Over the last 100 years, the Museum has been dedicated to the conservation and preservation of our region’s natural world. In its early years, the Museum played a key role in preserving significant properties on Kelleys Island, including the protection of the famous Glacial Grooves and Inscription Rock. In 1956, the Museum established its Natural Areas Program when it acquired 8 acres at Fern Lake Bog. Over the decades, many other natural areas have been preserved, with a total of more than 12,000 acres of pristine habitat currently in conservation. At the core of our responsibility is the protection of these fragile habitats in perpetuity.
Limited Access
We have three natural areas that are open to the public. We welcome visitors to the
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve,
North Kingsville Sand Barrens, and
Scheele Preserve on Kelleys Island. All other natural areas require a Museum-issued access permit. We limit access to our properties for a number of reasons, including protection of sensitive habitats and potential dangers in traversing these sites. In addition, we are mindful of human impacts on our natural areas. Too much use can lead to overall degradation and introduction of invasive species.
Access permits are issued for research and conservation purposes. Please contact Ken Schneider at
[email protected] or 216.231.4600 x3505 if you are interested in obtaining a permit to enter a Museum natural area.
For information about wildlife management on Museum preserves, please visit
CMNH.org/hunting.