City Nature Challenge: Slog at a Bog! A Field Trip to North Bend Bog

What better way to dive into the 2026 City Nature Challenge than to get out of the city and into a bog? Figuratively speaking, of course.

Join Museum naturalists as we explore North Bend Bog, one of several Museum nature preserves located in the sprawling Geneva Swamp complex in Ashtabula County. We’ll poke around vernal pools, looking for salamanders, insects, fairy shrimp, and more. The bog itself is a rare habitat that is home to unique plants, including native cranberries.

As we explore, we’ll be taking part in the City Nature Challenge. We’ll show you how to use iNaturalist, a handy app for identifying and recording native plant and animal species. As you use iNaturalist, you'll gradually build a list of all the species you’ve found—some people have thousands of species on their lists!—all while contributing to a global citizen science project. Observations recorded on this hike will represent a contribution to our local Northern Ohio team.

In order to protect its habitat and all the species that call it home, North Bend Bog is not usually open to the public. Join us for either a morning or an afternoon hike as Museum naturalists open the preserve for this special event. We look forward to seeing you!

Location

North Bend Bog Preserve, Ashtabula County. Exact location and directions will be emailed to registrants prior to the date of the field trip.

Field Trip Intensity

Moderate to difficult (possible standing water); family-friendly, but perhaps not suitable for young children.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather, and come prepared for wet conditions—bring your boots! Bring water to drink, and maybe binoculars and a walking stick.

Registration

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

Register for Session 1

Saturday, April 25, 10am–12:30pm

Get Tickets

Register for Session 2

Saturday, April 25, 2–4:30pm

Get Tickets

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.