Natural Areas Field Trip: Exploring Geneva Swamp

Join us as we explore Geneva Swamp, including a new addition to the Museum’s living collection of nature preserves—the Weaver tract.

Geneva Swamp is the last large stretch of Lake Erie lake plain swamp forest that still stands between Cuyahoga County and the Pennsylvania line. This preserve—which looks now much as Cleveland looked 300 years ago—provides critical habitat for a variety of rare species, including the globally declining rusty blackbird. In spring, high-quality vernal ponds support populations of spotted salamanders and wood frogs.

Before it was acquired by the Museum in the fall of 2023, the Weaver tract had been scheduled to be timbered. On our first field trip to this newly protected property, we’ll wander its upland-wetland landscape, where scattered sand ridges and dry knolls wind through swamp forest.

Guides

Garrett Ormiston & Ken Schneider

Location

Exact location and directions will be emailed to registrants prior to the date of the field trip.

Field Trip Intensity

Moderate to difficult

What to Bring

Sturdy, waterproof footwear and weather-appropriate clothes, and perhaps a walking stick or binoculars. Don't forget water—we'll want to stay hydrated.

Registration

Members: $5
Nonmembers: $10
Leadership Circle: Free

Note: Members and Leadership Circle, please make sure you are signed in to your account to receive your discount, which will be reflected on the payment page.