Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Audubon Society Spring Bird Walks
2026-05-03 07:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Audubon Society Spring Bird Walks
Select Sundays | 7:30-10:30 AM
May 3, 10, and 17
Audubon Bird Walks, in conjunction with local partners, are a great way to improve your birding skills. Led by experienced birders who welcome all levels from beginners to advanced, the walks are between 1–2 miles on dirt, gravel and grass trails around the Nature Center and Lower Shaker Lake. Dates marked with an asterisk (*) will have an ASL interpreter in attendance. Bird species are counted and recorded, and the data is stored both on eBird and at the Museum of Natural History. Free. Registration required.
Registration links:
https://givebutter.com/audubon-spring-bird-walk-5-3-26
https://givebutter.com/audubon-spring-bird-walk-5-10-26
https://givebutter.com/audubon-spring-bird-walk-5-17-26

Annual Plant Sale
2026-05-09 10:00 - 15:00
IN PERSON AT THE NATURE CENTER

Saturday, May 9 | 10AM–3PM
Member preview: 8:30–10AM

A wide selection of quart and gallon perennials, trees, and shrubs, plus annuals, edibles, flats, hanging baskets, and ready to go pots. Enjoy the hands on shopping experience with our local experts available to help you make the jump into native gardening and choose plants that will work best in your yard.

Parking is available on nearby streets and curbside assistance with purchases is provided.
Curbside loading available. Small car? Large order? Offering free delivery with our partners at Native Landscape from 9AM–2PM on large purchases over $200 within a 5 mile radius, or large tree and shrub purchases.

https://shakerlakes.org/plantsale/

Audubon Society Spring Bird Walks
2026-05-10 07:30 - 22:30
Audubon Society Spring Bird Walks
Select Sundays | 7:30-10:30 AM
May 10 and 17
Audubon Bird Walks, in conjunction with local partners, are a great way to improve your birding skills. Led by experienced birders who welcome all levels from beginners to advanced, the walks are between 1–2 miles on dirt, gravel and grass trails around the Nature Center and Lower Shaker Lake. Dates marked with an asterisk (*) will have an ASL interpreter in attendance. Bird species are counted and recorded, and the data is stored both on eBird and at the Museum of Natural History. Free. Registration required.
Registration links:
https://givebutter.com/audubon-spring-bird-walk-5-10-26
https://givebutter.com/audubon-spring-bird-walk-5-17-26

Audubon Society Spring Bird Walks
2026-05-17 07:30 - 22:30
Audubon Society Spring Bird Walks
Select Sundays | 7:30-10:30 AM
May 17
Audubon Bird Walks, in conjunction with local partners, are a great way to improve your birding skills. Led by experienced birders who welcome all levels from beginners to advanced, the walks are between 1–2 miles on dirt, gravel and grass trails around the Nature Center and Lower Shaker Lake. Dates marked with an asterisk (*) will have an ASL interpreter in attendance. Bird species are counted and recorded, and the data is stored both on eBird and at the Museum of Natural History. Free. Registration required.
Registration links:
https://givebutter.com/audubon-spring-bird-walk-5-17-26

Naturalist Notebook: Vesper Flights
2026-05-17 13:00 - 15:00
Naturalist Notebook: Vesper Flights
Sunday, May 17 | 1-3 PM
Join the Nature Center and Loganberry Books to discuss Vesper Flights by Helen MacDonald. Helen MacDonald, a British naturalist, poet and falconer, is best known for their memoir, H is for Hawk. Vesper Flights, written more recently, is a collection of essays on the natural world in which MacDonald shares their exceptional eye for detail and observational skills with readers. Wonderful to dip into at leisure, the essays soar from falcons to peregrines to swifts’ mysterious vesper flights. Book available at Loganberry at 10% off
Registration required. Free.
Registration link: https://givebutter.com/naturalist-notebook-vesper-flights-5-17-26

