The Stonehouse and Naturalist's Office

Vue d'ensemble

The Twinsburg Naturalist's office is located in the circa 1836 stone house at 9207 Liberty Road, just north of the Cannon Road intersection. Naturalist Stanley Stine welcomes questions about Ohio's natural history and especially that of the Twinsburg area. It is best to call ahead when planning a visit to the Naturalist's office

The Stone House was constructed by Scottish immigrant brothers Robert and David Cochran, of local sandstone, from a Sharon Formation quarry. The sandstone is a prominent feature of Twinsburg, exposed and beautifully weathered, in a number of areas within the community.

Prior to the coming of Europeans to Ohio, prehistoric people occupied the sandstone outcrops, probably during hunting excursions to northern Ohio. Today, these rock ledges have gained notoriety for the unique plants and wildlife that inhabit the microenvironments created by the stone.

The grounds of the Stone House retain some aspects of our more recent agrarian time in Twinsburg. Concord Grapes still emerge each season, though the arbor has long since disappeared. Cultivated strawberries are scattered throughout the lawn as are some elderly fruit trees. Jerusalem Artichokes, a native sunflower of North America were discovered in the backyard of the Stone House. This beautiful plant is being actively encouraged by transplanting its tubers, for wildlife food and habitat. It was in fact, a human food resource in our early society.

Also located on the grounds of the Stone House are four demonstration gardens. A butterfly garden, herb garden, native plant garden and rain garden are available for examination by the public. As well, backyard wildlife habitat ideas have been created. A brush pile, log pile and stone pile are a few of the examples of what homeowners could add to their backyards to provide homes for a variety of wildlife.

Parking is limited at the Stone House, though unless a special program is taking place, visitors will find it adequate. From this location, visitors can access the Meadow Trail, a one mile loop. An excellent trail to enjoy when the insect pests are dominating the woods. In wintertime this is one of the coldest trails to hike... dress appropriately! The Meadow Trail allows a connection to the Sugarbush Trail, also one mile in length. It is managed by The Metro Parks, Serving Summit County and offers a wonderful view of one of the small tributary streams with falls, flowing into the Pond Brook drainage system. The name "Sugarbush" comes from the sugar maple trees that can be seen all along the trail. These trees are among the oldest in this particular woodlot, preserved by farm families as a source of maple sap for harvesting and cooking into maple syrup.

Please note: the Nature area of this website is being recreated as rainy days allow. Please check back!

Northeast Ohio Green Map
updated 03/2012 by rpiip