ROOKERYA NEWSLET TER FOR MEMBERS & FRIENDS

OF THE NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER L AKES

OUR OUTDOOR CL ASSROOM IS OPEN TO ALL Another summer has come and gone, with the laughter of hundreds of children still echoing through the trees from our Outdoor Adventure Camp. Memories and friendships made. Connections to nature established and nurtured. Minds expanded and ready to absorb even more this school year.

As we trade in the sunscreen and flip-flops for sweaters and backpacks, we reflect on the past year of growth we saw not only in our students, but in ourselves as an organization. We’ve had the distinct pleasure of both teaching and being taught by the many children who come to the Nature Center through our hands-on environmental educational programs.

Through our Applied Science for Kids (ASK!) program with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and other area schools, we have provided educational experiences to more than 5,600 students over the past year, many of which have little interaction with nature in their daily lives. Our outdoor classroom provides opportunities to study, explore and ask questions in a safe place that encourages creative thinking.

Some of the children we serve have never been hiking or have had the opportunity to sit outside and simply watch the birds through their own set of binoculars. For many, their visit with us is their first true interaction with nature. Observing the wonder in a child’s face when he or she first hears the distinct song of

a bird, or witnessing a child freely exploring and learning in the unrestricted beauty of nature, serves as a strong reminder of why our mission is so critical.

Studies have shown that children who spend time outside are healthier, happier, more creative and less stressed. Similarly, there have been recent studies that show teaching in nature also has positive effects on the educator, allowing them to be more innovative with their teaching strategies. Through our ASK! program, 97 percent of teachers engaged in the program said they learned something new about the environment, with 100 percent of teachers walking away with fresh and creative ideas on ways to incorporate nature into their classrooms.

FALL 2018IN THIS ISSUE:

PAGE 2FROM THE PRESIDENT

STAFF FEATURE PAGE 3

NATURE CONNECTION PAGE 4

VOLUNTEER NEWS MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY

ART ON VIEW PAGE 5

FALL PROGRAMS & EVENTS PAGE 6

ENHANCING OUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK NICKELS FOR NONPROFITS

BIRD SEED SALE PAGE 7

JUNIOR NATURALIST NATURALIST ACTIVITY

CREATURE FEATURE

We look forward to welcoming and providing hands-on field experiences to an estimated 15,000 students this school year. Those we teach and inspire today will become tomorrow’s stewards, and we are so proud to play a role in that movement. We hope everyone will continue to use our outdoor classroom to learn, grow and find a new connection to nature this season.

Photos : Dave Brown Images

Jim Dixon, incoming board chair

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KRISTINA ARTHUR, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Kristina uses natural resources to help maintain her growing gardens. She has multiple rain barrels and compost bins which feed and water her vegetables and plants. By doing this, she’s conserving water and diverting waste away from landfills

to provide organic nutrients to her soil.

“Using natural sources of water to reduce consumption, while also transforming waste into free soil, is one of the ways I practice reducing, reusing and recycling at home. By taking

these small steps at home, my husband and I are demonstrating to our children how we all play a small role in caring for the

environment," Kristina said.

To read the full feature, including more staff stories and tips on how to become more eco-friendly at home, visit shakerlakes.org/blog.

As the hours of daylight begin to dwindle and cooler temperatures start to breeze through the trees, we bid farewell to a summer that brought lush greenery to our 20-acres, hundreds of visitors on the trails and 523 children immersed in nature through our Outdoor Adventure Camps.

While the time for fun in the sun is coming to a close, our work is just beginning. With a new school year comes another year of partnerships with a number of area school districts. Over the next several months, we anticipate welcoming 15,000 students to our outdoor classroom.

We remain focused on the future beyond this upcoming season as we continue the process of restoring and enhancing our outdoor classroom. I am pleased to announce that the first of these enhancements, the Lavelle Family Amphitheater, will open to the public later this month. Located on the existing grounds directly behind the Nature Center, the amphitheater will create a more useable space and allow for unmatched learning experiences, lectures and discussions to happen directly in nature. I invite you to visit this new space and embark on an adventure with us this autumn.

