Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Fall Bird Banding
2025-09-29 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-26 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-24 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-22 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-19 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-17 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-15 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-12 07:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) and 4 more dates | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
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.

Native Seed Collection Workshop
2025-09-27 13:30 - 15:00
Native Seed Collection Workshop
September 27 1:30-3:00
Fall is a great time to start collecting mature native seeds! This workshop will cover the steps needed to identify, find, collect, clean, and store seeds for future planting. Help contribute to our native seed library!
Join Nick Mikash and Nick Fletcher to discuss the importance of collecting seeds, answering your questions about how to stratify seeds that are collected, and hiking the trails to find seeds of different species. Registration required. $5 per person
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/native-seed-collection-9-27-25

National Public Lands Day
2025-09-27 10:00 - 13:00
NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY
Saturday, September 26 | 10AM–1PM | Grow not Mow Site #2 – South Park Boulevard and Lee Road
Register at: https://dbwp.org/event/national-public-lands-day/
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is teaming up with the City of Shaker Heights Tree Advisory Board and Sustainability Committees and Doan Brook Watershed Partnership in sponsoring a native planting and invasive plant control event at our Grow not Mow Site #2 (on the corner of South Park Boulevard and Lee Road) in honor of National Public Lands Day. This parcel is located in the floodplain of the Doan Brook, and we are working to restore and enhance biodiversity in this area to make it a better habitat for pollinators, wildlife, and people. Our plantings will also help to absorb and filter stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion.
Please bring work gloves, and sturdy footwear for planting trees/pulling invasives and dress for the weather, rain or shine. Tools will be provided. Team leaders will show volunteers how to plant our native species of trees and shrubs as well as how to remove invasives. All ages welcome!
Event Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10:00-1:00, parking on South Park Blvd near Lee Rd, carpooling encouraged
About Grow Not Mow
Grow Not Mow is a community program powered by volunteers like you and championed by the City of Shaker Heights. With this program, we hope to restore and enhance biodiversity in the floodplain of the Doan Brook to make it a better habitat for pollinators, wildlife, and people while also reducing the land area that is mowed. Our plantings will also help to absorb, filter stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion, and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with mowing.

National Public Lands Day
2025-09-27 10:00 - 13:00
NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY
Saturday, September 27 | 10AM–1PM | Meet at NCSL
Register at: https://dbwp.org/event/grow-not-mow/
Presented by Bartlett Tree Experts, this volunteer workday celebrating National Public Lands Day will again be a collaborative event sponsored by the City of Shaker Heights, The Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.
We are calling for volunteers of all ages to join us in planting more native trees and plants and removing invasives at this site adjacent to the Doan Brook. This is our third season of extending this area of woodland and underplanting it with a meadow. A planned NEORSD project will remove a concrete stepped culverted area of the Doan Brook impeding fish passage. This will enable Nature Center Natural Resource Specialists and volunteers to remove invasive vines proliferating along the banks of the Doan Brook.
All volunteers should come dressed for the weather. Tools and gloves will be provided. Families and volunteers of all ages are welcome! Pizza and refreshments provided for all volunteers!

About Grow Not Mow
Grow Not Mow is a community program powered by volunteers like you and championed by the City of Shaker Heights. With this program, we hope to restore and enhance biodiversity in the floodplain of the Doan Brook to make it a better habitat for pollinators, wildlife, and people while also reducing the land area that is mowed. Our plantings will also help to absorb, filter stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion, and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with mowing.

Trekking Together: Fall Hikes - September
2025-09-27 09:15 - 22:15
Trekking Together: Fall Hikes with GirlTrek Cleveland
Select Saturdays: September 27 , October 25, 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
Registration Links:
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-9-27-25
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-10-25-25
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-11-22-25

Pre-K Explorers: Drop-In
2025-09-25 08:30 - 22:30
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
8:30-10:30AM
Session 1: September 25, 2025
Session 2: October 16, 2025
Session 3: November 6, 2025
Session 4: December 4, 2025
Session 5: January 8, 2026
REGISTER: https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/pre-k-explorers-drop-in/3118643
Please note – there are TWO variations of Pre-K Explorers. This is the “drop-in” version where families are encouraged to register for a few programs to try it out. Launching in 2026, you’ll see our “semester” set that will meet weekly throughout the year. Contact us with questions.

Fall Guided Bird Walks
2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:30
Guided Bird Walks
ONGOING | Select Wednesdays 6-7:30 PM, Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Wednesday, September 24*
Sunday, October 5 and 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-9-24-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-10-5-25
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
2025-09-23 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.
Tuesday, September 23 from 6-7:30 PM
https://givebutter.com/rain-barrel-9-23-25

Rain Barrel Workshop
2025-09-18 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.
Thursday, September 18 & Tuesday, September 23 from 6-7:30 PM
https://givebutter.com/rain-barrel-9-18-25
https://givebutter.com/rain-barrel-9-23-25

Pre-K Explorers 2025-2026
2025-09-18 08:30 - 10:30
**NEW**for our pre-k audience this fall. This new weekly drop-off program gives your junior naturalist (ages 3.5-5) the opportunity to explore, create, and play all while making new friends and enjoying nature.

Pre-K Explorers takes place on Thursday mornings, 8:30-10:30am, beginning Sept. 18th. The cost is $750 per 12-week semester running Sept 18-Dec 11 and/or Feb 5 – April 30. Members receive a $50 discount per semester. Financial aid is available.

