Arguably the Nature Center’s most iconic feature, the APT is a 1/3-mile, ADA-accessible elevated boardwalk that overlooks a native marsh, winds through a floodplain forest, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the Doan Brook. Originally completed in 1983, the trail has been a mainstay of the Nature Center and a treasured asset for visitors and educators alike. Offering access to nature for people of all ages and abilities, the award-winning APT remains one of the region’s most important locations for birders and nature-based education programming.
Marsh rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) in full bloom. Photo: Dave Brown.
Trail Ambassadors greeting visitors at our North Woodland entrance.
Say hello to our Trail Ambassadors!
With our building closed, our friendly Visitor Services staff have moved outside. Have a question? Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to answer your questions about the Nature Center, wildlife sightings, and more. Staff available, weather permitting.
Explore and unwind on the newly renovated ADA accessible All People's Trail, completed in November 2019. This elevated 1/3 mile boardwalk offers nature access for people of all abilities. It winds through forest, over the Doan Brook, and overlooks our signature marsh and Lower Shaker Lake. The marsh is beautiful in all seasons, but during the height of summer you will be awed by the picturesque splendor of the large native blooms of the marsh rose mallow. A new ADA-accessible ramp connects the trail to the surrounding neighborhood trails and the Shaker Parklands.
The All People's Trail boardwalk is a great place to view local and migratory birds, mink, butterflies, and seasonal flowers.
ROSE FOUNDATION GAZEBO
ROSE FOUNDATION GAZEBO
The Rose Foundation Gazebo, built by local artist Matt Parker, is a gorgeous wooden structure for respite and relaxation.
To rent this quaint and whimsical gazebo for parties, weddings, and other events, visit our rentals page.
TRAIL FEATURES
MULLIGAN FAMILY FISH OBSERVATION DECK
View native fish and turtles in the Doan Brook.
JIM REID MARSH OVERLOOK
The iconic marsh rose mallow flowers are a beautiful pop of color in the summer.
KOHL FUND GATEWAY
Enter the Nature Center's 20-acres through this new, ADA accessible gateway from North Woodland Avenue.
JACK AND ALEXA SULAK WILDLIFE VIEWING BRIDGE
Get closer than ever to wood ducks, native and migratory songbirds, and enjoy the sounds of the peaceful sound of Doan Brook.
WILDLIFE
WILDLIFE ABOUND
Be on the lookout for wildlife!
The marsh and forest habitats are home to a world of wildlife, including common snapping turtles, great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, white-tailed deer, and pollinators galore. To learn more about our native wildlife, visit the native wildlife page.
