Our Vision - Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Our Plans and Accomplishments Top Slider

ENHANCING YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

OUR PLANS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CAMPAIGN FOR THE NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

GIVE TODAY

All People's Trail

ACCESSIBLE

NATURE EXPERIENCES

ALL PEOPLE'S TRAIL

Completed Summer 2019

The All People's Trail now features ADA-accessible trail enhancements with larger gathering spaces for classes to spend more time in discussion and observation along its path. The Rose Foundation Gazebo offers space for relaxation, classroom experiences, and events.

An expanded wildlife viewing area, fish observation deck and stormwater outfall overlook allows for greater learning opportunities for people of all abilities.

Photo credit: Laura Dempsey

Treehouse

EXPLORE

YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

AN ACCESSIBLE TREEHOUSE IN THE FOREST

Completed Summer 2021

Made possible by a generous gift from the Lincoln Family, we've improved our Stearns Woodland Trail by adding an accessible treehouse designed by Nelson Treehouse of the Animal Planet show Treehouse Masters! Explore Jimmy’s Treehouse whenever the Nature Center is open and get a birds-eye view of the forest canopy! The treehouse deck is open dawn until dusk.

Nature Play Area

CONNECT

WITH NATURE

CARFAGNA NATURE PLAY AREA

Completed Fall 2021

Engage children’s gross motor skill development with use of natural structures and materials uniquely suited to the look and feel of the surrounding Stearns Woodland Trail. Climb on a piece of the iconic Shaker Lake 300 year old white oak tree and explore nature play!

The nature play area includes the addition of movable, natural materials for imaginative, unstructured play, building and climbing.

Lavelle Family Ampitheater

RESPONSIBILITY TO

CONSERVE

HABITAT RESTORATION

Completed 2021

The work of NCSL staff and volunteers contributed to a larger, multi-year effort to restore the habitat on our 20-acre property. Since 2019, we have now removed approximately five acres of invasive shrubs and installed over 6,300 native plants. We exceeded our goals in terms of the amount of restoration work performed, which will set us up for success in ongoing restoration efforts.

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes All People's Trail

We Need Your Help

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Your support in this final phase of the campaign will help us fully realize this vision for the Nature Center and make it a more valuable resource for you, your family, and everyone who visits.

Your fully tax-deductible gift, at any level, will support the completion of these much-needed enhancements to your nature preserve that is the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.

Will you help us restore the trails, habitats, and outdoor facilities at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes during this final phase of our campaign?

CONTRIBUTE TODAY