Located two miles into the forest interior along Continental Road, the Stone House and nearby Moretti Outpost offer researchers, educators, and field groups a rustic, off-grid immersion experience in the heart of Black Rock Forest.
The Historic Stone House
Originally constructed in 1834 as the Chatfield farmhouse, the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1907 before being rebuilt in 1932 as the building known today as the Stone House. Located in the heart of the Forest, it serves primarily as a rustic base for field classes, research projects, and overnight educational groups.
- Off-Grid Living: The house operates without electricity or indoor running water. Heating is provided by two wood-burning fireplaces, and a propane stove is provided for outdoor cooking.
- Water & Sanitation: Non-potable water can be drawn via hand pump from the house well and treated/filtered; we recommend bringing in water. A covered, outdoor composting toilet facility is located a short walk from the house.
- Accommodations: Features 7 bunk beds (sleeping up to 14 guests), with additional floor space for sleeping pads to accommodate up to a dozen more visitors.
⛺ Tamarack Pond Tenting Area & Moretti Outpost
Located adjacent to the Stone House near scenic Tamarack Pond, this site offers low-impact outdoor accommodations for immersive field stays:
- Tamarack Pond Tenting Area: A minimum-impact camping area supporting up to 50 visitors. Tenting is available as a rustic housing alternative for authorized groups; all campers must demonstrate Leave No Trace practices.
- Moretti Outpost: Built in 2013, this covered, open-air timber-frame pavilion provides a sheltered outdoor gathering space for meals, lectures, and field instruction. The Outpost was constructed using timber harvested and sawn directly within Black Rock Forest with the assistance of Consortium students.
- Shared Amenities: Groups staying at Tamarack Pond or the Stone House have access to the outdoor fire ring (subject to advance reservation and user fees).
About Dr. Frank Anthony Moretti
Both the Moretti Outpost and the Moretti Education Center at the Forest Lodge are named in honor of Dr. Frank Anthony Moretti, who served as President of the Black Rock Forest Board of Directors from 1994 until his passing in 2013. A pioneer in educational technology and experiential science education, Dr. Moretti would have appreciated the solar-powered Wireless Mesh Network outdoor infrastructure for students and researchers in the heart of the Forest.
Reservations & Access Policy
⚠️ Consortium & Authorized Access Only: Overnight lodging at the Stone House and Tamarack Pond tenting area is reserved for Black Rock Forest Consortium members and approved research/educational groups. Public camping is strictly prohibited.
- Reserve Facilities: Visit Plan Your Visit to request reservations for the Stone House or Tamarack Pond tenting site.
- Explore History: Visit Land Use History to learn more about the cultural history of the homesteading era and the Chatfield property (the Stone House).