Outdoor Classroom - Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

ENHANCING YOUR

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

A CAMPAIGN FOR THE NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

ENHANCING YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

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.

LEARN MORE

NOW IS

YOUR TIME

TO LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR PARK!

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.

VIEW OUR PLANS

REINVIGORATING

YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

COMING SOON :
NELSON TREEHOUSE

THE FINAL PHASE

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

EXPLORE

YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

STEARNS WOODLAND TRAIL

Completed November 2020:

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

DISCOVER

YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

NATURE PLAY AREA

The NEW nature play area is now open!

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

ACCESSIBLE

NATURE EXPERIENCES

ALL PEOPLE'S TRAIL

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

TRAILHEAD

TRANSFORMATION

CLEVELAND FOUNDATION NORTH WOODLAND TRAILHEAD

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.

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes All People's Trail

Photo credit: Laura Dempsey

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED

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?

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 SPACES

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

"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

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY

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.

PURCHASE MY LEAF

PURCHASE MY NAMEPLATE

CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN

To see the Legacy Pathway, stop by the All People's Trail, open dawn to dusk.
For inquiries, contact Patty Albrecht at 216-321-5935 x 232 or email albrecht@shakerlakes.org.

PROUDLY DISPLAY YOUR SUPPORT OF THE CAMPAIGN WITH A YARD SIGN

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

THE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

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

HONOR ROLL*

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR GENEROUS DONORS WHO HAVE GOTTEN US TO THIS POINT!

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