The Herb Society of America, Inc.

9019 Kirtland Chardon Road
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-256-0514

The Herb Society of America (HSA) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that focuses on educating its members and the public on the cultivation of herbs and the study of their history and uses, both past and present.

The Society maintains a library at its national headquarters, produces a variety of publications and educational programs, coordinates networking and learning opportunities, and awards grants to educators. Many HSA members create and/or maintain public herb gardens. In these gardens, visitors can see first-hand how to grow and use herbs.

Projects of The Society include fostering plant collections, investigating promising herb plants, and supporting an intern at the National Herb Garden, located at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. This 2.5-acre public garden was a gift from HSA to the nation in 1980.

Membership is open to anyone interested in herbs or any business concerned with growing, processing or selling herbs and herb-related products. Individuals may join as a member at large or may choose to become active in a local unit.

The Society has been headquartered in Kirtland since 1988.  A Lake County farmer, Henry Early, constructed the building (that now serves as headquarters) in 1841.  It is made of local sandstone and is now considered the oldest stone structure in Lake County.

Historic Kirtland

7800 Kirtland-Chardon Road
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-256-9805

A meticulously restored and reconstructed 19th-century settlement, Historic Kirtland showcases the vitality and spirit of the early American frontier. It also offers a colorful glimpse into the Second Great Awakening, a period of religious fervor in the United States in the 1820s and ’30s, as it tells the story of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Holden Arboretum

9500 Sperry Road
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-946-4400

At Holden, cultivated gardens come alive with color in the spring; cool forest trails offer a respite from the summer heat; woodlands are set ablaze with rich hues of fall; and paths lead you deep into the beauty of the winter woods.

Named as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society, with more than 20 miles of hiking trails, Holden is a haven for bird watchers as well as hikers, gardeners and nature enthusiasts.

Covering 3,600 acres, The Holden Arboretum is among the largest arboreta in the United States. Documenting more than 120,000 plants, Holden’s horticultural focus is on a recognized collection of trees and shrubs, which are displayed in gardens accompanied by groundcovers and perennials, and in themed collections. We collect and display a diversity of plants and trees for evaluation and educational purposes, in order to convey sustainable plant choices recommended for our region.  By sustainable, we mean plants that are adapted to our soils and climatic extremes, free from chronic diseases and significant pests, and non-invasive of natural areas. Plants include rhododendrons, magnolias, maples, conifers, nut trees, wildflowers, lilacs and viburnums. A visitor center, reference library and picnic area are on the grounds. Holden connects people with nature for inspiration and enjoyment, fosters learning and promotes conservation.

Kirtland Public Library

9267 Chillicothe Road
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-256-READ (7323)

The Kirtland Public Library was established in 1937. The first library was housed in a room on the second floor of the Kirtland Elementary School. In 1957, the Library moved to a room on the first floor. Later, it expanded into an adjacent room to accommodate the growing book collection.

By 1967, the Library had outgrown its space in the school and moved across Route 306 to the Kirtland Shopping Center. On April 1, 1982, the Library moved into the building now known as Wood Manor.

In 1986, the Library Board of Trustees and Deloris C. Parsons, the Library Director, launched a seven-year $1.5 million capital campaign to raise money for “A Place to Call Our Own.” The land for the new Library was donatedto the Library Board by T. Dixon Long and Anthony Ocepek. Most of the money for the new building was raised through major donations.

Kirtland Temple Historic Center

7809 Joseph Street
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-256-1830

From 1831 to 1838, Kirtland, Ohio, was a bustling community and headquarters of an energetic new religious movement under the leadership of Joseph Smith, Jr. With great determination and sacrifice, Joseph Smith and his followers constructed a “House of the Lord,” that would act as the center of community life as a place of worship, education, and leadership. Although the majority of the Latter Day Saints left Kirtland in 1838, a small number in the community remained behind preserving and maintaining the temple.

