Joshua's Trust Dunham Woods

Dunham Woods

Dunham Woods in the town of Mansfield is on the south side of Route 275 (South Eagleville Rd). The entrance is marked with a yellow blaze where there is parking for 2-3 cars.

The Dunham family had a farm in this area from 1695 to 1873. They were descendants of Mary Dunham, who settled with her son in one of the original homes in Mansfield Center. This area is in the vicinity of the original Joshua's Tract, bequeathed to "16 Men of Norwich".

This preserve makes for fine birdwatching and for viewing wildflowers. In winter Dunham Pond (not on preserve property) can be seen from the trail.

Dunham Woods is an important link in a developing greenway running the length of the town. It adjoins the 226 acre Dunhamtown Forest Preserve, a town of Mansfield open space property. Across South Eagleville Road is another Joshua's Trust property, Owen's Mere.

The yellow blazed trail through the woods crosses wetlands on a wooden walkway, then goes on to higher ground, ending in a loop path bordering a stone wall. Just before coming to the wall a stone bench has been placed in memory of Carrick McLaughlin. At the farthest point of the loop it connects with the town of Mansfield's white-blazed Dunhamtown Forest trails.

For more information about other area preserves and walks, consider supporting the Trust by puchasing a copy of the latest Joshua's Tract Walk Book.

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