Friends of the Natural Areas

A program benefiting the stewardship efforts of the Natural Areas Program at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Conserving our natural heritage one acre at a time.

Two hundred years ago, Northern Ohio was a rich mosaic of habitats. Today, many of those original natural communities have nearly disappeared, along with the unique plants and animals they shelter. This loss reflects a worldwide decline in biodiversity as humanity's impact on the planet increases.

The Natural Areas Program, part of the Center for Conservation & Biodiversity at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, works within our region to protect and restore its biological richness. We locate and preserve rare and endangered native habitats. To date, we have acquired more than 3,000 acres of land for the sake of the future – because we believe that generations to come should have the opportunity to appreciate and experience these unique places.

But the work of preservation doesn't end when we purchase a natural area.

Stewardship of these properties is essential to maintain or, in some cases, restore habitats threatened by invasive species or human influences. By carefully removing non-native plants, we provide native species a chance to re-establish. Sometimes, rare plants emerge that haven't been seen in Ohio for a century or more.

However, maintaining an intensive, well-managed stewardship program is costly.

That's why we're asking for your help. By participating in the Friends of the Natural Areas, you can help us break the chokehold of invasive species like Japanese knotweed, canary grass and buckthorn on our most precious places. You'll also support Museum efforts to monitor the effects of environmental influences, such as deer overpopulation and urban sprawl, on the region's plant and animal communities and develop techniques to reduce their impact.

You can make a difference when it comes to preserving our region's biodiversity. Become a Friend of the Natural Areas today!

Sponsor 1 acre for $25
You'll receive a letter and deed acknowledging your sponsorship.

Sponsor 5 acres for $100
You'll receive the above PLUS:
A map showing the approximate location of the natural area(s) your acres are within Natural Areas News, the newsletter for Natural Areas Program supporters
The chance to attend Museum field trips (see www.cmnh.org for current schedule and fees)Acknowledgment in our Annual Report

Sponsor 60 acres for $1,500
You'll receive all the benefits listed above PLUS:
A complimentary copy of the current year's full-color Natural Areas Calendar
Membership in the Museum's Conservator Society, which includes additional benefits, such as a complimentary Family-level Museum membership

Sponsor 200 acres for $5,000
You'll receive all the benefits listed above PLUS:
The opportunity to accompany Museum personnel on an evaluation survey of a property in Northern Ohio

Sponsor 400 acres for $10,000
You'll receive all the benefits listed above PLUS:
The opportunity for a private two-hour tour on the Museum natural area of your choice with Dr. Jim Bissell, Director of the Center for Conservation & Biodiversity and Museum Curator of Botany.

Questions?
Please call the Development Division: (216) 231 - 4600, ext.3286