CANCELED: Trekking Together: Spring Hike with GirlTrek Cleveland
2026-05-23 10:00 - 11:00
This event has been canceled due to inclement weather
Trekking Together: Spring Hike with GirlTrek Cleveland
*Check our website for March and April dates
Saturday, May 23 | 10-11 AM
Join Jo Rattiliff of GirlTrek Cleveland for our monthly hike!
GirlTREK is a global organization that is made up of over a million Black women united by a movement for health justice and whose mission is “to increase the life expectancy of Black women by 10 years in 10 years.” We invite you to bundle up, get active, and appreciate the beauty of nature on these fresh, beautiful spring mornings. The trail will be of natural surfaces (paved and dirt trails) and sidewalks. In the case of inclement weather, the hike will be cancelled, and an email will be sent to registrants. Registration required. Free. Donations welcome.
Registration link: https://givebutter.com/girltrek-5-23-26

Quiet Bloom: Expressive Watercolor Workshop
2026-05-23 13:30 - 15:00
Quiet Bloom: Expressive Watercolor Workshop
Saturday, May 23 | 1:30-3 PM
Slow down and discover the joy of watercolor in a relaxed, nature-inspired setting. Join celebrated contemporary watercolor artist Burnell McKenna for a welcoming workshop designed for adult learners of all experience levels. Participants will explore expressive watercolor techniques inspired by botanical forms, learn approachable ways to work with color, water, and brushwork, and create a finished or in-progress piece to take home. This one-time session emphasizes observation, creativity, and enjoyment of the process in a calm and supportive environment.
Registration required. $80 non-members, $70 members. Price includes all materials, instruction, and presentation.
Registration link: https://givebutter.com/quiet-bloom-5-16-26

Spring Guided Bird Walks
2026-05-24 08:00 - 21:30
Guided Bird Walks
ONGOING | Select Sundays 8-9:30 AM
May 24*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands exploring the sights and sounds of the birds that migrate through or make the parklands their home. The first walk of each month begins on our ADA-accessible boardwalk and moves to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. All walks meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine. Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.
*One walk of each month is fully accessible and includes an ASL interpreter.
REGISTRATION:
https://givebutter.com/spring-bird-walk-5-24-26

Nature at Night: Moonbeam
2026-05-30 18:00 - 23:00
Nature at Night: Moonbeam – Saturday, May 30, 2026
TICKETS: https://givebutter.com/c/natureatnight2026
In 2026, the Nature Center will celebrate its 60th anniversary. This milestone offers an opportunity not only to honor our past and the group of stalwart volunteers who first envisioned this space six decades ago, but also to shape the next 60 years of impact.
We invite you to experience nature’s ability to adapt, renew, and thrive as twilight fades and moonlit wonders come alive. Enjoy specialty food and drinks from Greater Cleveland’s best restaurants, set against the stunning backdrop of the Nature Center’s grounds in the heart of the Shaker Parklands.
Founded in 1966, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes was part of a grassroots movement to protect the Shaker Parklands. Today, it remains a destination for birders, nature enthusiasts, and families seeking a safe, engaging outdoor experience. Open year-round and free to the public, the Nature Center is a 501(c)3 organization that receives no tax dollars for its operations or programming.
Funds raised at the event help ensure the Nature Center’s continued success, fostering a place where people of all ages can explore and connect with nature. This year’s benefit will build on past successes, with extensive promotional efforts and a strong volunteer committee to ensure visibility for our corporate sponsors.

Native Perennial Homegrown Sale
2026-06-06 11:00 - 15:00
NATIVE PERENNIAL HOMEGROWN SALE

IN PERSON AT THE NATURE CENTER
Saturday, June 6 | 11AM–3PM
Member preview: 10–11 AM

A stand-alone event! Shop native plants and shrubs grown, lovingly cared for, and donated by local dedicated native gardeners. Over 100 varieties of native plants will be available including coneflower, mountain mint, blue-eyed grass, iron weed, honeysuckle, spicebush, swamp rose, and MUCH MORE! Depending on supply, annuals may be available from the day-of sale.
Plant donations welcome! Contact timothykalan@sbcglobal.net to arrange.

