News from the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

As the SLGC Liaison for the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, I attended their Annual Board Meeting on September 23.  So much has been happening on the 20 acres at 2600 South Park Blvd.  Most impressive is their continued construction projects, along with the pivoting work to create new online programming and educational opportunities.  The Nature Center remains strong and is more-than-ever relevant to our community! Here are a few highlights.  

Construction on the Stearns Trail 

With the completion of the Lavelle Family Amphitheater in 2018 and the All People’s Trail in 2019, the Nature Center began its third phase of construction on the Stearns Trail in May of this year. The Stearns Trail, located south of the parking lot, will be a refreshed one-mile trek through the woods, a section of which will be ADA accessible.  With new bridges and boardwalks, it is sure to bring visitors closer to nature.  One central feature of the trail is a new Nature Play area which will include a section of a 300-year old oak tree that had blown down near Lower Lake.  Another new feature will be a treehouse, which will be accessible from the Lavelle Family Amphitheater. The marsh will have an expanded platform for both viewing and active educational programs.  There will be a new garden area behind the main entrance to the trail which the Charitable Projects of our Shaker Lakes Garden Club helped to fund. Kay Carlson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nature Center, is happy to schedule and give tours to any of our members.  Click here to email Kay.  

Educational Programming

Starting in March, due to COVID 19, much of the in-person programming and field trips had to be cancelled. This not only presented a huge challenge for the Nature Center’s operational budget but also to their educational team.  Under the direction of Erica Prange, all in-person programming went virtual.  New curriculum programs were created including virtual summer camp.  The shift to online programming has helped to expand the Nature Center’s outreach into our greater Cleveland community and beyond.  Currently, some small group in-person public programs are taking place. Learn more and register here.

Trail Ambassadors

With the Nature Center’s physical building having to remain closed due to health restrictions, many of the indoor staff have taken to the outdoors where you can find them welcoming visitors on the trails, answering questions and helping visitors to interpret nature. 

Bird Seed Pop Up Sale 

Stock up on your winter bird seed and help raise money at the same time for the Nature Center.  Order now through October 30 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Nature Center. Bird seed pick up is on November 8 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Nature Center.  Click here to order online. To learn more about what our feathered friends like to eat, click here.

Development

The Nature Center is currently trying to raise the remaining $200,000 needed to complete the Stearns Trail.  More information about the Capital Campaign https://shakerlakes.org/outdoorclassroom/. Please consider making a gift to the Nature Center either to their capital campaign or their annual fund. The Nature Center relies on the donor support of the Annual Fund for their operating budget which was severely affected by a loss of dollars from in-person programming and the need to buy PPE equipment. 

Take A Hike

Grab a jacket and your mask and get out to the Nature Center’s All People’s Trail (Stearns Trail will open later this fall).  Stop by the Gazebo and take in a breath of fresh air under its beautiful wooden carvings. 

Enjoy!