Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Guided Bird Walks
2026-02-08 08:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
ONGOING | Select Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Sunday, February 8*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. The first walk of each month begins on our ADA accessible boardwalk and moves to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Snow or shine, though the walks will be canceled in the event of severe storms.
*The second walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter.
Free. Donations welcome! Registration required. https://shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
REGISTER:
February 8 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-2-8-26

Will It Be Beautiful?
2026-02-06 18:00 - 20:00
Will It Be Beautiful? by Steve Cagan Thursday, February 6, 2026 | 6-8 PM
Kick off our spring Bringing Nature Home* series with this free lecture to help you prepare for planting your native garden. Whether you are new to native gardening and looking for education and direction or a more seasoned gardener who wishes to deepen your knowledge, this FREE lecture series has something for everyone. You’ll learn all you need to create a sustainable, beautiful garden and ecosystem right in your backyard. Visit shakerlakes.org/calendar to register. Registration is required. Donations welcome.
*Additional themes, dates, and times be will be added through March and April.
Register: https://givebutter.com/bnh-lecture-2-6-26

Guided Bird Walks
2026-02-01 08:00 - 09:30
ONGOING | Select Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Sunday, February 1 and 8*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. The first walk of each month begins on our ADA accessible boardwalk and moves to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Snow or shine, though the walks will be canceled in the event of severe storms.
*The second walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter.
Free. Donations welcome! Registration required. https://shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
REGISTER:
February 1 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-2-1-26
February 8 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-2-8-26

Guided Bird Walks
2026-01-25 08:00 - 09:30
ONGOING | Select Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Sunday, January 25*
Sunday, February 1 and 8*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. The first walk of each month begins on our ADA accessible boardwalk and moves to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Snow or shine, though the walks will be canceled in the event of severe storms.
*The second walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter.
Free. Donations welcome! Registration required. https://shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
REGISTER:
January 25 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-1-25-26
February 1 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-2-1-26
February 8 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-2-8-26

Native Plant Bingo
2026-01-22 18:00 - 20:00
Native Plant Bingo
Thursday, January 22 | 6PM
Join us for a fun night of bingo learning about native plants. Participants will play 8 rounds of bingo, each with a native plant theme. Everyone will have the opportunity to win gift certificates for our annual Native Plant Sale in May. $12 for 8 rounds of bingo. Your ticket includes three (3) beer or mocktail samples from our beer sponsor Midnight Owl Brewing Company and Verbena Free Spirited. Registration required. $12 for non-members, $10 for members. Members can use code WINTERMEM2026 for $2 off after inputting their member ID. Reach out to Cara Anderson at cara@shakerlakes.org if you need help finding your ID number.
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/native-plant-bingo-1-22-26

Immersive MLK Experience: Equity in Environmentalism
2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00
Immersive MLK Experience: Equity in Environmentalism
Sponsored by ServeOHIO
Saturday, January 17 | Hike: 10-11 AM, Lecture: 11 AM-12 PM
Join the Nature Center as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn about the importance of connecting people of all backgrounds through meaningful, restorative action in nature while centering racial equity in our efforts. Experience the beauty of our grounds in winter on a guided hike with local GirlTREK member, Jo Rattiliff, who will highlight the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor activity year-round. Afterwards, enjoy an informative lecture from Yvonka Hall, executive director of the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, on environmental justice.
Attendees return a week later on January 27, joining our Natural Resources team to participate in a seed processing workshop. Learn about the value of native plants and how to process native seeds. This helps replenish our Native Seed Library, which supports local native gardening efforts by reducing the cost of entry. Registration required. Free.
Registration:
Hike & Lecture: https://givebutter.com/immersive-mlk-experience-1-17-26
Seed processing workshop: https://givebutter.com/immersive-mlk-experience-1-27-26

Guided Bird Walks
2026-01-11 08:00 - 09:30
ONGOING | Select Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Sunday, January 11 and 25*
Sunday, February 1 and 8*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. The first walk of each month begins on our ADA accessible boardwalk and moves to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Snow or shine, though the walks will be canceled in the event of severe storms.
*The second walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter.
Free. Donations welcome! Registration required. https://shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
REGISTER:
January 11 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-1-11-26
January 25 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-1-25-26
February 1 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-2-1-26
February 8 | https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-2-8-26

Winter Seed Sowing
2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:00
Winter Seed Sowing
Saturday, January 10 | 1-3PM
Starting your garden in the winter can bring plenty of benefits. An excellent way to kick off this green garden initiative is by sowing native seeds in January and February. The seed sowing workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to sow seeds effectively. Jumpstart your winter garden to enjoy a lush, native landscape come spring. No prior experience necessary. Great for all ages! Registration required. $8 per person.
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/winter-seed-sowing-1-10-26

Fall Guided Bird Walks
2025-12-28 08:00
Guided Bird Walks
ONGOING | Select Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Sunday, December 28*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. The first walk of each month begins on our ADA accessible boardwalk and moves to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine.
*The second walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter.
Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.
https://shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
Registration:
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-12-28-25

Christmas Bird Count
2025-12-20
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Saturday, December 20
Nature Center The Christmas Bird Count is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society, with over 100 years of citizen science involvement. Come join us for a bird walk to locate and identify our resident winter birds. Count and tally the number of birds you can see or hear throughout the day.