While some may wistfully say goodbye to the months of warm sunshine, we nature-lovers are filled with joy to welcome a season full of vibrant autumn reds, oranges and yellows. Before the plants begin to fall into a slumber, we will see pops of vivid color from late blooms. The crisp air provides for excellent running and walking conditions on the trails and the bright blue skies will allow visitors to see the last flight of migrating birds. The Stearns Trail is a superb place to train for our upcoming Hike, Run & Explore on Sunday, September 16. This event is a perfect way to enjoy the turn of the season with friends and family at the Nature Center.

We are thankful to have your continued support as we work towards ensuring both current and future generations find meaningful, lifelong connections to the natural world. From all of us at the Nature Center, we hope to see you on the trails absorbing the incredible beauty that is autumn in Northeast Ohio.

Kay Carlson President & CEO

FROM THE PRESIDENT STAFF FEATURE: CARRYING OUT THE MISSION

At the Nature Center, we’re a passionate bunch committed to environmental stewardship and conservation. As champions of

our mission, we’d like to introduce you to a few members of the team going the extra mile to better care for the environment at home

and in their communities:

CINDY OAKLEY, WELCOME DESK ASSISTANT Cindy Oakley is one of a few at the Nature Center who has opted

for renewable energy. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy significantly reduces the amount of carbon emissions emitted into the atmosphere.

For Cindy, the choice to switch to renewable energy was about independence. She wants to use natural resources to provide

for her home needs. “It's like a rain barrel, you don't install them to replace your water supply. It's about using what's already here

to supply our needs. The sun and the rain exist, so we should use them,” Cindy said.

AUTUMN BEAUTY: TUPELO

Autumn is the best time of year to appreciate the Tupelo, also known as a black gum tree. Often noted for its fantastic fall coloring, these trees have egg shaped, simple leaves that will turn to a brilliant red this time of year.

A perfect photo op: Take a stroll down the All People's Trail to the Marsh overlook to catch a glimpse of ours in full color against the deep blue autumn sky.

BE MINDFUL:

AUTUMN IS DEER BREEDING SEASONAs the fall season approaches, we remind you that rut—or deer breeding season—will soon begin. During this time of year, males and females are more active, especially around dusk and dawn. This means that you may see them more frequently in your yard and on the roadways. When driving in the morning or evening, use caution and reduce speed to allow for sufficient brake time. Deer are more likely at this time to be feeding on small trees and shrubbery, and bucks tend to rub young trees to mark their territory. In late fall, consider using fencing around sensitive plants and tree tubes to keep saplings alive and well.

AUTUMN IN OHIO

HOW TO COMPOST FALLEN LEAVES

There are few things more exquisite than watching nature put on a show for us during this time of the year. Landscapes become transformed with brilliant pops of color and the sky becomes a bit darker, making for a dramatic backdrop to showcase the intensity of glittering stars at night.

There’s a quote you have most likely heard before that I find to be so true, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” While many view this season as the end, with gardens and greenery fading, it’s more so a time for rejuvenation.

Instead of adding to your already growing list of to-do’s, skip the yard clean-up this year and recycle those seemingly lifeless fallen leaves into nutrient-rich compost. Let the leaves lie where they may and chop them with the mower. Smaller pieces will break down faster. You can either leave them to enrich the yard’s soil or you can spread them in your garden, adding a layer of green (grass clippings) on top of the leaves to properly balance the carbon and nitrogen levels.

If you have a compost bin or pile, you can add the leaves to your bin as dried brown material. Add to the garden before you put it to bed for the winter, then till the soil in the spring and get to gardening! The soil will be packed with nutrients, making for a better environment to grow healthy plants.

NATURE Nick Mikash, Natural Resources Specialist

R O O K E R Y • FA L L 20184 | | 5

• ALL FALL LONG •

FALL BIRD BANDING Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, September 1–October 31 Meet Julie West near the right side of the driveway from 7:30–11:30AM, weather permitting, to observe migratory birds as they are banded. Banding provides valuable insights about migratory routes in Northeast Ohio. Free.

