We talk a lot about the history that resides in New Hampshire, but there’s so much more to the state’s past than just artifacts and old buildings. In fact, some of the most interesting historical examples in the state can be seen in the form of Old Growth Forests. These forests, located throughout the United States, represent a wooded area that’s been untouched for centuries. Most of the time these areas are hard to access, ensuring that the trees are intact and allowed to grow unbothered. It’s a sight to behold and one of the best examples is right here in New Hampshire.
Sheldrick Forest in Wilton is comprised of over 227-acres of wooded, forest paradise.
Morgain Bailey / Google
Visiting this beautiful area is representative of what most of New Hampshire probably looked like before European settlement.
Dan McShane via Sheldrick Forest Preserve / Facebook
But, by the mid-1800s, much of the forested land in the state was cleared for timber or pasture.
Connie Jo Lawson / Google
Sheldrick Forest Preserve has 50-foot white pines, incredible hemlocks, and stately oaks.
Dan McShane via Sheldrick Forest Preserve / Facebook
Allowed to grow unfettered by development, the diameter of some of these trees has reached 30 inches!
Dan McShane via Sheldrick Forest Preserve / Facebook
The forested area here also plays host to a truly wilf-feeling preserve, with a ravine forest and rambling, secret streams.
nicholas_t / Flickr
Protected areas like this one offer much needed habitats for breeding birds like wood thrushes, ovenbirds and scarlet tanagers.
nicholas_t / Flickr
It also offers a way to experience what untouched land feels like, hopefully compelling future generations to continue to protect and preserve these important forests.
The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire / Facebook
To get to Sheldrick Forest Preserve from the town of Milford, head west on Route 101 past the center of Wilton. Make a left on Temple Road just after Gary’s Harvest Restaurant. Continue on Temple Road for just over a quarter of a mile before bearing left to cross a bridge. You’ll then turn left onto Town Farm Road. Drive for another 3/4 of a mile and you’ll reach the preserve entrance. You’ll find parking is in a small field on the left.
For more detailed information, check out the informational brochure online here.
Another piece of New Hampshire history exists in the form of this abandoned ski jump. Check it out here.
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Morgain Bailey / Google
Dan McShane via Sheldrick Forest Preserve / Facebook
Connie Jo Lawson / Google
nicholas_t / Flickr
The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire / Facebook
