A trail leads west from the parking lot to an opening in the hedgerow, then north across the Aurora Branch of the Chagrin River. Preserve trails begin on the north side of the Aurora Branch.

Learn more

The Aurora Preserve, owned by the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, is the oldest bird sanctuary in Ohio, acquired in 1941 by the Greater Cleveland Audubon Society's predecessor, The Cleveland Bird Club.

The site provides a diversity of habitat types for breeding and migrant birds. A variety of hawks and owls have been observed here, such as great-horned and barred owls, as well as other raptors, such as ospreys, eagles, red-shouldered, Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks.

The preserve features several miles of hiking trails providing access to a wide variety of habitat types-- mature and second growth hardwood forest, three ponds, river floodplains and fields.

Seasonally, there is an abundant diversity of native wildflowers as well as excellent birding opportunities.

Local directions

Located 2 miles east of Aurora off East Pioneer Trail. The preserve does not have any road frontage but is accessible through the City of Aurora's parking lot.