Guided Bird Walks
2026-06-11 18:30 - 20:00
Guided Bird Walks
Select Thursdays 6:30 – 8 PM
June 11, June 18*, July 2*, July 16, August 13, August 20*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. Walks marked with an asterisk begin on our ADA accessible boardwalk and move to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine. Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.
*Months marked with an asterisk are fully accessible and include an ASL interpreter

REGISTRATION LINKS:
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-6-11-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-6-18-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-7-2-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-7-16-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-8-13-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-8-20-26

Environmental and Racial Justice Fair
2026-06-17 17:00 - 20:00
Environmental and Racial Justice Fair
Featuring Really Amazing Food Truck
Join the Nature Center for an inspiring Juneteenth community celebration featuring local racial justice organizations, environmental advocates, art exhibits, and changemakers. Through engaging community conversations, unique exhibits, and opportunities to connect with local groups, we’ll explore how environmental racism impacts Black communities and the collective work being done to advance equity and access to healthy, vibrant neighborhoods.
Visitors can also experience the Nature Includes You exhibit, on loan from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, along with a special quilt exhibit presented by the African American Quilt & Doll Guild.
Enjoy food from the Really Amazing Food Truck. Free and open to all ages. All are welcome.

Guided Bird Walks
2026-06-18 18:30 - 20:00
Guided Bird Walks
Select Thursdays 6:30 – 8 PM
June 18*, July 2*, July 16, August 13, August 20*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. Walks marked with an asterisk begin on our ADA accessible boardwalk and move to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine. Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.
*Months marked with an asterisk are fully accessible and include an ASL interpreter

REGISTRATION LINKS:
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-6-18-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-7-2-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-7-16-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-8-13-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-8-20-26

GirlTrek Hikes
2026-06-20 09:30 - 10:30
GirlTREK
Select Saturdays | 9:30-10:30 AM | June 20, July 18, August 29
Join Jo Rattiliff of GirlTrek Cleveland for our monthly hikes. In the case of inclement weather, the hike will be cancelled, and an email will be sent out. The trail will be of natural surfaces (paved and dirt trails) and sidewalk. Registration required.
Free. Donations welcome. Learn more at GirlTrek.org.
REGISTRATION LINKS:
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-6-20-26
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-7-18-26
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-8-29-26

Summer Solstice Night Hike
2026-06-22 20:00 - 21:30
Summer Solstice Night Hike
Monday, June 22 | 8-9:30 pm
Bring in the summer season by joining the Nature Center for a Summer Equinox Moonlit Walk. Stroll through our trails under the moonlight on the first night of spring and learn about bats and other nocturnal animals, summer plants, and more. Joining us will be Cleveland Metroparks Naturalist Madi Bacci, who will share her passion for bats and other nocturnal critters!
Registration Required. Free/$7 donation suggested. All ages.
REGISTRATION: https://givebutter.com/summer-solstice-6-22-26

Rain Barrel Workshop
2026-06-23 17:30 - 19:00
Rain Barrel Workshop
June 23 & June 25| 5:30:-7:00 pm
$85 for members / $95 for non-members. Members can use code SUMMERMEM2026 for $10 off.
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.
REGISTRATION LINKS:
https://givebutter.com/rain-barrel-workshop-6-23-26
https://givebutter.com/rain-barrel-workshop-6-25-26

VEGAN NIGHT: Beneath One Moon
2026-06-24 17:00 - 20:00
VEGAN NIGHT: Beneath One Moon
Grab a vegan dinner at our Vegan Taco Bar from Cleveland Vegan for $15, or add a side salad or beet “beef” slider ($6) and assortment of vegan pastries ($4). Enjoy refreshing beverages from the Duck Pond as well as 25% off frozen treats. First come, first served, sales begin at 5 PM.
OR join Emmy for a yoga experience inspired by the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes’ 60th anniversary celebration starting at 6 PM. Together, we will gather beneath the same moon that guides the rhythms of nature and renewal in a grounding and reflective yoga practice. This class invites you to slow down, and reconnect with the earth. Suitable for all levels. $10 donation suggested.
REGISTER https://givebutter.com/yoga-night-6-24-26

Rain Barrel Workshop
2026-06-25 17:30 - 19:00
Rain Barrel Workshop
June 25| 5:30:-7:00 pm
$85 for members / $95 for non-members. Members can use code SUMMERMEM2026 for $10 off.
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.
REGISTRATION https://givebutter.com/rain-barrel-workshop-6-25-26

