It’s 70 degrees without a cloud in the sky. So, what are you going to do? Go for a walk, I say!
Steve and I are very fortunate to live near the Shaker Lakes, man-made lakes straddling Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights. Even for those who don’t live within walking distance, the Shaker Lakes is a popular local destination to bike or ride to for a walk with fellow two-legged and four-legged companions. The Shaker Lakes, formed by the damming of Doan Brook (Figure 1) in the 1820s by the Northern Union Shakers (Figure 2), are surrounded by paved (Figure 3) and groomed (Figure 4) paths frequented by joggers and walkers alike in all seasons (Figures 5 and 6). We even saw a person cross-country ski the trails during the winter!
Figure 1. Doan Brook watershed (Spring 2015).
Figure 2. Lower Shake Lake: History AND parking!
Figure 3. Lower Shaker Lake: a paved path perfect for a stroll or jog (Spring 2015).
Figure 4. Lower Shaker Lake: a groomed path around the lake. Break out the trail shoes! (Spring 2015)
Figure 5. Is winter over yet? It snowed in late March, and these Canadian geese are not amused (2015).
Figure 6. Lower Shaker Lake and the paved path: beautiful all four seasons (Fall 2014).
A short walk down the paved path leads you to the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (Figure 7). The Nature Center was established in 1966 in opposition to plans for a new freeway that would connect the East Side to downtown. A quick glance at the map of the area confirms that the opposition won (data not shown).
A commuter’s loss was certainly our neighborhood’s gain. The Nature Center is a great place to spend a few hours wandering the various boardwalks (Figure 8) and trails (Figure 9). These trails are popular for bird and small critter watching. On the day we walked the trail, we saw mallards and heard some woodpeckers. I would love to see the barred owl and red fox---maybe next time!
Figure 7. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. An example of an interstate exclosure (Spring 2015).
Figure 8. The All People’s Trail. This trail is an all-access elevated boardwalk designed for an up-close look at marshes and restoration efforts.
Figure 9. Stearns Trail. This is a one-mile trail beginning at the Nature Center’s Wildflower Garden.
