Our Plans and Accomplishments Top Slider

ENHANCING YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

OUR PLANS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CAMPAIGN FOR THE NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

All People's Trail
ACCESSIBLE
NATURE EXPERIENCES
ALL PEOPLE'S TRAIL
Completed Summer 2019

The All People's Trail now features ADA-accessible trail enhancements with larger gathering spaces for classes to spend more time in discussion and observation along its path. The Rose Foundation Gazebo offers space for relaxation, classroom experiences, and events.

An expanded wildlife viewing area, fish observation deck and stormwater outfall overlook allows for greater learning opportunities for people of all abilities.
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Photo credit: Laura Dempsey

Stearns Trail
EXPLORE
YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
STEARNS WOODLAND TRAIL
Completed Fall 2020

Renovations on the one-mile Stearns Woodland Trail included reconstruction of the boardwalks, two bridges, and the addition of an ADA-accessible entrance and trail segment and a new wetland observation deck.
Shaker Lakes Capital Campaign

Photo credit: Bob Perkoski

Treehouse
EXPLORE
YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
AN ACCESSIBLE TREEHOUSE IN THE FOREST
Completed Summer 2021

Made possible by a generous gift from the Lincoln Family, we've improved our Stearns Woodland Trail by adding an accessible treehouse designed by Nelson Treehouse of the Animal Planet show Treehouse Masters! Explore Jimmy’s Treehouse whenever the Nature Center is open and get a birds-eye view of the forest canopy! The treehouse deck is open dawn until dusk.
Shaker Lakes Capital Campaign
Lavelle Family Ampitheater
A PLACE TO
GATHER
LAVELLE FAMILY AMPHITHEATER
Completed 2018

Located behind the Visitor Center, this unique ADA-accessible educational venue connects to our trails and parking lot. Great for events, educational programs, and a quiet space to watch birds at the bird feeders, this is a versatile, year-round space for every occasion.
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes All People's Trail

Photo credit: Dave Brown

Nature Play Area
CONNECT
WITH NATURE
CARFAGNA NATURE PLAY AREA
Completed Fall 2021

Engage children’s gross motor skill development with use of natural structures and materials uniquely suited to the look and feel of the surrounding Stearns Woodland Trail. Climb on a piece of the iconic Shaker Lake 300 year old white oak tree and explore nature play!

The nature play area includes the addition of movable, natural materials for imaginative, unstructured play, building and climbing.
Play areas Cleveland
Lavelle Family Ampitheater
RESPONSIBILITY TO
CONSERVE
HABITAT RESTORATION
Completed 2021

The work of NCSL staff and volunteers contributed to a larger, multi-year effort to restore the habitat on our 20-acre property. Since 2019, we have now removed approximately five acres of invasive shrubs and installed over 6,300 native plants. We exceeded our goals in terms of the amount of restoration work performed, which will set us up for success in ongoing restoration efforts.
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes All People's Trail
Neighborhood
TRAILHEAD
TRANSFORMATION
NEIGHBORHOOD ENTRANCES
Completed Summer 2021

We have improved pedestrian connections to the All Peoples’ Trail with the new Cleveland Foundation North Woodland trailhead and the Stearns Woodland Trail with welcoming community trail entrances with bike racks on South Park Boulevard and West Park Boulevard.
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes All People's Trail

Photo credit: Laura Dempsey

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We Need Your Help
WE NEED YOUR HELP

Your support in this final phase of the campaign will help us fully realize this vision for the Nature Center and make it a more valuable resource for you, your family, and everyone who visits.

Your fully tax-deductible gift, at any level, will support the completion of these much-needed enhancements to your nature preserve that is the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.

Will you help us restore the trails, habitats, and outdoor facilities at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes during this final phase of our campaign?

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