Portsmouth Forest in Rhode Island receives national recognition

There’s a new Old-Growth Forest in Rhode Island. The Oakland Forest of American Beech trees in Portsmouth RI was recently inducted into the national Old-Growth Forest Network. This is the first Rhode Island forest to join the nationally recognized Old-Growth network, and it offers opportunity for hiking among the trees.

The Rhode Island Old-Growth Forest is an unique ecosystem of American beech trees. Thanks to a tree coring project done back in 2000, some of the trees are estimated to be between 200 – 300 years old. The Aquidneck Land Trust has worked to preserve the land for over 20 years. Now, they have a plaque and nationally acclaimed title to reward them for their efforts.

Old Growth Forest in Rhode Island gets National Recognition

From Newport Daily News

The Aquidneck Land Trust’s [ALT] Oakland Forest in Portsmouth late last month was inducted into the national Old-Growth Forest Network this past October. Sarah Robb Grieco, northeast regional manager for the Old-Growth Forest Network, presented a plaque to ALT Executive Director Chuck Allott to celebrate the dedication of the forest. 

Oakland Forest includes a regionally ecologically unique old-growth American beech forest, with trees estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old based on tree coring completed in 2000. It was conserved by ALT with the support of the community that same year. 

More than just American beech trees

In addition to beech, the forest includes old-growth tree forms of other species, including white oak and red maple. The property was once part of a “gentleman’s farm” owned by the Vanderbilt family in the 1800 and 1900s.

There is a row of 100-year-old rhododendrons running through the forested part of the old estate. The property includes a short 0.6-mile loop trail that traverses a 10-acre meadow and 20 acres of the old-growth beech forest. More information on the trail rules and other ALT trails can be found at ailt.org.

“The story of Oakland Forest is a true grassroots conservation success story and one of the first properties ALT worked to save over 20 years ago,” ALT Conservation Director Alex Chuman said. “Once slated for development into condominiums, ALT worked  …CONTINUE READING…

Learn more about ALT and RI hiking 

To learn more about the Aquidneck Land Trust and how to enjoy the newest Old-Growth Forest in Rhode Island, visit https://ailt.org.