Just as the region came together over 50 years ago to preserve these 20 acres, today supporters like you are coming together to raise funds for this important effort. Through exciting renovation, restoration, and enhancements, together we will deepen the experiences that engage people here throughout the year.

Over the past few years, we have been working hard to reinvigorate and enhance YOUR PARK to ensure this precious place is here for you and future generations. 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.
NELSON TREEHOUSE
Fall 2020 marked the completion of new features on Stearns Woodland Trail incluing new trail infrastructure, bridges, a nature play area, and South Marsh Observation Deck, but the best is yet to come!
We will be improving our Stearns Woodland Trail by adding an accessible treehouse designed by Nelson Treehouse of the Animal Planet show Treehouse Masters! Enjoy Stearns Woodland Trail in a new and exciting way - from the canopy!

Photo of similar treehouse project
NEW bridges and trail infrastructure
NEW wetland observation deck with increased seating along the mini-marsh
NEW nature play area using natural structures and materials
NEW and ongoing restored native habitats

Photo credit: Bob Perkoski
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 and engage in nature play!
Completed November 2020.

Photo credit: Bob Perkoski
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.
Completed Summer 2019.

Photo credit: Laura Dempsey
This welcoming enhancement now connects the Nature Center to the larger Shaker Parklands and with 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 scenic All People's Trail boardwalk.
Completed Summer 2019.

Photo credit: Laura Dempsey
The goal of this $6.1 million campaign is to bring nature to life for our visitors - to more deeply fulfill our mission, building upon our legacy to ensure we remain a welcoming and accessible asset to the community now and into the future.
Now is the time for you to join us as we invest in our beautiful nature preserve - for today and for the future. Will you help us create more access, more educational opportunities and preserve the legacy at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes?


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.
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.
CINDY KLUG
Campaign Co-Chair

GRAHAM HEARNS
Campaign Co-Chair


MICHAEL NOVAK
Campaign Co-Chair

The Legacy Pathway is a unique chance to leave your mark on the historic All People's Trail transformation. Your gift will play an integral role in Enhancing Your Outdoor Classroom including the iconic elevated boardwalk that is the centerpiece of our environmental education programs.
For inquiries, contact Patty Albrecht at 216-321-5935 x 232 or email albrecht@shakerlakes.org.


To learn more and to get yours, please contact our Development team at 216-321-5935 ext. 246

Co-Chairs
Graham P. Hearns
Cynthia M. Klug
David H. Lavelle
Michael T. Novak
Honorary Co-Chairs
Rita M. & Peter A. Carfagna
Harry and Mary Ann Carlson
Claudia & David C. Fulton, Jr.
Stewart A. Kohl
Committee Members
John C. Barber
James T. Dixon
Kimberly H. Dyer
Margaret R. Giltinan
Matthew R. Goldman
Kathleen A. Heffernan
Kitty L. Makley
Denise L. Neary
Carrie B. Shelfer


Cleveland Foundation
DBJ Foundation
Rose Foundation
Kohl Fund
Donna & James Reid
Anonymous
Peter & Rita Carfagna
Harry & Mary Carlson
Ann T. & Thomas C. Hilbert
Nancy & Neal Lavelle
Barbara Lincoln
Cathy Lincoln
John C. Morley
John T. Mulligan, Thomas H. Mulligan, & William C. Mulligan
The Murch Foundation
Heather & Tim Ryan
Jack & Alexa Sulak
Third Federal Foundation
Abington Foundation
Anonymous (3)
John Barber
Cythia Bassett
Kathleen & Thomas Heffernan
David & Ann Lavelle
Michael & Courtney Novak
Leon & Gloria Plevin
Chace & Josie Anderson
Ruth Anna Carlson
Mary & Tom Gannon
The George Garretson Wade Charitable Trust #2
Albert A. Hanes & Robert E. Hanes
Sam & Kim Hartwell
Graham & Kerianne Hearns
Ann T. Herbruck
Higley Fund of the Cleveland Foundation
Meg & Jed Hunter
Louise H. & David S. Ingalls Foundation
David Jarus & Karen Schuele
Kempton & Nancy King Smith
Cynthia & Paul Klug & Family
Sarah Lavelle
John & Kitty Makley
Elizabeth Ring Mather & William Gwinn Mather Fund
Lynda & Charlie Mayer
Ray & Katie Murphy
Charles L. Pack Charitable Trust
PNC Foundation
Julie West
Alexis Abramson & Chris Sklarin
Anonymous (3)
The Blaszak Family
Mary Cahen
Leigh H. Carter
Kay Carlson & Rick Albaugh
Ann & Tom Cicarella
The George W. Codrington Charitable Foundation
Martha Connell
Erin & Dan Connell
DeGulis Family
James & Denise Dixon
Henry C. Doll
Geoff, Bill, & Mary Dunbar
John Dyer & Kimberly Humphreys Dyer
Eric & Jana Freiss
Claudia & Dave Fulton
Beth & Rob Gillespie
Anne & Walter Ginn
Laura Gooch & David Kazdan
Jeanne & Steve Gordon
James D. Graham & David M. Dusek
Barbara Baetz-Greenwalt, MD & Peter H. Greenwalt, MD
The Hershey Foundation
Mrs. Roland S. Hill
Helen B. & Erik M. Jensen
Anne C. Juster
The Kadlic Family
The Kass Family
Nancy F. & Joseph P. Keithley Foundation
Susan Kent & Ben Sperry
Karen Kidwell & Henry Billingsley
John & Kristin Lavelle
Toby D. Lewis
Paul Lincoln & Kathy Toderick
William S. & Margaret F. Lipscomb
The Milton & Tamar Maltz Family Foundation
Barb & Bill Morgan
Jon & Robin Outcalt
The Parker Hannifin Foundation
Dick & Pat Pogue
Paula & David Reape
Martha & David Schubert
Sears-Swetland Family Foundation
Carrie & Scott Shelfer
Kate & Brit Stenson
Susan Wolpert & Raymond Lesser
*The Honor Roll recognizes those donors at $10,000 and above as of March 1, 2021
