This well-maintained trail offers a mix of paved and natural segments, including dirt, bridges and boardwalks. It begins at the Nature Center's Rusty Knight Woodland Garden. The trail can also be accessed from the Lavelle Family Amphitheater and from the south side of the parking lot. Stearns Trail winds through the floodplain forest along the Doan Brook. Run or walk among the trees, stop at the new Jimmy's Treehouse near Two-Tree Square, reflect at the DBJ Foundation Terraza de Meditacion (Meditation Terrace), explore Carfagna Nature Play Area or take the Upper Rim Trail near the Prairie to spot a butterfly.
We are now in the fourth and final phase of a vision to enhance and reinvigorate our outdoor classroom. This will expand our ability to fulfill our mission to conserve a natural area, educate visitors about nature, and promote better environmental stewardship. Take a relaxing stroll through the floodplain forest on this recently restored 1.5 mile trail.
JIMMY'S TREEHOUSE
Made possible by a generous gift from the Lincoln Family, Jimmy's Treehouse was completed in 2021. The exterior is clad with rarely used reserved gleaned rustic poplar that is specifically stained to resemble barnwood. The treehouse interior is comprised of reserved gleaned rustic American elm. All timber used in the construction were meticulously refurbished by the Architectural Harvest division of Northern Ohio Lumber & Timber. Explore Jimmy’s Treehouse whenever the Nature Center is open and get a birds-eye view of the forest canopy! The treehouse deck is open dawn until dusk.
MEDITATION TERRACE
Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the outdoors at the DBJ Terraza de Meditación (Meditation Terrace) along Stearns Woodland Trail. This terrace is the perfect place to find a moment of quiet solitude, practice mindfulness or explore yoga while overlooking the small native south marsh habitat.
NATURE PLAY AREA
Featuring natural structures and materials for creative play in nature, as well as part of a 300 year old white oak tree for climbing.
Made possible by a generous gift from Peter and Rita Carfagna, the Nature Play Area and its adjacent streamside deck are designed for children and adult visitors alike. As part of the final phase of the enhancements to Stearns Trail, the Nature Play Area will include various natural structures and movable materials and provide a place for children to actively engage and play in nature.