Fall Guided Bird Walks
2025-12-14 08:00 - 09:30
Guided Bird Walks
ONGOING | Select Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Sunday, December 14 and 28*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. The first walk of each month begins on our ADA accessible boardwalk and moves to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine.
*The second walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter.
Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.
https://shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
Registration:
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-12-14-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-12-28-25

Fall Guided Bird Walks
2025-11-09 08:00 - 09:30
Guided Bird Walks
ONGOING | Select Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Sunday, November 9 and 23*
Sunday, December 14 and 28*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. The first walk of each month begins on our ADA accessible boardwalk and moves to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine.
*The second walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter.
Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.
https://shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
Registration:
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-11-9-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-11-23-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-12-14-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-12-28-25

Bee House Workshop
2025-11-01 13:00 - 14:30
Bee House Workshop
Saturday, November 1 from 1-2:30 PM
Help promote our native pollinators by building your own solitary bee hotel. Join our Natural Resources staff as they guide you through this simple DIY project. You’ll leave with a cedar roofed, wood framed bee hotel and instructions on how to maintain it at home. You may also stain the hotel and pick it up after an overnight drying time.
Solitary bees are small, harmless and non-aggressive bees that are important native pollinators. They typically nest individually in old logs or the stems of vegetation, offering them a hotel gives them a safe and secure home where you can watch them thrive. You’ll also get the benefit of bringing pollinators to your garden! One hotel can provide habitat for dozens of these colorful, but often unknown bees. Join us for this easy workshop, all tools & materials provided! Indoor, activity room. Members $22 / Non-members $25
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/bee-house-workshop-11-1-25

Fall Bird Banding
2025-10-31 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-29 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-27 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-24 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-22 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-20 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-17 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-15 07:30 - 12:00 and 3 more dates
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, August 18 through October 31
Meet Julie West at the table near the right side of the driveway to observe migratory birds as they are banded. Generally, the timing is around 30 minutes after sunrise and goes until 12PM. Weather permitting. Free. All ages and abilities welcome.

Fall Tree Hike
2025-10-25 13:00 - 14:30
Fall Tree Hike
Saturday, October 25 from 1:00-2:30 PM
Soak in the beauty of the changing seasons! Join the Natural Resources team on a fall tree identification hike and learn about features like leaves, buds, twigs and bark that can help you identify trees in our area. The hike will be approximately 60 minutes on and off trail, getting up close and personal with trees. Participants will receive a Tree Finder field guide to keep. $10 fee includes book. $10 per person
Registration Link: https://givebutter.com/fall-tree-hike-10-25-25

Rain Barrel Workshop
2025-10-21 18:00 - 19:30
Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, and using rainwater is a healthier way to irrigate your garden. Join our natural resources team as we walk you through a hands-on workshop to build your own rain barrel. The price includes the rain barrel, diverter kit, and all necessary parts. We provide the tools and instruction. This easy workshop is suitable for all skill levels. Registration required.
$85 for members / $95 for non-members. Members can use code FallMem2025 for $10 off.
https://givebutter.com/rain-barrel-10-21-25

Fall Guided Bird Walks
2025-10-19 08:00 - 09:30
Guided Bird Walks
ONGOING | Select Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Sunday, October 19*
Sunday, November 9 and 23*
Sunday, December 14 and 28*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. The first walk of each month begins on our ADA accessible boardwalk and moves to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine.
*The second walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter.
Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.
https://shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
Registration:
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-10-19-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-11-9-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-11-23-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-12-14-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-12-28-25

Fall Native Perennial Sale - In Person
2025-10-18 09:30 - 13:00
FALL NATIVE PERENNIAL SALE
Saturday, October 18 | 9:30AM–1PM | In Person at Nature Center
Attendees can look forward to a condensed version of the popular Annual Plant Sale held each spring. The Fall Perennial Sale will offer a limited selection of native Ohio perennial species, featuring perennials suited for fall planting, many of which are not typically available at the annual spring sale. The sale will take place in the pavilion. Shop local nursery vendors with unique inventory including Meadow City Nursery, Avonlea Gardens and Inn, Cuyahoga Master Gardeners and more. Attendance is free and plants will be offered for a fee with proceeds benefiting the Nature Center.
Member Preview 9-9:30AM

The Big Sit
2025-10-12
THE BIG SIT
Sunday, October 12 | Pre-dawn til dusk | Nature Center
The Big Sit, also known as the ultimate tailgate party for bird watchers, is a 24-hour period of birdwatching! Attending The Big Sit is free, and no registration is required. Pledges and donations are accepted to support bird banding research and bird-related projects here at the Nature Center. Pledges can be made in-person at the Nature Center, on Sunday at the Big Sit or by email to Julie West at jwest@ameritech.net.

Yard Tool Tune Up
2025-10-07 17:30 - 19:00
Yard Tool Tune Up
October 7 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Join our Natural Resources team as we discuss how to properly maintain your outdoor tools. Fall is a great time to do some basic tool maintenance and in this timely workshop we’ll cover that, what tools we use and recommend, and how to properly care for those tools. Then you’ll learn proper technique with a hands-on portion of the class as we apply what we learned and sharpen and recondition your tools. Feel free to bring your own hand tools, such as loppers, pruners, shovels, soil knives, folding saws and work gloves. $9 non-member /$7 members
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/yard-tool-tune-up-10-7-25
