Sunnybrook Preserve is a 73-acre preserve in eastern Chester Township.

Sunnybrook Preserve, through most of the twentieth century, was maintained for horticultural purposes. In 1928 Dr. Harold and Edith Ruh purchased 170 acres in Chesterland to establish Sunnybrook Farms Nursery as a commercial venture, but also to provide their children with “a chance at productive living outdoors.” The business stayed in the family for decades to come, with responsibilities passing to son Peter Ruh and his wife Jean, then to their son Tim and daughter Janet.

In 2001, Peter and Jean Ruh set up a conservation easement on their property with Chagrin River Land Conservancy (now known as Western Reserve Land Conservancy) to protect their family lands for generations to come. The Conservancy purchased the land, then according to the Ruh’s wishes, sold 72 acres to Geauga Park District to be used as a public park. It is Geauga Park District's intent to protect this natural area in perpetuity.

Sunny Brook Lodge is available by reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please review the lodge guidelines here. There is no running water inside the lodge. Click here to reserve shelters.

Sunnybrook Preserve has many unique habitat features. The northeastern corner of the property is dominated by unique wetlands, including a fen, which is fed by alkaline, mineral-rich groundwater and characterized by distinctive flora. This fen is home to several “listed” species, including the American Cranberry Bush, which is an “endangered” species in Ohio. Any proposed trails will avoid this section of the property.

The preserve also features a sedge grass meadow and a conifer forest that provide a home for a very diverse list of wildlife. A ravine and cool spring run north to south through the eastern portion of the property. The rolling terrain of Sunnybrook Preserve was created by glacial deposits.

The conifer forest of Sunnybrook Preserve attracts several birds of interest including Dark Eyed Juncos, Black Throated Warblers and Wood Thrush. The woodland sections of the property are also home to the Woodland Jumping Mouse (a species of concern), Short-tailed Shrew, Hoary Bat, and Mink. The cool waters of the spring host a population of Redside Dace and Southern Redbelly Dace.

The 2007 BioBlitz was held at Sunnybrook Preserve. A Bioblitz is an attempted inventory of all living organisms in a given area during a given amount of time (usually 24 hours). To see the full list of living organisms found at Sunnybrook Preserve click here.

Sunnybrook Preserve is complete with 1.7 miles of trails that provide a variety of experiences.

Pine Ridge Trail, located just off the parking and shelter area, provides a fully accessible route through forest and alongside nearby wetlands.

Woodland Trail takes hikers through a variety of forest habitats, including a woodland vernal pool, which loops back to the parking area.

For those wanting a longer loop through the woods, the Jumping Mouse Trail will add an extra ½-mile to the experience. Download the trail map here.

Click below for a map from Mapquest®.