The center is home to many wildlife and plant species living in a variety of natural habitats, including marsh, brook, field, forest, and ravine.

The swamp and woodland areas constitute a small wilderness in the heaviest concentration of population in Ohio, making it available for study and recreation.

It is available to people of Greater Cleveland year-round for walking, photography, painting, nature study, rest, and family recreation.

Environmental stewardship events are held throughout the year to help conserve and preserve the property's 20 acres (8.1 ha) of natural, native species.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes has indoor and outdoor facilities open to the public and is available for rentals, including birthday parties, weddings, and more.

The Jean Eakin Bird Observation Station, the Murphy Carfagna Wildlife Balcony, and a gallery overlook the grounds.

Features include a whimsical handcrafted Rose Foundation Gazebo and wider boardwalk with wildlife viewing areas for classes and gatherings.

The Audubon appraisal concluded that, "For the study of conservation and nature in an outdoor laboratory, there is no comparable area to the park within the limits of Greater Cleveland."

On September 15, 1966, the Shaker Lakes Regional Nature Center was formed and incorporated, and fundraising began for the establishment of a building.

Maxwell Norcross, an architect in Cleveland from 1923 to 1970 and a member of the Shaker Heights architectural board, designed the nature center.

It is also designated as a National Environmental Study Area by the NPS for the unique educational opportunities offered by the diverse natural habitats found in its urban setting.