Nature Center celebrates fall with fun family events

Family events take center stage at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes this fall as the center celebrates autumn and invites nature lovers, young and old, to enjoy s’mores, hikes and birding.

On Friday, Oct. 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Nature Center presents Family Campfire Night. The evening includes guided night hikes on the All People’s and Stearns Trails with night vision activities, owl calling and searching for nocturnal animals. There will be games and stories and songs around the campfire and plenty of marshmallows to roast for s’mores. New this year is the Night Hike Challenge for individuals to navigate the All People’s Trail by themselves in the dark. Registration is required, and participants are encouraged to bring their own camp chairs and marshmallow sticks. Cost of Family Campfire Night is $5 per person, with a $25 maximum per family up to six people.

The Nature Center is offering a Crepuscular Coyote Hike on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This guided hike will take participants through the Nature Center property to learn how to recognize tracks and signs of coyotes. The hike presents an opportunity to learn more about coyotes in our region and gain a greater understanding of this elusive creature. Registration is required, and the cost for members is $5 and $8 for non-members.

Color Your Winter with Birds is a birding basics class scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 am to noon. This class will introduce children and parents to winter birds, with instruction on how to use binoculars. In addition, there will be supplies and guidance in making a bird-themed craft. Registration is required for this event. The cost is $7 for members and $10 for nonmembers.

“We welcome the seasonal cadence of change,” said Kay Carlson, executive director, “so don’t squirrel away this fall. Come out, enjoy the change in seasons, and see what the Nature Center has to offer.”

For more information, and to register for the fall family events,call 216-321-5935 or visit www.shakerlakes.org. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is located at 2600 South Park Blvd.