Outdoor Classroom - Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

ENHANCING YOUR

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

A CAMPAIGN FOR THE NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

ENHANCING YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

With the completion of the Lavelle Family Ampitheatre and new All People's Trail, we are excited to turn our attention to the Stearns Woodland Trail. Join your fellow community members to make your outdoor classroom more engaging, more sustainable, and more accessible to the entire region for generations to come.

LEARN MORE

NOW IS

YOUR TIME

TO INVEST IN PRESERVING THIS TREASURED SPACE FOR YEARS TO COME

Vital restoration to aging infrastructure is needed now for the long-term sustainability of this natural preserve and the experiences that happen within it. Remarkably, the Nature Center receives no local tax dollars to maintain these 20 acres within the Shaker Parklands. Your support plays a vital role in the success of our campaign, and in safeguarding the next 50 years of learning at the Nature Center.

VIEW OUR PLANS

ACCESSIBLE

NATURE EXPERIENCES

ALL PEOPLE'S TRAIL

Reconstruction and improvement of the iconic APT concluded in November 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. A newly designed gazebo aimed for relaxation, classroom experiences and events
An expanded wildlife viewing area, fish observation deck and stormwater outfall overlook will allow for greater learning opportunities to happen directly in nature.

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes renovation

TRAILHEAD

TRANSFORMATION

CLEVELAND FOUNDATION NORTH WOODLAND TRAILHEAD

This welcoming enhancement now connects the Nature Center to the larger Shaker Parklands and the regional Lake to Lakes Trail system. Two trailheads with bike racks and wayfinding signage guide visitors to a new ADA-accessible ramp leading down to the All People's Trail boardwalk.

EXPANSION

FOR FUTURE LEARNING

STEARNS TRAIL

The largest enhancement plan yet, this enhancement is three-fold. The mini-marsh deck will include built-in seating to help bring our wetlands programming to life. A nature play area, built with natural structures and materials, will aim to assist in motor function development and encourage imaginative learning outdoors. A treehouse will allow children to experience a first-hand view of the floodplain forest from a 'tree's perspective.'

Photo: Please note, this is a concept not an actual rendering.

A SPACE FOR ALL

SEASONS

THE PAVILION

A new four-season pavilion will create a space for the community and students to enjoy year-round. This will also increase our capacity to host school field trips and provide enhanced rental space for events. This multi-functional space will feature movable glass doors, an observation deck for bird watching and restrooms.

THE CAMPAIGN COMMITEE

CO-CHAIRS

Graham P. Hearns
Cynthia M. Klug
David H. Lavelle
Michael T. Novak

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

Rita M. & Peter A. Carfagna
Harry Carlson
Stewart A. & Donna M. Kohl
Claudia & David C. Fulton, Jr.

COMMITEE MEMBERS

John C. Barber
James T. Dixon
Kimberly H. Dyer
Margaret R. Giltinan
Kathleen A. Heffernan
Kitty L. Makley

ENHANCING YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED

We are embarking on a bold and exciting plan to restore, renovate and enhance our 20 acres. We have an opportunity to improve this remarkable place through ongoing enhancements to the experiences that engage people here throughout the years. We look forward to taking a walk in these woods with you and talking about how your support matters, much like how these stories of giving have and will continue to have a meaningful impact on the success of our campaign, and on the next 50 years of outdoor learning: the Rose Foundation, the Lavelle Family, and the Barber Habitat Restoration Fund*.

KAY CARLSON
PRESIDENT & CEO

CONTACT KAY

STORIES OF GIVING*

OUR REGION'S OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PROVIDES

LIFELONG CONNECTIONS

TO NATURE ACROSS GENERATIONS

From the beginning, the Nature Center was envisioned as a place for learning, where the native landscapes could be used to teach natural science concepts. For more than 50 years the impact of the Nature Center on both our youngest and oldest learners is tanglible.

WHAT OUR CO-CHAIRS ARE SAYING

FROM OUR PAST

TO OUR FUTURE

"This forward vision we are embarking upon is emblematic of who we are and were we came from. Since 1966, community members, just like three generations of my family who have enjoyed and grown up at the Nature Center, have been forging a future for this conserved space. Decades later, we continue to carry out that same mission to preserve the trails and habitats that give so much to our region."

DAVID LAVELLE
Campaign Co-Chair

Photo: 1969, civic leaders celebrate the end of the freeway fight and a new beginning for the community with the groundbreaking of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.

UNPARALELLED

LEARNING EXPERIENCES

"Aside from the outstanding educational programs the Nature Center offers, the conserved space itself serves as a wise schoolmaster. The marsh, the prairie, the vernal pool, the forest and gardens whisper lessons for those who wish to listen and it is imperative that we contribute to its future. The coming enhancements will allow thousands to establish profound connections to nature and experience the boundless ways learning can take place outside of the four walls of a classroom."

CINDY KLUG
Campaign Co-Chair

A PROFOUND

CONNECTION

TO NATURE, OURSELVES AND OTHERS

"We are all passionate about preserving this urban oasis and ensuring a bright future for the next generation of environmental stewards. When you step into the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, time seems to stand still and allows for deeper learning and connection with nature and others in our lives. Without an effort to enhance a space and resources such as this, we risk losing an invaluable community treasure that would be deeply felt for decades to come."

GRAHAM HEARNS
Campaign Co-Chair

PROTECTING OUR

BELOVED SPACE

FOR THE FUTURE

"As stewards of one of the best community resources in the Cleveland area, both individually and collectively, we share a desire to enhance this space for future generations."

MICHAEL NOVAK
Campaign Co-Chair

OUR BOLD VISION

OUR COMMUNITY SAVED THIS UNIQUE GREEN SPACE NOT ONLY TO PRESERVE THE HABITATS, BUT TO PROVIDE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES THAT ENGAGE AND EDUCATE ALL. TODAY, WE ARE CALLED TOGETHER TO STRENGTHEN THAT LEGACY BY INVESTING IN OUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM TO FURTHER ENHANCE THOSE EXPERIENCES — BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL, PERSONAL AND SHARED — THAT WILL ENRICH OUR COMMUNITY NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE.

OUR IMPACT