Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Mentor Marsh Visitor Center and Programs

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk.

The Nature Center is open to the public with seasonal hours:
April through October, Sat & Sun, noon – 5 pm
November through March, first Sunday of the month:
11 am to 4 pm

Programs: Family nature programs and guided hikes are offered at 2 pm every Sunday the Nature Center is open. There is no charge and all are welcome. Reservations are requested. During the week, programs for groups are available by appointment at a nominal charge. Bring your own field guides/binoculars or we have some to lend.

For more information, contact the Nature Center at:  (440) 257-0777, by mail at 5185 Corduroy Rd., Mentor, OH 44060, or by email at rdonalds@cmnh.org.

Learn more about the activities at Mentor Marsh by reading the latest newsletter

Mentor Marsh Program Schedule

Spring and Summer Season Hours and Hikes

From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from 12 to 5 pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. Family nature hikes are offered from 2-3:30 pm every Sunday the Nature Center is open. Please meet at the Nature Center. Our programs are a go in all but severe weather, so please come prepared for the weather conditions. Reservations are requested for all programs and can be made by calling or emailing the Nature Center at (440) 257-0777 or rdonalds@cmnh.org.

Sun, May 27, 2012; 2 pm

Usher out Wetlands Month with a bang! Come explore our wetlands in this hands-on program and discover the amazing diversity of life that needs water and wetlands to survive. We'll be at the water's edge, so dress for wet/muddy conditions.

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, June 3, 2012; 2 pm

Help us take part in the long standing celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. Help us "spruce" up our section-2 miles of the Buckeye Trail. Tools provided; wear sturdy footwear and bring work gloves.

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, June 10, 2012; 2 pm

Let's get into the shade of the woods and explore the upland forest and shrub ecosystem surrounding the Marsh. We'll work on identification as well as discuss forest diversity and trends on this informational hike.

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, June 17, 2012; 2 pm

Dads, get outside and explore with your kids. We'll turn over logs and rocks, scoop critters-look for life at the Marsh!

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, June 24, 2012; 2 pm

Meet at the Mentor Lagoons City Nature Preserve trailhead (8365 Harbor Dr.) for a discovery walk at the western edge of the Marsh.

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, July 1, 2012; 2 pm

Let's explore plants in our Nature Center rain garden & other landscaping & peek into the prairie. What's blooming? Light landscaping help appreciated as we investigate these landscapes. Please bring tools, wear clothes for getting dirty & help us grow our plant life for both our enjoyment & for the wildlife!

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, July 8, 2012; 2 pm

Come with us on a hike, learn the natural history of what we find on our discovery walk.  

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, July 15, 2012; 2 pm

Learn about native plants around the Nature Center & venture into the Marsh. Discover why these plants matter & which ones are important to plant in your own home landscaping.  

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, July 22, 2012; 2 pm

What's happening along the boardwalk at Mentor Marsh? Let's see what's blooming, scoop for pond critters & investigate the area around the Wake Robin Trail in the Marsh.  

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sat, July 28, 2012; 9 am to 2 pm

Come shop!

1st: Donate! Clean out your closets, basements, attics & garages and donate them to the Marsh! Drop off any gently-used items at the Nature Center on Saturdays or Sundays between 12 & 5 pm. Please, NO clothing or non-nature books. Need pick-up of larger items? Call (440) 257-0777.

2nd: Shop! Find super deals on nature items, furniture, camping/outdoor gear, fitness gear, yard gear, kids' toys, housewares, collectibles & more!  Bid on Silent Auction certificates & donated items from favorite local businesses. Includes restaurants, auto/home & personal care items. Proceeds benefit the Mentor Marsh Nature Center education programs. Thank you for your support!

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.


Sun, July 29, 2012; 2 pm

Meet at the Mentor Lagoons City Nature Preserve trailhead (8365 Harbor Dr.) for a discovery walk at the western edge of the Marsh.

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, Aug 5, 2012; 2 pm

Come with us on a hike, learn natural history of what we find on our discovery walk.

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, Aug 12, 2012; 2 pm

Learn about our Marsh's tall reed grass-Phragmites. Does wildlife use it? Any other uses? How can we control it? Hike into the Marsh to learn more about this invasive plant.  

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, Aug 19, 2012; 2 pm

Join local butterfly enthusiast, Mary Ann Wagner for a butterfly hike at the Marsh. We'll explore the connection of providing nectar & host plants for these winged critters & look for both butterflies & caterpillars. We'll provide identification materials.  

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.


Sun, Aug 26, 2012; 2 pm

Meet at the Mentor Lagoons City Nature Preserve trailhead (8365 Harbor Dr.) for a discovery walk at the western edge of the Marsh.  

Mentor Marsh is an interpretive nature preserve of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History(CMNH) and the State of Ohio (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Trails are open daily, year-round, dawn to dusk. From April through October, Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hikes are free with registration at rdonalds@cmnh.org or (440) 257-0777.