A LETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility take on a number of interpretations that foster needs for continual evolution of a community organization to curate programming as well as facility assets to ensure safe and welcoming opportunities for all people to connect with nature on their own terms.

Understanding this is an ever-progressing effort, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (NCSL) is strongly committed to following these guiding principles to inspire us as we shape our operations, policies, and programs.

Over the past several years, the Nature Center has strived to be a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community asset. Our team incorporates the ideals of equity and inclusion into every departmental decision throughout the organization. Additionally, we have a dedicated Board-led DEI Taskforce to ensure our progress better serves the greater community on every level. This committee includes both staff and board members. Our work is ongoing and something that we integrated into all that we do from programming, to recruiting, hiring, onboarding for staff, training volunteers, and the board.

I am proud to lead this organization as we continue to listen, learn, and collaborate with the region to help curate positive change.