FALL BIRD WALKS Wednesday, September 12 | 6PM Sundays, October 14, November 11, December 9 | 8–10AM Meet in the Nature Center parking lot to take a guided stroll through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. No previous birding experience needed. Binoculars are available to use with an ID. Free.• SEPTEMBER •

HIKE, RUN & EXPLORE Sunday, September 16 | Rain or Shine! Join us for a day of family fun at the turn of the season! Choose from the 5K or 10K races or four guided hikes of varying distances for all fitness levels. Registration opens at 7AM, with hikes beginning at 8:45AM and races at 9AM. The day of adventure continues with music, games, food trucks, a beer garden and free activities* including archery and tree climbing until 2PM. Register online at shakerlakes.org/HRE. *Donations accepted.

MONARCHS EXPLORED: CONSERVATION OF A SPECIES IN CRISIS Friday, September 21 | 7PM Led by the Founder and Director of Monarch Watch, Chip Taylor hosts a discussion about the current conservation issues facing the monarch butterfly and its amazing migration. He will provide information about what steps communities can take to mitigate the declining monarch population. We are excited to collaborate and host this event at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Tickets are $15, please register online at shakerlakes.org.• OCTOBER •

THE BIG SIT Sunday, October 14 | 24 hours beginning at 12AM Join area bird watchers at this annual “tailgate party for birders” to tally as many bird species that can be seen or heard within a 24-hour period. Meet on the All People’s Trail marsh deck. This event serves as a fundraiser for bird-related projects at the Nature Center. For more information, contact Julie West at jwest@ameritech.net.

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING: A JOURNEY DOWN THE LOST HIGHWAYSunday, October 14 | 1–4PM Presented in three acts to be shown at three special locations, join us for a screening of the documentary “Freeway City” by Cleveland Heights film director Brad Masi. This film allows viewers to experience the deep ramifications of the historic freeway defeat to our local history, ecology and neighborhoods. Hosted by the Nature Center, Shaker Heights Historical Society, Loganberry Books and the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership. Tickets are $10. Register online at shakerlakes.org.

• NOVEMBER •

FAMILY CAMPFIRE NIGHT: CRAFTY CREATURES Friday, November 2 | 6:30–8:30PM A fall favorite! Enjoy an evening of hiking, crafts, campfires and s’mores for the entire family as we learn about and look for crafty creatures. Bring camp chairs and marshmallow sticks. $5 per person, $25 max per family, up to 6 people. Register online at shakerlakes.org.

SCREECH OWL/KESTREL BOX BUILDING WORKSHOP Saturday, November 10 | 10AM–12PM Join us for a fun, family friendly workshop where we will help you construct a nest box suitable for Screech Owls or American Kestrels. We will provide tools and materials, guide you through the process and talk about birds and their importance in this area. $30 per box. Register online at shakerlakes.org.

For more information or to register for events, please visit shakerlakes.org/fall-programs.

Any interested volunteers can find more information, and register for these opportunities, online at shakerlakes.org/volunteer or by contacting arthur@shakerlakes.org.

FALL PROGRAMS & EVENTSVOLUNTEER NEWS

Thank you to all of our volunteers this summer! Whether working in the woods on our trails, assisting our educators for camp or warmly welcoming our guests in the Visitor’s Center, we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we do without your help. A special thank you to the following volunteers:

Business Volunteers Unlimited, Greater Cleveland Volunteers, Ruffing Montessori School: Fairmount Blvd., Jewish Family Services, Positive Education Program: Greenview, Environmental Club-Shaker Heights High School, Cleveland Montessori, Gross Schechter Day School, Boy Scouts of America, My COM Youth Council-Shaker Heights, 2018 Outdoor Adventure Camp Youth Assistants, 2018 Stewardship Youth Assistants, Key Bank: Neighbors Make a Difference, Teens Learning to Connect, and Students Today, Leaders Forever.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER EVENTS: HIKE, RUN & EXPLORE Sunday, September 16 | 6:30AM–2PMJoin us on this fun-filled, high energy day. We're looking for volunteers to help in various roles throughout the morning and afternoon.

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY Saturday, September 29 | 10AM–1PM National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day effort to preserve and protect public lands. Join the Nature Center and Doan Brook Watershed Partnership in preserving and maintaining the ShakerParklands. Snacks will be provided. Volunteers can meet at the Canoe Club, at the intersection of South Park Boulevard and North Woodland Road, near the mulch pile.

