How to Quest

Quest clues and maps—created by 

teachers, volunteers, and/or park 

staff—will help you discover the 

natural and cultural gems of the 

Ohio & Erie Canalway. At the end 

of each quest is a hidden treasure 

box. Sign your name in the logbook, 

stamp this page, and return the box 

to its hiding place.

The questing season runs from 

April 15 through November 15.

Notice a problem or have 

suggestions for improving this 

quest? Contact Arrye Rosser at 

440-546-5992 or arrye_rosser@nps.gov.

About This Program

I’m Arrye Rosser, interpretive and education specialist at Cuyahoga 

=HSSL`5H[PVUHS7HYR0»KSPRL[V[OHURL]LY`VUL^OVOLSWLKM\SÄSST`

dream of bringing questing to Ohio. This project was made possible 

by the generous support of a 2010 Parks as Classrooms grant from the 

National Park Service and is a partnership between many organizations.

So far, more than 100 teachers, volunteers, and park staff have been 

PU]VS]LKPU^YP[PUNHUKÄLSK[LZ[PUN*HUHS^H`8\LZ[Z6\YWSHUPZ[V

create many more in the years ahead. If you would like to volunteer, 

contact me at 440-546-5992 or arrye_rosser@nps.gov.

Special thanks to Emily Bryant and Steven Glazer.

The Ohio & Erie Canalway celebrates the rails, trails, landscapes, 

[V^UZHUKZP[LZ[OH[NYL^\WHSVUN[OLÄYZ[TPSLZVM[OLJHUHS

that helped Ohio and our nation grow. 

For more information and to get copies of other quests, visit 

ohioanderiecanalway.com and search under Activities for Questing.

©D.J. REISER

Canalway Quest

Beaver Marsh Quest

Look for an abundance of wildlife on this easy walk 

to a popular wetland.

STAMP HERE 

This quest was written by volunteers Susan Hale and 

Robert Nicholas. Arrye Rosser updated it in 2014.

 Beaver  Beaver lodge

 Beaver dam  Muskrat

 Bird nest  Canada goose

 Great blue heron  Red-winged blackbird

 Tree swallow  Wood duck

 Mallard  Fish

 Painted turtle  Snapping turtle

+YHNVUÅ`  Cattail

 Yellow iris  Water lily

 

 

 

 

 

Checklist

©JEFFREY GIBSON

SUMMIT COUNTY SECTION

CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

BEAVER MARSH

revision date APR 2014
As you trek northward, count the spruce trees,

No further than the thirteenth on the left, if you please.

Turn to face the canal, with its water so serene—

Here the evidence of beaver can be seen.

That gouge in the tree—did beaver’s teeth gnaw,

*\[[PUN[OYV\NO[OL^VVKSPRLHULMÄJPLU[ZH^&

They will use the wood to build their lodge, of course, 

But bark is also part of their natural food source.

Trek onward to the boardwalk, enjoying the view. 

Are you checking off the wildlife? Good for you!

Be sure to look up, down, and all around.

Check the fallen logs, where painted turtles abound.

Near the boardwalk’s edge, on the right, a dam you’ll see:

The work of the beaver—busy as a bee.

Up from the bottom they brought the mud,

)\PSKPUNHZ`Z[LTVMKHTZ[OLSHUK[VÅVVK

Turn left to the benches, watching the water below.

.SPTWZL^H[LYMV^SÄZOHUKZUHWWPUN[\Y[SLZZVZSV^

Go to the observation deck’s far wall for a minute

And read the beaver’s tale on the wayside exhibit.

Look at the marsh’s right bank for a house of sticks.

This lodge is where beavers raise their kits.

Though not always in view, beavers are near,

But it may take several visits before you spy one here.

Beavers get into their lodges from below, 

So you won’t see the entrances—they’re underwater, you know.

Walk on, but pause before the boardwalk ends.

+V^UPU[OLT\KÄUKMVV[WYPU[ZMYVTHUPTHSMYPLUKZ

Again look to the left and to the right—

More beaver dams are now in sight.

Hike past the milepost marked 28

Designating canal distance, as history relates.

Follow the canal on your left ’til you see

Another beaver dam made so craftily.

Turn around here, where the watered canal becomes nearly dry. 

Backtrack for our hidden box, acting like a top secret spy.

Pause just before the boardwalk to see who else is there too.

From all others, your actions must stay out of view.

Casually sit at the far end of the left bench, facing the railing. 

Reach up into its backrest and remove a plastic box without failing.

Without being noticed, sign the log and stamp your clue sheet. 

Now return everything to its hiding spot, your behavior discreet.

Before you head back on your merry way,

9LÅLJ[VU^OH[`V\»]LZLLUK\YPUN`V\Y]PZP[[VKH`

>LOVWL`V\OH]LLUQV`LK[OPZUH[\YLÄSSLKX\LZ[

On your way back to Ira, make your checklist the best!

Planning Ahead

This treasure hunt takes 60 minutes or less, depending on how long 

`V\SPUNLY>HSRPUNZ\YMHJLZHYLÅH[HUKÄYT;OPZX\LZ[PZHJJLZZPISL

by wheelchair or stroller. Seated visitors may need assistance reaching 

[OLX\LZ[IV_@V\^PSSULLKHWLUVYWLUJPS[VÄSSV\[[OLUH[\YL

checklist and sign the logbook. Some people prefer using their own 

signature stamp and ink pad or marker. Binoculars, insect repellent, 

and walking shoes are recommended. If you want to see beavers, they 

are most active in the evening and early morning.

Getting There

Start in the parking lot at Ira Trailhead, 3801 Riverview Road, north of 

Ira Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264.

Clues

Welcome to Cuyahoga Valley National Park!

Grab a pen to write with before you embark.

On the back of these Beaver Marsh questing clues

Is a nature checklist that you can use.

Beaver Marsh is rich in biodiversity. 

Check off the many plants and animals you see.

At the marsh, you’ll learn the beavers’ tale.

Move forward now from kiosk to trail.

Turn to the left—you are now heading north.

Off to the beaver lodge and dams, go forth!

Others are in motion, so use caution as you hike.

Be alert for walkers, runners, and passing bikes.

Keep your eyes and ears open along the way.

There is much wildlife here, including birds of prey.

Pause at Lock 26—“Pancake,” it was called—

Where canal boats once passed, and goods they hauled.

The canal ran south and north, moving goods to ply,

5V^OVTL[VT\ZRYH[ILH]LYHUKI\[[LYÅ`