The City of Mentor Natural Resources Department is dedicated to the preservation, conservation, study and management of the city’s natural areas. Outdoor education is also a fundamental goal of ours. Join us at one of these great upcoming events!

Sustainability in the Suburbs
Join the Natural Resource Department at Sustainability in the Suburbs on May 18th at our newly dedicated Springbrook Gardens Park from 11am – 3pm. You and your family will learn how little changes in your lifestyle can add up to a big difference in our community and World through an array of fun and informative games and hands-on activities. This year’s theme is “Protect our Species”. Learn about nature from our Natural Resources team as well as experts from Lake Metroparks, Mentor Marsh Nature Center, Blackbrook Audubon Society, and the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Shop local vendors offering a variety of organic and environmentally-friendly products. Plus, you’ll enjoy great food served up by the Local Eden Food Truck! Free admission and parking.

Pooch Promenade
All ages. Take a stroll through the Mentor Lagoons with a dog, a pup, or even two. Tire out your canine companion as you walk through the beauty of the lakeshore woods. Accompanying you on this adventure will be a member of the City of Mentor Natural Resources Department. They will be your Naturalist for the hike to answer any questions you have about your surroundings. Free.

Instructor: Natural Resources Department Staff
Location: Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve
(meet at trailhead by brick paver lot)

JUN 21- FRI 4 PM – 6 PM
JUL 18 – THURS 2 PM – 4 PM
AUG 21 – WEDS 12 PM – 2 PM

Nymphs, Waterbugs, and Larvae, OH MY!
Ages 6 -13, parents welcome. Explore the creek at Garfield Park to find crawling critters and wriggly, worm-like creatures! We will provide your little adventurers with a net to catch these macro-beasts, and a field guide to identify them. All activities will be supervised by a member of the City of Mentor Natural Resource Department. Pre-registration required. Resident $5 / Non-resident $7

Instructor: Natural Resources Department Staff
Location: Garfield Park
(meet by the ball field closest to the parking lot)

JUN 17 – MON 2 PM – 4 PM
JUN 26 – WED 2 PM – 4 PM

Fishing Outdoor Excursion!
Ages 8 and up. Get outside and smell the fishies! We will be fishing at Springbrook Park in the pond! As we catch fish, we will identify them and talk about their role within their ecosystem. This will be a fun and educational way to get your kiddos outdoors! Equipment will be provided. Feel free to bring your own gear if you would like! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration preferred. Resident: $5/Non-resident: $7

Instructors: Natural Resources Department Staff
Location: Springbrook Park

JUL 14 – SUN 2 PM – 4 PM
AUG 10 – SAT 1 PM – 3 PM

Tree ID Trek
All ages. Traipse, trudge, or traverse through the woods of the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve to find all types of trees! On our tour, we will identify the Lagoon’s trees by looking at their bark and leaves. After our trek, we will test your knowledge so that you can share your timber wisdom with others! Resident: $5/Non-resident: $7

Instructors: Natural Resources Department Staff
Location: Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve
(meet at trailhead by brick paver lot)

MAY 10 – FRI 10 AM – 12 PM
JUN 14 – FRI 12 PM – 2 PM

To register for these, or other fun and informative programs, call (440) 974-5720 or click here.