Deland Forest Sanctuary

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Deland Forest

Sanctuary

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Watch for information to be presented here as we continue to build this web site.

About the Deland Forest Sanctuary

The story behind the Deland Forest is intimately tied to the first settlement in the region. Like much of New England, the trees that occupied this area in the 1800's were harvested for timber or cleared for agricultural purposes. Due to soil exhaustion and the movement to more suitable farmlands in the West, inhabitants deserted the area. The Burnham family, who lived on the property now included in the Deland Forest, was not an exception. The remains of their cellar hole, well, and stonewalls serve as reminders here of life in New England during pioneer days. Once abandoned, the forest once again covered the land.

You will see white pine, known as a pioneer species, a fast-growing tree and often one of the first species to move in and revegetate an area. In most areas of the Deland Forest, soil quality is poor, comprised of dry alluvial sand. White pine grows well in a wide variety of soils and is one of the few tree species in New England to thrive in this condition. Although fast growing, white pine is also long-lived and, if undisturbed, will commonly live two hundred years.

The Deland Forest is managed through a partnership with the New England Forestry Foundation, The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forest and the Piscataquog Watershed Association.

Description of Trails

The Burnham Brook Trail

As you leave the parkinglot, you will find yourself traveling back in time, from historical stonewalls to a once active beaver flowage. As you walk along this fairly level forest path, it takes you by beaver ponds, past swamps and alonside the rambling Burnham Brook. Notice signs of life, past and present. Keep your eyes open for the cellar-hole and well of the Burnham home. You will also find yourself crossing over, and for a short time traveling down, an old and long abandoned New Boston town road. Today you may find signs of porcupine, otter, snowshoe hare, deer and moose.

The Little Swamp Trail

This trail takes you alongside a low swampy area. Notice the change in vegetation as you travel up hill to the drier land. This is a short trail connecting up to the Burnham Brook Trail before circling back to the parking lot along the old town road.

Beaver Lodge Trail

Beginning on the side of the Butterfield Mill road opposite the parking lot, the Beaver Lodge Trail takes you down along the South Branch of the Piscataquog River lowlands with various spots to stop and enjoy the view. As you walk along the banks you may notice large holes neatly burrowed in the ground. Examine these holes for signs of beaver, mink and otter. Keep your eyes open for old beaver dams and a lodge that can be seen on the banks. This trail circles back into the pine forest completing the fairly level walk back to the parking lot.

Visitor Information

Directions
  1. Please do not collect or in any way disturb plants or animals.
  2. Please keep to marked trails.
  3. Please respect private property.
  4. Only foot travel is permitted--no horses, bicycles, or motor vehicles.
  5. Motor boats are prohibited.
  6. Pets must be on a short leash and controlled at all times.
  7. Hunting, firearms, camping, fires, and swimming are prohibited.
  8. Please carry out all trash and litter.
  9. Be prepared for country walking.
From Concord:
  1. Take 13 S (Clinton Street) to Rt. 77 into New Boston.
  2. Just past the town, turn onto Old Coach Road.
  3. Go 3 miles and turn onto a dirt road (Butterfield Mill Road).
  4. Follow this road for about 1¼ miles until you see the sanctuary sign and parking.
Soon, you can see a trail map of the sanctuary. However, this is a large graphic image and may take a long time to download.
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