Click to watch the Birding in Mentor video

When people think of Mentor, they naturally think of business. After all, Mentor is a thriving manufacturing and retail center.

It might surprise you to learn that Mentor also has over 1,200 acres of preserved greenspace – the jewel of which is the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve. Consisting of over 230-acres, the preserve features a mile and a half of Lake Erie Shoreline, trails, and a complex and interesting ecosystem which draws visitors from across the area. It’s located on the northwest boundary of the 800-acre Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, which is regarded as one of the best birding sites in the state….and it’s getting better due to the amazing restoration work conducted by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and other partners.

We met up with City Naturalist, Joel Throckmorton to talk about the significance of this diverse landscape to migrating birds. Watch video. 

Learn more about birding in Mentor and download a free copy of the birding checklist on our Birding page.