Beaver Marsh, North Boardwalk

Use the flipbook on the exhibit to help identify mammals and birds.

NPS/Arrye Rosser

Quick Facts

Location:

Park at Ira Trailhead, 3801 Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264. Turn left and walk north on the Towpath Trail.

Significance:

Beaver Marsh is one of the Cuyahoga Valley’s healthiest wetlands. Because of its size and variety of habitats, it supports diverse wildlife. This exhibit panel helps visitors observe mammals and birds.

Designation:

Ohio and Erie Canal District; Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area; Ohio to Erie Trail; Lake Erie Birding Trail; Industrial Heartland Trail Network

Amenities

6 listed

Accessible Sites, Audio Description, Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

Beaver Marsh is a popular place to view wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley. There is something to look for during each season. Follow the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail north from Ira Trailhead to the boardwalk. The best time of day to visit is either early morning or just before dusk.

Many visitors come here and wonder: What did I just see? Mammals and Birds is one of three exhibits that help interpret the scene. Near the northern end is a widened area. Benches face outward toward the marsh on either side where the shallow water extends in all directions. Use the flipbook to help you tell the differences between beaver and muskrat, look for beaver signs, observe otters, and identify five common birds.

Visitors aren’t the only ones looking for wildlife here. Volunteer Marsh Monitors observe birds at Beaver Marsh, one of many North American study sites. These citizen science data indicate if populations are healthy or in decline.

Tags: cuyahoga valley national park, ohio, midwest, transportation, transportation history, national register of historic places, nr, historic district, cultural landscapes, ohio and erie canal, canal, towpath trail, trail, ohio to erie trail, industrial heartland trail network, ohio and erie canalway, wildlife watching, photography, birds, birdwatching, lake erie birding trail, beaver, muskrat, otters, biodiversity, animals, wildlife, wetlands, volunteers, citizen science, park science, community science, ecosystem monitoring