Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s Wildlife Gardens to Reopen on June 27
June 17, 2025
Posted by Lake Erie Nature and Science Center
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center will reopen the outdoor Wildlife Gardens to the public on June 27, unveiling a $1.9 million transformation that will create more engaging learning experiences about native animals for our 100,000+ annual visitors.
In July 2024 Lake Erie Nature & Science Center broke ground on the Wildlife Gardens Education and Renovation Project, our largest capital investment in free general admission. The Wildlife Gardens feature three new structures including an Aviary, Eagle Exhibit, and Wildlife Rehabilitation Exhibit. The Aviary and Eagle Exhibit will offer visitors more transparent viewing of the Nature Center’s animal ambassadors and more enriching habitats for these former rehabilitation patients. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Exhibit will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to observe waterfowl in their final stages of rehabilitation through one-way glass. New pathways, greenspace, and native plants will give visitors even more opportunities to connect with nature in the Wildlife Gardens.
“The new Wildlife Gardens welcome visitors to encounter animal ambassadors in new habitats and to see wildlife rehabilitation patients in an expansive pond,” says Executive Director Catherine Timko. “Learning about native wildlife through the Nature Center’s mission is a memorable experience for over 80 years and four generations. This Project is our most significant commitment to date that ensures that these treasured moments will be enjoyed for years to come.”
The transformation demonstrates Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s commitment to free general admission and connecting people of all ages with the natural world. Visitors will enjoy access to the outdoor Wildlife Gardens 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning June 27, in addition to the Nature Center’s indoor exhibits and natural history displays.
“These improvements to the outdoor exhibits, animal habitats, and landscaping create a place of learning and discovery, which carries on the timeless vision of our founder Elberta Fleming,” Timko says. “We are thrilled to reopen the Wildlife Gardens to the community that made this transformation possible.”
As an independently funded nonprofit organization, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s daily offerings of live animal exhibits, public programs and classes, wildlife rehabilitation services, and free admission are made possible by donors and grantmaking organizations, many of whom also supported the Wildlife Gardens capital campaign.
“Generous donors from across the region and the country have provided additional philanthropic support to make the Wildlife Gardens Education and Renovation Project a reality for our visitors,” continues Timko. The Project was also supported by the State of Ohio through a state capital appropriation.
Grand Reopening Celebration
Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All are invited to visit Lake Erie Nature & Science Center to experience the new outdoor Wildlife Gardens, included with free general admission. See animal ambassadors and wildlife rehabilitation patients in their new habitats with opportunities to engage with the Nature Center’s wildlife specialists throughout the weekend. A variety of planetarium shows and Wonders of Wildlife animal encounters will be available for $5/person. Meet the Keeper talks will be offered twice per day in the Wildlife Gardens at no charge.
Weekend Schedule:
Friday, June 27
10:00 a.m. – Meet the Keeper
10:30 a.m. – Wonders of Wildlife
11:30 a.m. – Twinkle Tots
12:00 p.m. – Stellar Stars
1:00 p.m. – Meet the Keeper
2:00 p.m. – Sky Tonight
Saturday, June 28
10:00 a.m. – Meet the Keeper
10:30 a.m. – Twinkle Tots
11:00 a.m. – Stellar Stars
12:00 p.m. – Wonders of Wildlife
12:30 p.m. – Unique Universe
1:00 p.m. – Meet the Keeper
1:00 p.m. – Sky Tonight
2:00 p.m. – Wonders of Wildlife
2:30 p.m. – Sky Safari
Sunday, June 29
10:00 a.m. – Meet the Keeper
11:00 a.m. – Wonders of Wildlife
1:00 p.m. – Meet the Keeper
2:00 p.m. – Wonders of Wildlife
Media Contact:
Morgan Haines
Marketing and Development Coordinator
440-471-8359
morganh@lensc.org
