Invasive Invaders
2025-10-11 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Invasive Invaders
Saturday, October 11, 10-12 PM
Join Jess Leibson, author of newly released children’s book “Kit the Keystone” to learn about keystone species and how we can prevent the spread of invasive species in our native habitats. Enjoy a story time and interactive activity with Jess and a Shaker Lakes Naturalist and pick up a copy of “Kit the Keystone”. https://givebutter.com/invasive-invaders
Targeted towards kids ages 6-11. Free.

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.

Fall Bird Banding
2025-10-13 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-15 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-17 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-20 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-22 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-24 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-27 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-29 07:30 - 12:00 and 1 more date
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 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

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://www.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

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

A Murder Most Natural
2025-10-24 17:30 - 20:00
A Murder Most Natural
Friday, October 24 | 5:30–8PM | In partnership with Great Lakes Theater
In partnership with Great Lakes Theater
Check-in and reception at 5:30 PM, game begins at 6 PM sharp.
Get into the spooky spirit with a murder mystery game night! Someone at the Nature Center has been targeted, and you will spend the evening looking for clues and weaning out suspects to find the culprit of this crime. Wear comfortable, warm clothes to walk the Nature Center grounds while solving the mystery and socializing with other nature lovers. Light snacks and drinks are included.
The first to correctly solve the mystery will receive two tickets for Dial M for Murder, a gripping psychological thriller from Great Lakes Theater that will run from October 24th to November 9th at Hanna Theatre in Playhouse Square. Winners can use the tickets for any one performance during the shows runtime.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER https://givebutter.com/a-murder-most-natural
Participants must be 21+. $85 for members / $95 for non-members. Members can use code FallMem2025 for $10 off.

Trekking Together: Fall Hikes with GirlTrek Cleveland
2025-10-25 12:00 - 13:00
Trekking Together: Fall Hikes with GirlTrek Cleveland
Select Saturdays: October 25, November 22 | 12:00-1:00PM | Nature Center
Join Jo Rattiliff of GirlTrek Cleveland for our monthly hikes! We invite you to move and appreciate the beauty of nature on these beautiful autumn mornings. The trail will be of natural surfaces (paved and dirt trails) and sidewalk. In the case of inclement weather, the hike will be cancelled, and an email will be sent out. Registration required. Free. Donations welcome. Learn more about GirlTrek here: GirlTrek.org
Registration Links:
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-10-25-25
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-11-22-25

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

Bird Seed Sale
2025-10-31 08:00 - 17:00
Now through October 31!
Help support the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and your feathered friends!
Order today through October 31 and 25% of every sale benefits the Nature Center. Thanks to Dave Pretnar, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mayfield Heights for teaming up to help support the Nature Center! Place your order now through October 31* using the “Purchase” button above! View item photos below.
Seed Pick Up Dates: Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8 from 11AM–2PM at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.
Members receive a $10 discount* with code BIRDSEED10. Please enter promo code and NCSL member ID when prompted. Not sure of your member ID? Contact cara@shakerlakes.org.
SHOP THE SALE

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

Pre-K Explorers Drop-In
2025-11-06 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-K Explorers: Drop-In meets once a month on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. This program is for children ages 3.5-5. Children must have turned 3 by June 1, 2025 to enroll. This is a drop-off program, so we’ll be asking adults to leave after meeting the instructor with your child. (And thank you in advance for taking the time to fill in the paperwork that will allow us to best care for your child!).
Each month brings a new, seasonal, theme full of outdoor exploration and play. Register for as many drop-in programs as you’d like!
Members: $35/program (Use code: “Member10” for $10 off per program)
Non-Members: $45/program
Session 3: November 6, 2025
Session 4: December 4, 2025
Session 5: January 8, 2026
https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers-drop-in/3118643

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://www.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

