The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes was founded in 1966 as the result of a grassroots community effort to preserve the Shaker Parklands from becoming the route for a freeway connecting Cleveland's East Side to downtown. Today, with its dual purpose of conservation and education, the Nature Center is a model urban environmental resource that welcomes all and enriches people's lives through education, innovative programs, and community involvement in order to serve the diverse communities that surround its 20-acres of outdoor classroom space. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes conserves a natural area, connects people with nature and inspires environmental stewardship. Conserve. Connect. Inspire.