Virtual Camp Meeting
2024-01-04 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Ohio
To help families prepare for camp, we will be hosting three pre-camp registration Zoom meetings. These programs are intended to help answer questions that parents have, walk through the registration process, and (most importantly) get everyone excited for Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp! These will be offered at different times and days to accommodate as many people as possible. Sessions are not mandatory, but attending one is encouraged to familiarize families with camp (even those families that have attended in past years).

Guided Bird Walk
2024-01-07 08:00 - 09:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
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. The second walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine. Accessible hikes will be canceled if the paths are covered in snow/ice. Registration required. Free. Donations welcome.
REGISTER

Winter Warmup: Verbingo with Verbena Free Spirited
2024-01-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Looking for something fun to do with friends and family during Dry January? Join us for the Verbingo you know and love—at the Nature
Center! We’re partnering with Verbena Free Spirited to bring you a night of connecting with others in a healthier, more meaningful way—
and without alcohol. Ticket includes 5 rounds of bingo with prizes, handheld charcuterie cups, and one complimentary drink! $25 per person.
$20 for members. Registration required: https://givebutter.com/verbingo

Animal Care: Snakes
2024-01-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Have you ever wondered what it takes to keep our animal ambassadors here at the nature center happy and healthy? Join us the second Saturday of every month for a “behind the scenes” look at our animal care program. Each month will highlight a different species. Children 4 & up will be given the opportunity to interact with animal ambassadors. Children 3 & under will be asked to sit with their grown-ups. All presentations will conclude with a feeding demonstration for that species. Registration required. $7 for children 4 and up; no charge for adults and children ages 3 and under. Donations welcome.
Children audience members will be seated on the floor on mats. Adult audience members (and children under 3) will be seated behind them on benches.
Register https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewActivitySpaceAvailable.aspx?OrgKey=4283&CategoryID=29963

Beginners Yoga Workshop Series
2024-01-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
If you have ever thought about starting a mindfulness practice like yoga but don’t know where to start, this beginner’s workshop series is for you!
This workshop is for those new to yoga and interested in starting a regular practice or for those who have been away from their yoga practice and want to begin again. Learn the basics of yoga to cultivate a fun, safe and rewarding yoga practice. This workshop series will help you gain confidence, so you will feel comfortable taking classes in any setting.
We will explore both the mental and physical aspects of meditation, breathing techniques, and foundational yoga poses. Participants will receive personalized attention and receive customized yoga pose variations to make even the tightest person feel comfortable. You do not need to be young, athletic and/or flexible enough to twist your body into pretzel shapes to practice and fall in love with yoga. Simply be willing to show up, breathe, and move.
DATES
Join us Sundays, January 14th, January 21st, and January 28th for a happier, healthier you in 2024. Please note the times for the series below:

January 14th – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
January 21st – 1:30pm – 3:00pm
January 28th – 1:30pm – 3:00pm

PLAN
Wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to move in, bring a notebook if you like to take notes. Bring a water bottle, yoga mat and towel. Most importantly bring an open mind, you CAN do this!
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
The program will be taught by Cari Hickerson and Kathy Hayes, both certified yoga teachers who have more than 15 years combined teaching experience. Both are currently instructors at Yoga Roots in Cleveland Heights and are residents of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights.
Kathy has taught in Michigan, Florida and Switzerland and currently volunteers leading Yoga for Fire Fighters locally. She also leads the outdoor summer yoga program in Shaker Heights.
Cari is an evolutionary ecologist at John Carroll University and has been teaching yoga for 4.5 years at Yoga Roots. Cari has incorporated the practice of yoga in her biology classes to help students cope with test anxiety. Cari also enjoys teaching outdoor yoga when when the Cleveland weather cooperates.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
https://givebutter.com/beginnersyoga

Build-a-Bee Hotel Workshop
2024-01-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
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 harmless and not aggressive, small 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! $25 per person. Registration required: https://givebutter.com/janbeehotel

Seed Sowing Workshop
2024-01-20 12:00 - 14:00 | Ohio
It’s time to start preparing your garden! Winter sowing is an easy and effective way to start seedlings outdoors and look forward to spring. No prior experience necessary. The workshop is great for all ages! Bring your own plastic milk or cider jugs to start your seedlings. $5 per person. Registration required. https://givebutter.com/januarywintersowing

Guided Bird Walk - Accessible
2024-01-21 08:00 - 09:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
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. The second walk of each month (marked with an asterisk*) is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine. Accessible hikes will be canceled if the paths are covered in snow/ice. Registration required. Free. Donations welcome.
REGISTER

