
Welcome to the hottest days of the year! They're sometimes called the “dog days” because Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, is visible in the summer sky. Summer insect songs—like the distinctive buzzing of annual cicadas—peak at this time of year. What kinds of birdsong or insect songs do we hear on these hot dog days? Come along on an auditory hike at Mentor Marsh to listen to the sounds of summer. Plus, enjoy a special solar viewing with Museum astronomer Monica Marshall.
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. Bring a lawn chair for the beginning of the program. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Dog Days of Summer
08/09/2026
More Info
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Dog Days of Summer
08/09/2026
More Info
Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Summer Wetlands
What life are we seeing in the wetlands at this point in the summer? What’s the latest scoop on our wetland restoration at Mentor Marsh? What plants grow at Mentor Marsh? What birds will we find in the Marsh? Come along for a discovery hike in our great wetlands to see what we can see!
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. Bring a lawn chair for the beginning of the program. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Summer Wetlands
08/16/2026
More Info
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Summer Wetlands
08/16/2026
More Info
Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM
Summer's Spectacular Wildflowers
Summer wildflowers are in full glory! Join us on a summer flower power hike! Let’s see what summer wildflowers are blooming in our native landscaping, our prairie, and Mentor Marsh. Our diverse habitats support a great number of plants, and summertime is the perfect time to enjoy their beautiful blooms!
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. Bring a lawn chair for the beginning of the program. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Summer’s Spectacular Wildflowers
08/23/2026
More Info
Mentor Marsh Nature Hikes: Summer’s Spectacular Wildflowers
08/23/2026
More Info
Sun 02:00 PM
Sun 03:30 PM