Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

09/10/2026

5 Ways to Help Nature This Fall 🍂

1. Plant native asters instead of buying annual mums. You can shop for this and many other native, pollinator-friendly plants at our Fall Plant Sale on October 17!

2. Bring your own tumbler to the coffee shop. Ask the barista to skip the disposable cup and fill your clean tumbler instead. Bonus: Your drink will stay at the right temperature longer!

3. Learn how to collect native seeds. Join us September 19 from 10–11:30 AM to learn how to identify, find, collect, clean, and store seeds for future planting. We’ll discuss the importance of collecting seeds, answer your questions about seed stratification, and hike the trails to find seeds from different species.

4. Take a nature walk and pick up trash along the way! Bring a small bag and grabber with you and collect any litter you see. Kids can make it a game to see who can find the most!

5. Celebrate Public Lands Day with us! We’re calling for volunteers of all ages to join us in planting more native trees and plants and removing invasive species at this site adjacent to Doan Brook. All volunteers should come dressed for the weather. Tools and gloves will be provided. September 26 | 10 AM–1 PM

Learn more: www.shakerlakes.org/calendar/

09/10/2026

JOIN US FOR HIKE & RUN THIS SUNDAY!
The weather is looking perfect for a morning run or hike

The 22nd Annual Shaker Lakes Hike & Run is only three days away! Registration prices go up on race day, so register today and lock in a lower price.

Choose from scenic chip-timed 5K and 10K routes throughout the picturesque Shaker Parklands, or 1-mile fun run, and four rarely offered guided hikes that include some of the best-kept-secret trails in the area. There is something for everyone.

https://shakerlakes.org/hikerun/

09/09/2026

Moonlit Memories | Celebrating 60 Years of the Nature Center

Before there was AutumnFest, there was Bug Bash!

🐞We found a press release about the Bug Bash which was held in the early 2000's with "engaging activities including the Bug Bouncer, Petals the Clown, scavenger hunt and nature hike, storytelling, crafts, silent auction and more."

🎈While things may look a little different now, the core of annual events like this at the Nature Center remain the same - we love celebrating, gathering, and inviting our community to enjoy our space and nature with us!

Does anyone remember the Bug Bash?? It was held from at least 2003-2006. Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

09/08/2026

Celebrate our 60th Anniversary with us by decorating a cake for display and judging at our annual AutumnFest event!

🌙 Cakes will be raffled off with proceeds supporting the Nature Center. Bakers are encouraged to decorate around themes of celebrating nature, 60 years, and the moon/space.

🏠 Cakes are to be decorated at home and dropped off prior to the event.

🎟️ All who participate will receive 20 free activity tickets for use at AutumnFest and winners in each category will receive a 60th anniversary gift basket and a $20 gift card. All ages and abilities welcome. When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.

🚗 September 26, 2026 (AutumnFest)
Cakes can be delivered to the Nature Center between 10 am and 1 pm on Sept 26 and must be able to be at room temp from drop off until 7 pm.

Sign Up: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7iFglDojGk6XaEjA8rdk7x_7gnacmMVLuozGoiEKbbxUQTNaTVRQQU04RDVOSUw3OEtEN1VYOVBMSiQlQCN0PWcu

09/03/2026

Sunday, September 13 | 8AM

Race and hike prices go up on race day! REGISTER TODAY and lock in your reduced registration fee.

REGISTER: https://runsignup.com/ShakerLakesHikeAndRun

Hike & Run is a community tradition that celebrates the Nature Center's past, present, and future. Just days before our official 60th anniversary, celebrate with us and choose from scenic chip-timed 5K and 10K routes throughout the picturesque Shaker Parklands, a 1-mile fun run, and four rarely offered guided hikes that include some of the best-kept-secret trails in the area. There is something for everyone.

09/02/2026

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with us!
September 26 | 10AM – 1PM meet at the No Mow Site 2 at S Park Blvd and Lee Rd

We are calling for volunteers of all ages to join us in planting more native trees and plants and removing invasives at this site adjacent to the Doan Brook. All volunteers should come dressed for the weather. Tools and gloves will be provided. Families and volunteers of all ages are welcome! Pizza and refreshments provided for all volunteers!

Register at:

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with us! The workday celebrating National Public Lands Day will again be a collaborative event sponsored by the City of Shaker Heights, The Doan Brook […]

09/01/2026

Seed Collection Workshop
Thursday, September 10 | 5:30-7:00 pm
Saturday, September 19 | 10:00-11:30 am

Fall is a great time to start collecting mature native seeds! This workshop will cover the steps needed to identify, find, collect, clean, and store seeds for future planting. We’ll discuss the importance of collecting seeds, answer your questions about how to stratify seeds, and hike the trails to find seeds of different species. Help contribute to our native seed library! Registration required. $5 per person.

REGISTER:
https://givebutter.com/seed-collection-workshop-9-10-26
https://givebutter.com/seed-collection-workshop-9-19-26

08/31/2026

True to our roots, the Nature Center continues to serve as an urban sanctuary for lush ecosystems, a welcoming gathering place for friends and family, and an outdoor classroom where learning comes to life - just as our founders envisioned six decades ago. It's with your support that we are able to continue to grow and thrive.

Our fiscal year funding gap campaign ends today, every donation makes a difference. THANK YOU for your support! https://givebutter.com/close-the-gap-2026

08/28/2026

It's our 60th Anniversary and YOU are invited to help us celebrate!

Join us beneath the full Harvest Moon as we celebrate 60 years of connecting people with nature. Gather your friends and family for an evening filled with festive fall traditions, birthday surprises, moonlit adventures, music, food and activities for all ages.

Bring a birthday card for the Nature Center with a special message about what the Nature Center means to you and receive 6 free activity tickets.

September 26 | 3-7PM
LEARN MORE https://shakerlakes.org/autumnfest/