Winter Wonderland: Recenter and Reset Hikes
2024-01-28 16:00 - 17:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Sundays, January 28 & February 25 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Nature Center
Join Jo Rattiliff of GirlTrek Cleveland for our monthly Sunday evening hikes! These special Winter Wonderland Recenter and Reset hikes will highlight the beauty of nature and wildlife and encourages movement and community during the cold winter months. Be sure to bundle up and dress for the weather! In the case of inclement weather, the hike will be cancelled and an email will be sent out. Free. Donations welcome. Learn more about GirlTrek here: GirlTrek.org
Registration required. : https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewActivitySpaceAvailable.aspx?OrgKey=4283&CategoryID=27739

Winter Warmup: Norma Storer Card Making Workshop
2024-02-02 18:00 - 20:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Norma Storer makes stunning cards for every occasion- and she’s passing her wealth of knowledge to you! Stop in for this workshop to learn
how to craft cards that you can gift to family and friends, or keep for yourself as a beautiful piece of art. $12 per person.
$10 for members. Registration required: https://givebutter.com/normacards

Historic Homes & Building Tour
2024-02-04 11:45 - 17:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Step back in time and experience the historic freeway fight in a unique and exciting way with the Nature Center and Shaker Historical Society.
The tour will begin at the Nature Center with a presentation by local citizen scientist, passionate steward, with family ties to the freeway fight, John Barber. Barber will highlight the significance the freeway fight had on our community and green spaces today, while you enjoy a locally brewed cider. Next, you’ll take a trolley to tour three unique locations, including two beautiful homes with rich history on Shaker and South Park Blvd, and a church that was integral to the freeway fight, all of which wouldn’t exist today had the freeway fight not prevailed. You’ll end your tour at the Shaker Historical Society with a tour and a peek at historic and significant archives surrounding the freeway fight. Local food partners will serve brunch bites at each stop of this unique tour for an exciting one of a kind event.
Limited tickets available. $160 per person, $125 for Nature Center or Shaker Historical Society Members. (NCSL Members reach out to cara@shakerlakes.org for a discount code!) Inclement Weather Date: April 14. Please list any food/drink allergies or restrictions during registration. Wear shoes easy to remove. Booties provided, or bring house shoes. Attendees must be able to navigate stairs.
Registration: https://givebutter.com/Y34l8Q

Winter Sowing Workshop
2024-02-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
It’s time to start preparing your garden! Winter sowing is an easy and effective way to start seedlings outdoors and start looking forward to spring.
No prior experience necessary. The workshop is great for all ages! Bring your own plastic milk or cider jugs to start your seedlings in. Registration required. $5.00 per person. Register: https://givebutter.com/februarywintersowing

Animal Care: Frogs
2024-02-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Have you ever wondered what it takes to keep our animal ambassadors here at the nature center happy and healthy? Join us the second Saturday of every month for a “behind the scenes” look at our animal care program. Each month will highlight a different species. Children 4 & up will be given the opportunity to interact with animal ambassadors. Children 3 & under will be asked to sit with their grown-ups. All presentations will conclude with a feeding demonstration for that species. Registration required. $7 for children 4 and up; no charge for adults and children ages 3 and under. Donations welcome.
Children audience members will be seated on the floor on mats. Adult audience members (and children under 3) will be seated behind them on benches.
Register: https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewActivitySpaceAvailable.aspx?OrgKey=4283&CategoryID=29963

WINTER BOOK CLUB: Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy
2024-02-10 13:00 - 15:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Please join us for this in-person and virtual hybrid event! We’ll be discussing Doug Tallamy’s Nature’s Best Hope, with guest Sarah Franklin Jayne, author of the upcoming book Nature’s Action Guide.
Douglas W. Tallamy’s first book, Bringing Nature Home, awakened thousands of readers to an urgent situation: wildlife populations are in decline because the native plants they depend on are fast disappearing. His solution? Plant more natives. In this new book, Tallamy takes the next step and outlines his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation. Nature’s Best Hope shows how homeowners everywhere can turn their yards into conservation corridors that provide wildlife habitats.
This book is available to borrow from CLEVNET libraries here: https://search.clevnet.org/client/en_US/clevnet/search/results?qu=nature%27s+best+hope&te=
Registration Link: https://givebutter.com/winterbookclub2023
Gather and connect with your neighbors to discuss timely and relevant topics related to nature, wildlife, and the changing environment around us with Wild Ones Greater Cleveland. Registration required. Free. Donations welcome.