Native Plant Bingo, Pop-Up Plant Sale & Musician Maxwell Stern
2026-07-01 17:00 - 20:00
7.1 Native Plant Bingo & Musician Maxwell Stern
Pop-Up Plant Sale
Our bingo co-hosts from Avonlea Gardens and Inn will join us to offer plants for sale with a portion of proceeds supporting the Nature Center.
Join us for our first installment of NCSL Native Plant Bingo! This will be a night of fun and learning about native plants. Participants will play 8 rounds of bingo with a native plant theme. Our partners from Avonlea Gardens and Inn will bring the plants and cohost! Visitors will also enjoy live music from local artist Maxwell Stern. Bingo starts at 6 PM. $12 for 8 rounds. $10 for members. Registration required.
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/native-plant-bingo-7-1-26

Shaker Art Circle
2026-07-07 17:30 - 19:00
2026 Dates at the Nature Center
Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7PM
July 7 / July 21
August 4 / August 18
September 1 / September 15
The Shaker Arts Council (SHAC) is pleased to announce our continued initiative: The Shaker Art Circle, a community of artists and creatives who gather regularly to draw, sketch, and paint in inspiring locations around Shaker Heights. This welcoming group is open to artists of all experience levels — from curious beginners to seasoned professionals. Bring something you are working on or begin something new and enjoy making art with like-minded, supportive individuals in a quiet outdoor setting. Not sure if this is for you? If you have that creative drive, then it probably is! Call Sheri 216-544-7989 with additional questions.
Meet us at the outdoor Nature Center Pavilion at 5:30
Inclement Weather: The Market Hall at the Van Aken District across from Brasica.
These events are free and open to adults 18 years or older.

Pet Play Date
2026-07-08 17:00 - 20:00
7.8 Pet Play Date
Bring your furry friend to the Nature Center to walk our trails at this year’s Pet Play Date! We will have sweet treats available for four-legged and two-legged guests alike, with both ice cream and pup cups available for purchase.
Free. All ages. No registration required.

Guided Bird Walks
2026-07-09 18:30 - 20:00
Guided Bird Walks
Select Thursdays 6:30 – 8 PM
July 9*, July 16, August 13, August 20*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. Walks marked with an asterisk begin on our ADA accessible boardwalk and move to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine. Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.
*Months marked with an asterisk are fully accessible and include an ASL interpreter

REGISTRATION LINKS:
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-7-9-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-7-16-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-8-13-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-8-20-26

Clothing Swap with Fashion Talks
2026-07-15 17:00 - 20:00
7.15 Clothing Swap with Fashion Talks
Connect with your community and update your wardrobe at the Nature Center’s first ever clothing swap in partnership with Fashion Talks. Bring your gently used clothes, shoes, purses and accessories to find a new home while enjoying delicious mocktails from Verbena Free Spirited and discovering your own new favorite pieces.
$10 Admission fee. All ages. Registration required.
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/clothing-swap-7-15-26

Native Plant Container Workshop at NCSL
2026-07-16 18:00 - 19:30
Native Plant Container Workshop at NCSL
At NCSL- Thursday, July 16| 6:00-7:30 pm
Are you spending money every year on annual plants that don’t serve our pollinators? Bring nature to your porch, balcony or patio with native perennial containers. Amy from Avonlea Gardens will start us off with a great presentation on native containers. This workshop will teach you how to teach you how to pick the right plants for your location and keep your plants alive through winter. You’ll also learn how to arrange them for the best appearance. With a little care, most native perennials will return year after year, meaning you don’t have to buy plants again each spring.
Includes three plants, soil, and a container liner for a ticket price of $30. Additional plants or pots available for purchase a la carte.
Registration required.
https://givebutter.com/native-plant-container-avonlea