Fall Semester: 9/18/25-12/11/25 (no class on 11/27/25)
Spring Semester: 2/5/26-4/30/26 (no class on 4/9/26)

Review the Guide: Pre-K Explorers Family Guide_2025.docx

REGISTER: Pre-K Explorers Registration

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Hike & Run 2025
2025-09-14 08:00 - 12:00
Welcome the cooler temperatures of fall and join us for Hike & Run, Sunday, September 14. 5k, 10k, 1 Mile Fun Run plus interesting, varied hikes for all skill levels. Register now for early bird discounts.
Five guided hikes of various distances and difficulty available. Check them out on our registration page. https://runsignup.com/ShakerLakesHikeAndRun

Fall Guided Bird Walks
2025-09-10 18:00 - 19:30
Guided Bird Walks
ONGOING | Select Wednesdays 6-7:30 PM, Sundays 8-9:30 AM | Nature Center
Wednesday, September 10 and 24*
Sunday, October 5 and 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-9-10-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-9-24-25
https://givebutter.com/bird-walk-10-5-25
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

CLE Gals Book Club
2025-09-04 19:00 - 21:00
CLE Gals Book Club x Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Thursday, September 4 | 7-9PM
Join the CLE Gals Book Club for their next meeting at the Nature Center to discuss the September pick: Pride & Prejudice. We look forward to welcoming this book club to our trails for a tea party and discussion.
Sign-ups start Sunday, August 31 at the link in bio: https://www.instagram.com/clegalsbookclub/

Trekking Together: August Hike with GirlTrek Cleveland
2025-08-30 10:00 - 11:00
Trekking Together: Summer Hikes with GirlTrek Cleveland
Select Saturdays: August 30 | 10-11AM | 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 warm summer 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:
August 30: https://givebutter.com/girltrek-8-30-25

Guided Bird Walks
2025-08-27 18:30 - 20:00
Guided Bird Walks
ONGOING |Select Wednesdays, 6:30-8PM | Nature Center
Aug 27*
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. July 30: ASL interpreter will not be available. Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required. https://shakerlakes.org/birding-programs/
August 27: https://givebutter.com/guided-bird-walks-8-27-25

Summer Wednesdays: End of Summer Soiree
2025-08-27 17:00 - 20:00
END OF SUMMER SOIREE
Celebrate the end of summer with music by award winning children’s artist Mr. Jeff, Good Times Food Truck, and drinks. Family-friendly.
Mr. Jeff’s performance will start at 6:30 PM.
Music arranged in partnership with Roots of American Music

Take to the Lake
2025-08-23 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday, August 23, 10am-4pm
Doan Brook Watershed Partnership has been hosting our annual event Take to the Lake which was started in 2013 as a memorial to Lester Stumpe, an avid paddler and early DBWP board member. We typically host the event on the last Saturday in August and this years event details can be found below. Canoeing on the Shaker Lakes was a popular pastime in the first half of the 20th century, but public boating on the lakes is now less common. Take to the Lake gives participants a chance to resurrect this recreational opportunity for a day, and gain a new perspective on the lakes and their place in our watershed community. We hope you will join us for an afternoon of paddling, guided hikes, yoga, and music along the banks of historic Lower Shaker Lake.
LEARN MORE:
https://dbwp.org/1events/take-to-the-lake/

Summer Wednesdays: Back to School Picnic with Climate Change Lecture
2025-08-20 17:00 - 20:00
BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC WITH CLIMATE CHANGE LECTURE
Dive into the effects of climate change on plants & birds with Judy Semroc** in our pavilion from 6-7:30PM ($5, FREE for members). Pack a family picnic, then hike the trails & enjoy the serenity of the Nature Center before the hustle & bustle of the school year begins. Our friends from Shaker Heights library will be onsite to share a FREE story and hike for our Junior Naturalist Friends from 6-7PM
From Roots to Wings: The Effects of Climate Change on Plants and Birds | 6:00- 7:30PM
This program will outline the threats and complications to the biodiversity of these important denizens of our natural world. In addition, helpful strategies to aid plants and birds will be addressed.
**Registration: https://givebutter.com/back-to-school-picnic

Sound of Ideas Community Tour
2025-08-18 18:00 - 20:00
Monday, August 18th, 6 – 8PM
Five years ago Horseshoe Lake was drained with a plan to replace its damaged dam and restore the lake. But the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District argued that keeping the land dry, and replacing the lake with a park, was necessary to lower the risk of catastrophic flooding. Residents protested and filed suit. Ultimately, the park land plan was approved and they were promised that nearby Lower Lake would get its dam replaced and would remain a lake.
Now the sewer district says new data leads it to also recommend draining Lower Lake for more parkland. Join us for the next “Sound of Ideas Community Tour,” where we will examine what led the sewer district to change its recommendation, what options exist for the cities of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights, and how the community is responding to the latest development.
The event takes place on Monday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. It’s free and open to the public, but registration is required. Seated tickets are sold out but join us for LIVESTREAM standing room only (you can bring your own folding chair) https://givebutter.com/sound-of-ideas-standing-room
You are also welcome to watch at home starting at 6 PM here: https://www.youtube.com/live/OP4D_YQXt0Q?si=TMdpinGCU2_DLZQb