Self-Care Sundays
2024-02-11 12:30 - 16:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Join New Era Cleveland for Self-Care Sundays at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes! Self-Care Sundays serve as a safe space for healing trauma, learning self-love, conflict resolution, yoga, and meditation. Enjoy beginner friendly meditation, yoga, and self-care activities.
Registration optional. Classes are offered on a first come, first serve basis. Free to attend!
Registration Link: https://givebutter.com/newerascs

Naturalist Notebook: Walden by Henry David Thoreau
2024-02-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH, 44120
Reading (or rereading) Walden by Henry David Thoreau. For some of us reading Walden, also known as Life in the Woods, maybe for the first time, for others a second or more times. It is a book you pick up at all ages. Reading about Thoreau’s immersion in nature in part is a show of independence, quest for spirituality and certainly the goal of self-reliance. Published in 1854, Walden still calls us to read…and reread this memoir.
Registration required. Free. Donations welcome.
Purchase your book at Loganberry Books for a 10% discount.
Register: https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/event/naturalist-notebook-walden-by-henry-david-thoreau/3016762

Winter Sowing Workshop
2024-02-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Starting your garden in the winter can bring plenty of benefits, and an excellent way to kick off this green initiative is by sowing native seeds in January. Winter sowing offers the advantage of providing plants with a head start, winter sown plants will show growth and development far beyond plants sown in spring.
By opting for native seeds, you contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity and create a garden that is well-adapted to our northeast Ohio climate. To guide you through this exciting winter gardening endeavor, we are offering a hands-on workshop. We will use upcycled milk jugs to sow seeds provided by our own native seed library.
These jugs can be placed straight outdoors where they will provide a secure micro-environment that accelerates germination and growth. The Seed Sowing Workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to sow seeds effectively. Don’t miss this informative workshop to jumpstart your winter garden and enjoy a lush, native landscape come spring.
No prior experience necessary. The workshop is great for all ages! Bring your own plastic milk or cider jugs to start your seedlings in.
Interested in native seeds? Check out our seed library! Click here for more information. Registration required

2024 Eclipse Over Cleveland: What to Expect
2024-02-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
The 2024 Total Eclipse is coming…are you prepared?
On April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, darkening the sky for 3 minutes and 50 seconds and it’s the first one to happen in Cleveland since 1806!
Enjoy a presentation by Jay Ryan, a longtime astronomy educator, and learn what to expect during the first eclipse such as this in over 200 years. You’ll learn the science behind the eclipse, some common misconceptions, what to expect, how to keep your eyes safe while you watch.
Whether you’re a huge fan of astronomy or you’re just looking for some more information about the 2024 Eclipse Event- this event is for you!
Free. Registration required.
Registration Link: https://givebutter.com/eclipseovercleveland

Nature Night at the Brew-vies
2024-02-23 18:00 - 20:30 | Ohio
NATURE NIGHT AT THE BREW-VIES!
Friday, February 23rd | 6:00PM – 8:30PM | Market Hall at Van Aken District
Plan for a cozy winter night at the BREW-VIES in with the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes at Van Aken District’s Market Hall!
Drop in, kick back with a cocktail from Craft Collective, and enjoy a curated collection of six short nature documentaries. Chat with the Nature Center’s Natural Resource’s team about all things plants, wildlife, and learn more about the efforts to conserving our natural area.
Documentaries include: Does Nature Have Rights?, Hope and Restoration: Saving the Whitebark Pine, Retuning Fire to the Land, and more.
$7 per attendee. Registration required: https://givebutter.com/vanakenbrewvies

Winter Wonderland: Recenter and Reset Hikes
2024-02-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Sundays, February 25 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Nature Center
Join Jo Rattiliff of GirlTrek Cleveland for our monthly Sunday evening hikes! These special Winter Wonderland Recenter and Reset hikes will highlight the beauty of nature and wildlife and encourages movement and community during the cold winter months. Be sure to bundle up and dress for the weather! In the case of inclement weather, the hike will be cancelled and an email will be sent out. Free. Donations welcome. Learn more about GirlTrek here: GirlTrek.org
Registration required. : https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewActivitySpaceAvailable.aspx?OrgKey=4283&CategoryID=27739

