A rare opportunity to experience one of Cleveland’s hidden treasures is coming up next month. “Nature in the Neighborhood" --the annnual "Open House" at the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve (at Dike 14)-- will take place Saturday, September 25 during prime fall migration.

The Preserve, located near the Cleveland Lakefront State Park, will be open for self-guided hikes from 7:30 am to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy birds, butterflies and stunning views of Cleveland’s skyline and Lake Erie along a one-mile trail. You're asked to aarrive 15 minutes before you want to begin your walk to sign a waiver and receive additional information.

Need Directions and help parking? Exit #177 from I-90. Parking is available at Gordon State Park. Entrances from North Marginal at E. 72nd Street, from North Marginal between E. 72nd and MLK, and park office entrance from Lakeshore Boulevard east of MLK. Additional space at E. 55th State Park (Exit SR 2).

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is a member of the sponsoring Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative. If you can't make it to Nature in the Neighborhood and/or would like to enjoy a guided experience for families, check out our Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve Family Day coming up on October 17. This 2-hour, hands-on experience for families with children ages 5 and up requires pre-registration and a fee. Call 440-871-2900.

The photo above was taken on a past Preserve tour by our Junior Naturalists and families.

Nature In The Neighborhood

As a partner in the Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center wants to alert you to a cool opportunity for you and your family to see one of Cleveland's hidden treasures, The Dike 14 Nature Preserve along the shores of Lake Erie. On Saturday, May 16, renowned Northeast Ohio Naturalists will lead walking tours of the Preserve at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Regional experts will also share information about the animals, plants, history and geography of the Preserve at stops along the trail. You can take a self-guided hike from noon - 3 p.m.

This "open house" event only occurs once every two years, so make plans to take advantage of the chance to see the extraordinary wildlife haven that sprung up in this 88-acre former dredge disposal site. You can download an event flyer with directions here. To find out more about Dike 14, visit http://www.dike14.org/. (The photos we've posted here were taken duiring a special, 2008 guided visit for our Junior Naturalists and their families).

Junior Naturalists Visit Dike 14

A group of our Junior Naturalists and their families got the chance to visit the wild and beautiful Dike 14 Nature Preserve on Cleveland's Lakefront over the weekend. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is part of the Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative that's developed some cool environmental education resources for children and families. The 88-acre preserve, which developed on a former dredge disposal site, is now home to a remarkable diversity of plants and animals. Your Lake Erie Nature & Science Center contact for more information about Dike 14 is Education Specialist, Bev Walborn, 440-871-2900 x 220. Click here and scroll down to find out more about Junior Naturalist classes for kids ages 10-13.