Biodiversity has bounced back at the Mentor Marsh thanks to the great work being done by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and other partners including the City of Mentor. The marsh contains diverse wetland communities and habitat types that serve as important breeding and nursery areas for fish and waterfowl, as well as a ‘stopover’ resting site for neo-tropical birds and butterflies as they migrate up to several thousand miles in the spring and fall.
In fact, over 260 bird species have been recorded within or offshore of the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Mentor Marsh in recent years.
Over 200,000 visitors enjoy the natural splendor of the preserve each year. In 2022, a 442-foot ADA-accessible boardwalk and observation deck was added to enhance viewing access to one of Ohio’s unique natural treasures. Over the past several years, the city of Mentor has been working on the design of an observation tower to enhance the experience even further. That project is ready to come to life this year.
The 92-foot tall structure will be located on the marsh rim approximately 1,000 feet north of the main trailhead entrance. The tower will feature a 25’ x 25’ top deck which will offer panoramic views of the marsh and uplands area extending to Lake Erie as well as an ADA-accessible elevated platform.
As per city charter, any capital improvement projects at the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve must be approved by voters. Mentor Issue 4 will be on the May 6, 2025, ballot for residents to decide on the future of the project. Should the issue pass, construction will begin this year. Should the issue fail, grant dollars will be rescinded, and the project shall be indefinitely tabled.
For questions related to the observation tower project or ballot issue, contact the Public Information Office at pubinfo@cityofmentor.com.