Art on View: Opening Reception
2024-03-07 17:30 - 19:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
BEES, BUGS, AND BUTTERFLIES: POLLINATING ALONG THE CUYAHOGA
Bees, Bugs, and Butterflies: Pollinating Along the Cuyahoga is a traveling photography exhibit that highlights the beauty and importance of pollinators—more specifically, the ones that live in our own backyards. This exhibit will be shown from March 2 through April 30 during normal business hours. Prints available for purchase and a percentage of sales support the Nature Center.
Stop by for the opening reception on March 7 from 5:30-7PM for light refreshments and mingle with artists. No registration required.
This exhibit will be shown from March through April. For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/pollinating-along-the-cuyahoga.htm

Winter Warmup: Whiskey Night
2024-03-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Warm up and enjoy the end of winter at the Nature Center! This night of fun and community will include music, conversation, tastings of whiskey provided by Cleveland Whiskey, and delicious food by local vendors. Additional drinks available for purchase. $35 per person. $30 for members. Registration required: https://givebutter.com/whiskeynight

Animal Care: Turtles
2024-03-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120

Winter Tree ID Hike
2024-03-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Leaves are perhaps the most distinct feature of a tree, but how do you identify a tree with no leaves? Join the Natural Resources team on a winter tree identification hike and learn about the other features like buds, twigs and bark that can help you identify trees even in winter. You’ll get to know hickories, oaks, maples and more. The hike will be approximately 60 minutes on and off trail, getting up close and personal with trees. Each participant will take home a copy of The Winter Tree Finder field guide.
Registration required. $7 per person.
Registration Link: https://givebutter.com/dssFBs

Native Tree Selection and Care
2024-03-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Trees create walkable cities, reduce stormwater runoff, and support biodiversity. Give your tree its best shot at a long life by choosing the right tree for your soils, space, and growing conditions. Alyssa Zearley of Meadow City Native Plant Nursery will share practical guidance from her background in soil science. Register: https://givebutter.com/E1iX5Y

Spring Scout Event
2024-03-16 12:30 - 16:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
SPRING SCOUT EVENT AT THE NATURE CENTER
Interactive Education Stations & More
Saturday, March 16 | 12:30 – 4:30PM | Nature Center
Join NOWcorps for Spring Scout, where you can explore what spring has to offer in Northeast Ohio! Start at our education stations to learn about what plants are in bloom and what birds you can spot in our forests. Then venture onto our guided scavenger hunt or invasive plant removal hike to put your learning into practice!
This is a free family-friendly event hosted by NOWCorps and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes for the AmeriCorps 30th Anniversary Week.
No registration required!

Accessible Bird Walk
2024-03-17 08:00 - 09:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
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. The second walk of each month (marked with an asterisk*) is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine. Accessible hikes will be canceled if the paths are covered in snow/ice. Registration required. Free. Donations welcome. https://shakerlakes.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewActivitySpaceAvailable.aspx?OrgKey=4283&CategoryID=23991

Making the Most of Your Tree with a Soft Landings Garden
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
A beautiful “soft landings” shade garden is one of the best ways to support biodiversity in your yard. Learn how these plantings allow butterflies and moths to complete their life cycles, and pick up some practical gardening tips in this presentation by Dave Tomashefski of Meadow City Native Plant Nursery. Register: https://givebutter.com/15AWwF

Handmade Pressed Flower Cards
2024-03-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Blend the beauty of art and nature together by learning art of calligraphy from experienced luxury and event calligrapher Brenna Rudary of Brenna Claire Calligraphy!
Each guest will receive blank stationery cards to create their own art print using pressed wild flowers, arranging them on their paper and adhering with craft glue. They’ll leave space in the center to put their new calligraphy skills to work writing out a chosen greeting, quote, lyric and more! Keep them for yourself as a token of your newfound skills, or gift to a loved one.
Guests will receive 45 minutes of calligraphy instruction with one on one support, blank stationary cards with envelopes, pressed flowers, a calligraphy pen with a brush tip, practice paper, a printed instructional workbook, and a custom name card as a keepsake!
Registration required. $90 per person. Members enjoy a 20% discount with spring member code.

Gardening is for the Birds
2024-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Ohio
Presented by John Barber
As spring migration is beginning in the Mississippi Flyway where we live, John will talk about the decline of birds and what we can do in our own yards and community to mitigate the loss.
Hosted by Friends of Heights Parks
Location: CHUH Public Library Lee Road Branch, 2345 Lee Road, Meeting Room A & B
Registration Link: https://shorturl.at/ikzGO
