Natural Areas Program

Through the Natural Areas Program, the Museum is working to create a system of nature preserves that best represents the broad spectrum of biodiversity found in Northern Ohio.

Fern Lake Bog

The Natural Areas Program began in 1956 when the Museum obtained its first natural area, Fern Lake Bog. Since then, the program has acquired many other sites. It currently protects more than 4,900 acres.

Each preserve harbors at least one unique natural community, including hardwood forest, Lake Erie island, fossil dune ridge, marsh, swamp and glacial wetland. Together, these areas represent the remarkable biological diversity that was once widespread throughout the region.

As a result, the Museum’s natural areas are outstanding educational and scientific resources. Our preserves are model scientific field laboratories in which curators and other scientists can conduct long-term studies in locations relatively free from human interference. They also are spectacular places to take Museum members on field trips.

To Visit a Preserve

Three of the Museum’s natural areas are open to the public:
     Mentor Marsh
     Scheele Preserve 
     North Kingsville Sand Barrens

To visit any of the other natural areas, please contact the Museum’s Natural Areas Division for written permission, (216) 231-4600, ext. 3505, or rboronka@cmnh.org.