Natural Areas & Conservation

Protecting Ohio’s natural areas for science, prosperity, and generations to come 

About the Natural Areas Program 

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History preserves natural areas for science, education, and enjoyment.

By protecting rare and at-risk plants, wildlife, and habitats, the Natural Areas Program safeguards the natural diversity that is essential to our well-being and supports thriving Ohio ecosystems. Through conservation, stewardship, scientific research, and public engagement, the program transforms the Museum’s mission into meaningful action. 

The Museum identifies and acquires important natural areas and cares for existing properties through an active stewardship program. This work is guided by the Natural Areas Strategic Plan, a long-term vision that defines our conservation priorities for the coming decade and identifies practical actions to strengthen stewardship, measure progress, and protect these landscapes over time. 

These natural areas serve many purposes. They provide protected habitats where rare, endangered, and threatened species can recover and flourish. They are outstanding resources for education and model scientific field laboratories where researchers can conduct long-term studies at sites relatively free from human interference. They also offer spectacular settings for public field trips and programs that inspire a passion for nature. 

More than 70 years of protecting nature 

The Natural Areas Program was established in 1956, when the Museum acquired Fern Lake Bog. In the decades since, many additional sites have been preserved, with nearly 13,000 acres currently under protection. Each preserve supports one or more distinct biotic communities, including hardwood forest, fossil dune ridge, marsh, swamp, and glacial wetland, among many others. 

Over the years, the Natural Areas Program has built a collection of nature preserves representing the broad spectrum of habitats and species found throughout northern Ohio. Together, these natural areas form a “living museum” that protects the region’s rich biodiversity for future generations to study and appreciate. No other natural history museum in the world has as large and varied a living collection. 

Our conservation efforts 

Through collaboration with researchers, conservation partners, landowners, communities, and government agencies, the Museum is working to connect and expand preserves, restore the region’s natural diversity, raise awareness of the biodiversity crisis, and advance science that supports a more sustainable future. These efforts also help protect the fresh water, clean air, productive lands, and vibrant communities upon which Ohioans depend. 

Our restoration work at Mentor Marsh is an outstanding example of how dedicated efforts can transform a once-devastated ecosystem into a thriving habitat. Read more about the Mentor Marsh restoration. 

Visit our natural areas 

Three of the Museum’s natural areas are free and open to the public: Mentor Marsh, Scheele Preserve on Kelleys Island, and North Kingsville Sand Barrens. Others may be visited with Museum staff on field trips or by special arrangement.  

Museum staff lead hikes throughout the year, offering opportunities to explore unique habitats, encounter native plants and wildlife, and learn about the importance of protecting our region’s natural diversity. Explore our upcoming field trips below or visit our land access page to learn more about accessing our natural areas. 

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Upcoming Natural Areas Events