Canceled: Guided Bird Walk
2026-07-16 18:30 - 20:00
This event has been canceled due to dangerous air quality.
Guided Bird Walks
Select Thursdays 6:30 – 8 PM
July 16, August 13, August 20*
Join a guided walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. Walks marked with an asterisk begin on our ADA accessible boardwalk and move to dirt trails throughout the Parklands. For all hikes, meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain or shine. Free. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.
*Months marked with an asterisk are fully accessible and include an ASL interpreter
REGISTRATION LINKS:
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-7-16-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-8-13-26
https://givebutter.com/summer-guided-bird-walk-8-20-26

GirlTrek Hikes
2026-07-18 10:00 - 11:00
GirlTREK
Select Saturdays | 10-11 AM | July 18, August 29
Join Jo Rattiliff of GirlTrek Cleveland for our monthly hikes. In the case of inclement weather, the hike will be cancelled, and an email will be sent out. The trail will be of natural surfaces (paved and dirt trails) and sidewalk. Registration required.
Free. Donations welcome. Learn more at GirlTrek.org.
REGISTRATION LINKS:
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-7-18-26
https://givebutter.com/girltrek-8-29-26

Author Talk w/ Jarod Anderson Book and Loganberry Books
2026-07-22 17:00 - 20:00
7.22 Author Talk w/ Jarod Anderson Book and Loganberry Books
The Nature Center is partnering with Loganberry Books to host an enlightening evening with Jarod Anderson, author of the newly released memoir SOMETHING IN THE WOODS LOVES YOU. Jarod is best known for his writing/podcast as @cryptonaturalist. We will hear Jarod read an excerpt from his book, lead a discussion on nature’s impact on mental health, and share how you can start writing in nature.
Free. Suggested $5 donation. All ages. Registration required.
REGISTER: https://givebutter.com/jarod-anderson-7-22-26

Native Plant Bingo, Pop-Up Plant Sale & Food Truck Night
2026-07-29 17:00 - 20:00
**Summer Wednesdays are each Wednesday Night from 5-8PM at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.**
NATIVE PLANT BINGO IS COMPLETELY SOLD OUT. WALK-UPS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PURCHASE A CARD OR PLAY.
Pop-Up Native Plant Sale, Game Night and Native Plant Bingo PLUS a Food Truck
Wednesday, July 29

SCHEDULE:
5-8PM | Games and Dinner available from Good Times LLC Food Truck. Ice Cream 25% off from the Duck Pond

6-8 PM | Native Plant Bingo & Pop-Up Plant Sale Join us for Native Plant Bingo! This will be a night of fun and learning about native plants. Participants will play 8 rounds of bingo, with a native plant theme and everyone will have the opportunity to win a native plant from the evening’s nursery partner Meadow City. Registration required. $12 for non-members, $10 for members. Plus a Pop-Up plant sale! Native plants from Meadow City will be available for purchase. Register: https://givebutter.com/native-plant-bingo-7-29-26

Art in the Park
2026-08-05 17:00 - 20:00
Co-hosted with studio Chartreuse
Stroll through this summer favorite pop-up shopping experience with local artisans and makers, music, Grateful Grub food truck, and cocktails. Free to attend. All ages. No registration required.
This year’s vendors include:

Artifacets Jewelry
Bendi’s Fine Designs, LLC

Brenna Claire Artistry

Clara Grace Illustrates

Dynamite Desserts / Jabrielle Russell

Eileen Ryan Ewen

From the Lobby

Jane Mallorn

Joyce Morrow Jones

Lari Jacobson

Light the Wild / Terri Stefanko

Lucy Bailey Art

Noble Fawn Jewelry

Nonlinear Nomad / Nicole Adams

On The Lookout Jewelry

Rabbit Rabbit

SASHA / Sara McClelland

Shaker Art Circle

S’il Vous Play

Starlight Grove Studios

Studiowurk

Sweet bean / Kristin Barnes

Waxing Moon Sound Bath & Restoration Hike
2026-08-12 17:00 - 20:00
Experience a relaxing sound bath and guided meditation with Liz from Waxing Moon Sound OR join NCSL Natural Resources Manager Nick Mikash for a free restoration hike to learn about the restoration work recently completed. Sound Bath $35 non-members, $30 members.
REGISTRATION LINKS:
Hike: https://givebutter.com/restoration-hike-8-12-26
Sound bath: https://givebutter.com/sound-bath-8-12-26
