The hoot of a barred owl.
The blue wings of waterfowl.
The majesty of a bald eagle.
Covering 20,000 square feet behind the Nature Center, the Wildlife Gardens offer up-close encounters with native animals including a bald eagle, hawks, crows, owls, and falcons. Nearly 100,000 visitors enjoy free general admission to the Wildlife Gardens each year, in addition to the Nature Center’s indoor animal exhibits and natural history displays.
The Wildlife Gardens Education and Renovation Project will create more engaging learning experiences about native animals, provide ample space for students to learn alongside wildlife specialists, and raise visibility of the Nature Center’s wildlife rehabilitation program.
Renovations to the outdoor Wildlife Gardens are underway with an anticipated completion of Summer 2025. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center continues to be open for free general admission, nature-based programs, and wildlife assistance 7 days a week.
In addition to the Nature Center’s indoor exhibits, you can view live animals in our new outdoor North Habitats featuring resident birds. Please note: Occasionally, this area will not be accessible due to construction. For more information, please call 440-871-2900 or email info@lensc.org.
New Wildlife Habitats
Three new structures will be installed during the Project including an Eagle Exhibit, an Aviary, and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Exhibit. New habitats in the Eagle Exhibit and Aviary will improve the quality of life for resident animals on exhibit in the Wildlife Gardens. These former rehabilitation patients can no longer live in the wild because of permanent injuries and serve as ambassadors for their species in the Nature Center’s education programs for children and families. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Exhibit will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to observe animals in their final stages of rehabilitation through one-way glass.
Support the Wildlife Gardens Education and Renovation Project
The Project will cost $1,900,000 and be Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s largest capital investment in our free offerings for the public. As an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization, the Nature Center relies on donations and grants to support day-to-day operations in addition to capital improvements. Renovations will be primarily funded with donations from the community, foundation grants, and corporate contributions.
Naming opportunities are available in the Wildlife Gardens. For more information about giving opportunities, please contact Carrie Pinney, Leadership Giving Specialist, at 440-471-8367 or carriep@lensc.org.
How to make a donation:
Online:
By Mail:
Send a donation in the mail to:
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
28728 Wolf Road
Bay Village, OH 44140
Matching Gifts:
Ask your employer about matching your donation. Obtain a matching gift form from your employer and send it to the Center with your donation.
Donor-Advised Funds:
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center accepts grants from donor-advised funds. The Center is a nonprofit organization, Tax ID #34-0845030.
Stock/Appreciated Securities:
Donations of stock may be arranged by calling 440-871-2900 to request transfer instructions.
Donation with an Individual Retirement Account (IRA):
You can make a distribution from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) as a “qualified charitable distribution”. This may be of interest to people 70 ½ years of age or older. Provide instructions for a charitable rollover to your IRA custodian. The Center is a nonprofit organization, Tax ID #34-0845030.
Fundraising Status
Project Cost:
$1,900,000
Funds raised as of
October 31, 2024:
$1,697,401.04
89% to goal
Expected completion:
June 2025