Autumn is a feast for the senses in Mentor. Hues of orange, red, and yellow fill our parks along with the songs of migrating birds and the scuttle of squirrels gathering provisions. The earthy smell of fallen leaves and pine needles mingle with scent of chrysanthemums, and linger in the breeze as warm sunny days give way to the chill of evenings that promise the approach of the winter ahead.
With over 1,200 acres of park land, there is ample opportunity to embrace the Autumn magic with free guided hikes with the City’s Natural Resources staff.
Departure of the Birds (September 24 and November 12) – Join us at the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve as we hike and observe the great Fall Migration. Songbirds are heading south, and the Lagoons and adjacent Mentor Marsh provide an excellent resting place for our feathered friends along the way. We’ll hike along the Marsh rim to catch a glimpse of a wide variety of birds as they make their journey to a warmer climate. Bring your binoculars. Ages 13+.
Nature at Night (October 1) – Mentor Parks are open to visitors between dawn and dusk, which means we miss seeing a host of creatures that only come out after dark. We’ll hike the Lagoons at night looking for nocturnal activity, perhaps seeing moths, owls, rabbits, and opossums. You will also learn about our local bats and why they are important to our ecosystem. Ages 13+.
Colorful History – Autumn in Northeast Ohio is breathtaking. Join as we explore the fall splendor at our Mentor Parks. As you hike, learn about the history of each park and how they have transitioned to what we see today. Bring along a pair of binoculars to observe late fall bird migration. Join us for one or all three! Ages 18+.
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- Colorful History at Springbrook: October 4, 2 – 3:30 PM
- Colorful History at Wildwood: October 11, 2 – 3:30 PM
- Colorful History at the Lagoons, October 2 – 3:30 PM
While all the hikes are free, advance registration is required. Call 440-974-5720 or online.