THE BIG SIT Sunday, October 14 | 24-hours, beginning 12AM Join area bird watchers at this annual event to tally the amount of bird species that can be seen or heard within a 24-hour period. For more information, contact Julie West at jwest@ameritech.net.

STEWARDSHIP SATURDAYS October 27 | 10AM–12PM Join our Natural Resources Specialist as we prepare to put our flower beds to rest for the coming winter. We will work in the pollinator and rain gardens, cutting and dividing plants as needed. There may be flower divisions available to take home for volunteers.

FAMILY CAMPFIRE NIGHT Friday, November 2 | 6:30–8:30PM Join us for a wonderful evening of s’mores and hikes at the NatureCenter. We are looking for volunteers to help in a number of areas.

CITIZEN SCIENCE: PROJECT FEEDERWATCH Select Weekends | November 10–April 5 The Nature Center has been submitting feeder counts to the Cornell Lab Project FeederWatch for more than a decade. Help us this upcoming season by exercising your passion for birds! Identify, count and record birds, fill feeders and enter data during your two-hour shift. We require a minimum commitment of four shifts throughout the season.

MEMBER APPRECIATION DAYSATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 | 10AM–12:30PM

Joins us for a morning of special events exclusively for Nature Center members!

Meet-and-greet with Nature Center Staff, including President & CEO Kay Carlson

Nature-based children's activity and craft Plant walk

Special day-long member discount of 25% in our Duck Pond Gift Shop

Thank you for your support of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes!Not a member yet?

Become one today and join us for this special event. Visit shakerlakes.org/membership for more information.

ART ON VIEWCONTEMPORARY NATURE, LANDSCAPES

BY SUSAN DANKOSusan Danko is a contemporary landscape

painter who draws inspiration from her observations of the natural world. Her colorful and captivating paintings examine the power and fragility of nature caught in a state of flux

between destruction and renewal. Her work also addresses the tensions between abstraction and representation, order and chaos, and natural versus artificial. Through her art, Susan hopes to raise awareness and inspire a greater respect

for the environment that we all share.

Contemporary Nature, Landscapes by Susan Dankowill be on exhibit from August 24 through November 26,

with an Artist's Reception on Friday, August 24 from 5 to 7PM.

R O O K E R Y • FA L L 20186 | | 7

CREATURES OF THE NIGHTLisa Golba, Early Childhood Environmental Educator

Owls are birds with mysterious, lovable and sometimes spooky characteristics—depending who you ask. They have invoked curiosity in people for a long time, due to their secretive and nocturnal habits, fierce predatory behavior and interesting, yet majestic appearance.

The effort to find one is worthwhile, as they are truly fascinating to see and hear. Their super-powered hearing allows them to listen for prey under leaves, plants, dirt and snow. Because they have ears at different heights on their heads, they can find prey with the slightest change in sound waves. Prey never knows an owl is coming, for their specially designed feathers-of-flight allow them to fly in absolute silence. These creatures typically prey on rodents, birds, amphibians, insects and sometimes, other owls.

FUN FACT: In Ancient Greece the Little Owl was the companion of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Greek soldiers believed an owl spotted was a sign of coming victory. Take a moment to listen and look for the masters of camouflage this fall.

• This is by far one of the smallest owls that one is likely to see in Ohio. They are about the size of an American Robin.

• This winged creature enjoys eating from a diverse menu of cedar waxwings, woodpeckers, snakes, salamanders, crayfish, minnows, sunfish and insects.

• Preferred habitats are scattered trees and rather open woodlots with fields or pastures with a nearby stream.

• The longest living one of these was documented to be 14 ½ years old.

Answer : Eastern Screech Owl

C A N Y O U G U E S S ?

Junior Naturalist

ENHANCING OUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM: THE FIRST STEP OF EXCITING IMPROVEMENTS TO COME

Our ability to fulfill the mission of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is directly tied to the habitats, trails and outdoor facilities on the 20 acres we manage within the Shaker Parklands. This outdoor classroom serves the entire community and allows unmatched, hands-on learning experiences to take place each and every day.

It is for this reason that we have engaged in a thoughtful process to restore and enhance our trails, habitats and program areas throughout the grounds. As such, we are embarking on a concerted effort to renovate and update aging infrastructure throughout our grounds, which will continue to connect and engage the community with nature in relevant ways for years to come.

