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North Chagrin Reservation
At nearly 2,000 acres, North Chagrin Reservation is one of the largest and most diverse properties in the Cleveland region. Much of the site is forested, primarily in beech and maple, but there are also cool hemlock-dominated ravines that support breeding populations of northern birds. A variety of wetlands and meadows can also be found, which further diversifies the avifauna.
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15 - North Chagrin Reservation
Cleveland Metroparks
3037 S.O.M. Center Road, Willoughby, OH 44094
440.473.3370
Public Access
Open daily, dawn until 11 p.m.
Amenities
Hiking Trails, Equestrian Trails, Restrooms, Visitors
Center, Picnic Area, Handicap Accessible Trails,
Checklist Available, Sightings Board, Outdoor Feeders,
Wildlife Observation Window, Binocular Rentals
GPS Coordinates
N 41° 38'16.43"; W 81° 24'23.10"
Driving Directions
From I-90, exit at Route 91 and turn left. Drive past
Chardon Road and Strawberry Lane. Park entrance is
on the left.
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What To Look For
At nearly 2,000 acres, North Chagrin Reservation is one of the largest and most diverse properties in the Cleveland region. Much of the site is forested, primarily in beech and maple, but there are also cool hemlock-dominated ravines that support breeding populations of northern birds. A variety of wetlands and meadows can also be found, which further diversifies the avifauna.
While birding is good at any season, North Chagrin is especially noteworthy for its breeding birds. Nearly all of the regions's typical nesting species can be found, and this site supports one of the greatest breeding bird diversities anywhere along Lake Erie. Spring and fall migrations can produce tremendous numbers of songbirds, with the first two weeks in May and September bringing peak times. The reservation is also worth exploring for boreal irruptives in the winter months, such as crossbills, redpolls, siskins, and Purple Finches.
North Chagrin Reservation plays a vital role in the conservation of the Chagrin River watershed. Other major protected sites along this state scenic river include The Holden Arboretum, Penitentiary Glen, and Chapin Forest (the latter two are Lake County Metroparks).
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Noteworthy Rarities
A number of rare nesters occur at North Chagrin, including Black-throated Green Warbler, Winter Wren, and Dark-eyed Junco. Cerulean Warbler, Veery, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Pileated Woodpecker also nest.
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Natural Features
A beautiful nature center is located within the reservation, at 165 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Heights. An interesting marsh with a diversity of native flora is just outside of the building. Although visitors are unlikely to see one due to their secretive, nocturnal habits, the federally endangered Indiana Bat has been found in the reservation.
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