VISIT OUR TRAILS!

Enjoy the splendor of nature on two serene trails winding through 20-acres of natural habitats in the heart of Cleveland.

EXPLORE. DISCOVER. CONNECT.

OUR TRAILS

The Nature Center is a 20-acre green space located within a section of the Shaker Parklands that includes gardens and natural habitats -- such as a lake, stream, marsh, field, ravine and forest. To experience these fascinating habitats, take a walk along one of our two beautiful trails offering scenic views of our conserved space in the heart of historic Shaker Heights. Click here to view our hours and to find directions to visit us.

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*For the protection of visitors and wildlife,
dogs, bikes, and rollerblades, and drones are not permitted on trails.

READ OUR DOG POLICY

871,200
SQUARE FEET OF LAND

8
MAPPED NATURAL HABITATS

1,760
FEET OF ACCESSIBLE TRAIL

18,069
BIRDS BANDED
TO DATE

140,000+
YEARLY VISITORS ON THE TRAILS

4
GARDENS FOR NATIVE PLANTS AND INSECTS

WITNESS NATURE'S BEAUTY

The All Peoples' Trail

The newly renovated ADA accessible All Peoples' Trail, completed in November 2019, is an elevated 1/3 mile boardwalk that offers nature access for people of all abilities. It winds through the forest, over the Doan Brook, and overlooks our signature marsh and Lower Shaker Lake. The marsh is beautiful in all seasons, but during the height of summer you will be awed by the picturesque splendor of the large native blooms of the Marsh Rose Mallow. The new ADA-accessible Cleveland Foundation N. Woodland Trailhead connects the trail to the surrounding neighborhood trails and the Shaker Parklands.

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EXPLORE

Stearns Woodland Trail

This well-maintained trail offers a mix of paved and natural segments, including dirt, bridges and boardwalks. It begins at the Nature Center's Rusty Knight Woodland Garden. The trail can also be accessed from the Lavelle Family Amphitheater and from the south side of the parking lot. Stearns Trail winds through the floodplain forest along the Doan Brook. Run or walk among the trees, stop at the new Jimmy's Treehouse near Two-Tree Square, reflect at the DBJ Foundation Terraza de Meditacion (Meditation Terrace), explore Carfagna Nature Play Area or take the Upper Rim Trail near the Prairie to spot a butterfly.

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A PLACE OF LEARNING

POLLINATOR GARDENS

In addition to our trails, we have many pollinator gardens! The Rusty Knight Woodland Garden, located behind the Nature Center, has plant identifiers to help you learn more about native plants. To the left of the All People's Trail Kohl Gateway, is our Pollinator Garden full of plant species that produce nectar for important pollinators. Behind the Friends Pavilion, you'll find our Permaculture Garden; a sustainable garden used to cultivate native plants. Most conspicuous is the Rain Garden directly in front of the pavilion where you can often view monarch butterflies in summer.

LEARN ABOUT OUR NATIVE HABITATS

EXPLORE. DISCOVER. CONNECT.

WHY VISIT US?

The opportunities to learn from and connect with nature within our 20 acres are boundless. While walking on our trails, you may see deer, a mink or migratory birds. In spring, witness the plants awakening from their winter slumber. In summer, experience native flowers in full bloom, watching Monarch butterflies floating gracefully through the air. In fall, bring the family for a leaf walk, observing the autumnal tones of the 35+ tree species on our grounds. The winter season allows for birders of all levels to observe the many species that can be seen here. No matter the season, there is always something new to discover.

DESIGNATED A NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LANDMARK BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

NUMBER 23 OF THE CLEVELAND AREA LOOP OF THE LAKE ERIE BIRDING TRAIL, WE'RE NOTED FOR THE NUMBER OF SPECIES THAT CAN BE SEEN HERE

DESIGNATED AN IMPORTANT BIRD AREA BY THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY

KNOWN FOR OUR DIVERSE HABITATS AND THE WILDLIFE THAT LIVE WITHIN THESE HABITATS, WE HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED BY BIRDLIFE AS AN IMPORTANT BIRD AREA