Naturalist Notebook
2025-11-16 13:00 - 15:00
Naturalist Notebook
November 16 | 1-3pm | Loganberry Books
Join Loganberry Books and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes for our quarterly book discussion!
A Sand County Almanac is an ecology and conservation classic published in 1949 that continues to speak to the world we are living in today. Aldo Leopold’s essays begin on his Wisconsin farm, writing about the cyclical nature of seasons month by month, followed by observations from traveling in other parts of the country, and ending with the confirmation that everything in nature is connected. In his final essays, Leopold asks us all to create what he calls a personal “land ethic”, which asks individuals to create a responsible relationship with the land we inhabit and for which he is best known. 228 pages. Books available for purchase.
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/naturalist-notebook-11-16-25

Trekking Together: Fall Hikes with GirlTrek Cleveland
2025-11-22 09:15 - 10:15
Trekking Together: Fall Hikes with GirlTrek Cleveland
Saturday, November 22 | 9:15-10:15AM | Nature Center
Join Jo Rattiliff of GirlTrek Cleveland for our monthly hikes! We invite you to move and appreciate the beauty of nature on these beautiful autumn mornings. The trail will be of natural surfaces (paved and dirt trails) and sidewalk. In the case of inclement weather, the hike will be cancelled, and an email will be sent out. Registration required. Free. Donations welcome. Learn more about GirlTrek here: GirlTrek.org
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-11-22-25

Pre-K Explorers Drop-In
2025-12-04 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-K Explorers: Drop-In meets once a month on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. This program is for children ages 3.5-5. Children must have turned 3 by June 1, 2025 to enroll. This is a drop-off program, so we’ll be asking adults to leave after meeting the instructor with your child. (And thank you in advance for taking the time to fill in the paperwork that will allow us to best care for your child!).
Each month brings a new, seasonal, theme full of outdoor exploration and play. Register for as many drop-in programs as you’d like!
Members: $35/program (Use code: “Member10” for $10 off per program)
Non-Members: $45/program
Session 4: December 4, 2025
Session 5: January 8, 2026
https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers-drop-in/3118643

Winter Warmups: Brewvies
2025-12-05 18:00 - 20:00
BREWVIES: DOCUMENTARY FILM NIGHT | Friday, December 5 | 6PM-8PM
Embrace the warmth of the Nature Center and settle in with an inviting evening of ecological-focused documentary films and discussion led by the Natural Resources team! Hot cocoa, beer tastings, and popcorn provided. Registration required. Free. $10 suggested donation.
Registration link: https://givebutter.com/brewvies-film-night-12-5-25

Winter Solstice Luminary Walk & Holiday Market
2025-12-12 17:30
Winter Solstice Luminary Walk & Holiday Market
Friday, December 12 | 5:30–8:30PM | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Celebrate nature and the beginning of winter!
All are invited to take a stroll on the illuminated All Peoples’ Trail boardwalk, which is ADA-accessible. Keep warm at a bonfire, or in the heated pavilion where there will be warm alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for sale. Join us inside at our nature-inspired Holiday Market and Duck Pond Gift Shop. Donations welcome. Market items, food, and beverage available for purchase.
A sensory-friendly room will be available on the second floor of the Nature Center building for anyone who needs a calm place to get away from the noise. Sensory bags are available upon request from the front desk.
Support our sustainable efforts!
We are collecting large glass marinara and sauce jars for luminaries. Please clean well and remove labels before donating to the Welcome Desk. After the Luminary Walk, they will be recycled.
BECOME A VENDOR

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://www.shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
Registration:
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-12-14-25
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
2025-12-28 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://www.shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
Registration:
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-12-28-25

Pre-K Explorers Drop-In
2026-01-08 08:30 - 10:30
Pre-K Explorers: Drop-In meets once a month on Thursday mornings from 8:30am-10:30am. This program is for children ages 3.5-5. Children must have turned 3 by June 1, 2025 to enroll. This is a drop-off program, so we’ll be asking adults to leave after meeting the instructor with your child. (And thank you in advance for taking the time to fill in the paperwork that will allow us to best care for your child!).
Each month brings a new, seasonal, theme full of outdoor exploration and play. Register for as many drop-in programs as you’d like!
Members: $35/program (Use code: “Member10” for $10 off per program)
Non-Members: $45/program
Session 5: January 8, 2026
https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers-drop-in/3118643