Today, the historic house of worship is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and has been recognized by The Architects Society of Ohio and the Ohio Historical Society. The Kirtland Temple is owned and operated by the Community of Christ and continues to be used as a house of worship, education, and leadership. Whether on a tour, in a class, or sharing in worship, all are invited to experience Kirtland Temple.

Lake Metroparks

Lake Metroparks Chapin Forest Reservation

10090 Chillicothe Road (Rt. 306)
Kirtland, OH

10381 Hobart Road
Kirtland, OH 44094

General Information:              (440) 256-3810
Cross-Country Ski Conditions: (440) 954-4178
Shelter Rental:                        (440) 358-7275

The 390 acres of Chapin Forest Reservation are known for distinctive rock formations and majestic forests. Wander through 5.3 miles of mature woodland trails comprised of beech, maple, oak, tulip and hemlock. Stop by Quarry Pond and walk Lucky Stone Loop Trail.

To protect this beautiful setting from logging, Frederic H. Chapin purchased the property in 1949 and donated it to the State of Ohio. Under a lease agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, Lake Metroparks manages Chapin Forest Reservation. The ledges, or rocky outcroppings of Sharon conglomerate, were formed about 300 million years ago, long before glaciers slid across northern Ohio. To protect the fragile vegetation and for safety reasons, access to the ledges area is restricted to guided walks, which are regularly offered throughout the year.

Sandstone from Quarry Pond and the adjacent streambed were part of a stone quarry that operated during the 1800s. Berea sandstone from this site supplied the foundations for many local buildings, including the Kirtland Temple, which was completed in 1836.  Chapin Forest has also served as a study site. During the late 1950s, the Ohio Division of Forestry and Reclamation began using Chapin Forest as a research site to determine the growth rates of trees for possible commercial timber production.

One of the best scenic overlooks in Lake County is found along Lucky Stone Loop hiking trail. On a clear day, you can see Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline, 18 miles away. Part of the Buckeye Trail, a continuous hiking trail throughout Ohio, passes through Chapin Forest. Blue paint blazes on some trees mark the Buckeye Trail.

Pine Lodge Ski Center offers cross-country ski rental equipment and lessons, groomed ski trails, snowshoe rentals, fireplace, accessible restrooms and concessions. Pine Lodge Ski Center is open during the winter months; weather permitting, from approximately November 15 to March 15.

Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen Reservation

8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd.
Kirtland, OH 44094

Park Information:                  (440) 256-1404
Wildlife Center Hotline:          (440) 256-2131

Penitentiary Glen Reservation features 424 acres of forest, fields, wetlands, and over 7.5 miles of hiking trails. The park is named for the deep gorge that divides it, which is easy to get into and difficult to get out of. Naturalists lead exciting programs year-round including nature-inspired events, programs, and classes. Picnic at the sheltered pavilion and listen to the sounds of nature.  Discover native Ohio wildlife at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center.  Penitentiary Glen Reservation has been designated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife as a “Watchable Wildlife” site. The Nature Center houses hands-on exhibits, art shows, an award winning “Window on Wildlife,” and The Nature Store.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark

8800 Chardon Rd.
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-256-2122 • 800-366-FARM

Lake Farmpark is a family oriented science and cultural center devoted to agriculture, farming, and country life.  Named “One of 10 great locations to dig up old dirt on farming” by USA Today.  The park features 50 breeds of livestock, a dairy parlor, a barnyard, a horse arena, wagon rides, a well bred shed, a plant science center, field crops, and farm technology.  The park also features special programs and exhibits throughout the year, including: a creative artists show, Earth Day, HorseFest, Working Dog Weekend, Ice Cream Weekend, Vintage Ohio, Village Peddler Festival, a Fall Harvest Festival & Antique Tractor Show, Halloween Hayrides, Dryland Sled Dog Races and Country Lights.  For an up-to-date listing of events, please visit their website.   

LakeTran — Public Transportation

Kirtland Visitors Center
Kirtland Library
Kirtland Temple
Holden