The first visible evidence of these enhancements is the construction of The Lavelle Family Amphitheater, located directly behind and connected to our Visitor’s Center. The amphitheater will offer a direct connection to our parking lot, includes expanded seating capacity, greater accessibility, restoration of native habitats and uses local, eco-friendly materials.

This project, made possible by a generous donor family, will expand our ability to offer classes, lectures and discussions directly in nature. The amphitheater will be open to the public in early fall and we invite you to plan a visit to the Nature Center this season to enjoy the new space!

DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we were able to replace the existing indoor water

fountain with a new water bottle refilling station for ease and access to our visitors. Bring a reusable water

bottle and fill up with cold, refreshing water during your next visit.

NICKELS FOR NONPROFITS AT WHOLE FOODS

The Nature Center has been selected as the first Nickels for Nonprofit recipient at the new Orange Village Whole Foods Market! You can help support us by shopping with

a reusable bag between August 29–September 30. When checking out, tell Whole Foods that you would like

to donate your bag refund to the Nature Center.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

GOODBYE SUMMER, HELLO FALL!Another summer camp season has come to an end, and what a successful one it was! More than 520 young adventurers spent time with us over nine weeks, exploring and connecting with nature. Thank you to all the volunteers that came in each day with enthusiasm, ready to support our educators and ensure that fun was had by all. Another thank you to the parents for sharing your children with us, and to the campers, for also teaching us in return. We hope lasting memories and friendships were made here this summer.

Members receive priority sign-up for next year’s adventures. Become a member and enjoy the benefits of early registration, opening November 1, plus a $30 membership discount.

BRING YOUR COMPLETED ACTIVITY

TO THE NATURE CENTER DUCK POND

FOR 10% OFF SOMETHING FUN

IN OUR SHOP!

JUN

IOR

NATU

RA

LIST

10% - OFF! -

NATURALIST ACTIVITY

—OWL MAZE

START

END

BIRD SEED

ANNUAL BIRD SEED SALE We are partnering with Wild Birds Unlimited to offer a

variety of high quality bird seed for your backyard feeders.

Bring this coupon to the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Mayfield Heights or mention this ad throughout

the month of OCTOBER and the Nature Center will receive a portion of the sale. The offer includes any

item in their store, with free delivery!

For more information, visit shakerlakes.org to learn what seeds you can purchase to attract various birds.

5736 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH 44124 440.499.3324 • WBU.COM

Conserving a natural area, connecting people with nature, and inspiring environmental stewardship

2600 South Park BoulevardCleveland, Ohio 44120

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

#S H A K E R L A K E S

216.321.5935 • naturecenter@shakerlakes.orgS H A K E R L A K E S .O R G

R E C YC L E D F P O

The Nature Center is and will always be a transparent organization that is thankful for the gifts our community members bestow upon us in order to further our mission. We are pleased to share that our organization has been awarded the top 4-star rating by Charity Navigator for our commitment to fiscal responsibility and healthy governance. More info at charitynavigator.org.

Nature Center Organizational Sponsor

SHAKER LAKES

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A special thanks to our partners including: Cleveland Hiking Club, Davey Tree, Bottlehouse Brewery, Jones Bones BBQ, and The Rolling Beans Expresso

T H A N K YO U T O O U R S P O N S O R S !

EXPLORE WITH US! 10AM–2PM Enjoy a day of outdoor fun with music and free activities including archery, tree climbing and crafts! *

*Donations accepted.

STAY ALL DAY! BEER GARDEN AND FREE OUTDOOR FUN!

RACE & HIKE 7AM | REGISTRATION Registration includes a t-shirt, refreshments and giveaways• $10 hikes for children under 12, Scouts and School Club Members• $30 hike and race-day registration• $25 hike and race registration through September 13

8:45AM | GUIDED HIKES DEPART • 12-mile roundtrip hike to Gordon Park on Lake Erie• 5-mile Shaker Lakes historical hike• 4-mile Doan Brook Gorge hike• 1-mile pet-friendly, family hike along Nature Center trails

9AM | 5K & 10K DEPART Chipped-timed races through the picturesque Shaker Parklands

SUNDAY

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 4010 Cleveland, OH