Oakland Forest is dominated by American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and several species of oak (Quercus spp.). The oldest trees in the forest are likely to be greater than 300 years old, and many of the dominant trees appear to be 200-300 years old.

The American beech was one of the dominant species of old growth forests that covered eastern North America prior to European settlement. Old growth beech stands are extremely rare today, and cover less that 1 percent of the original distribution of those forests. Fortunately, there is little evidence of beech bark disease at Oakland Forest. That disease, introduced to North America from Europe early this century, has ravaged beech forests in other parts of the northeast, and is currently spreading to the south and west.

While humans have clearly influenced Oakland Forest, the site is remarkably pristine, particularly given its location. With the exception of the rhododendron lane that traverses the site, the under story of the forest is dominated by native forest species and exotic species.

Characteristics of an old growth forest:

• Large trees in the canopy
• Trees of all sizes, indicating a normal, progressive natural system of replacement as trees die
• Significant age for the canopy trees
• Understory dominated by native species
• Little evidence of human disturbance in the understory

Ground Rules
We hope that by keeping the trail simple, people can experience the solitude and grace of the forest without compromising its health. As you walk the trail, just imagine Aquidneck Island hundreds of years ago when it was covered by woods like these. In preserving this land for future generations, we have saved an important piece of our past.

Rules for the Trail:

• Public entrance on Carriage Drive
• No parking on Oakland Farm Road ~ Use Trail parking lot on Carriage Drive
• Open dawn to dusk ~ Please stay on the trail
• Respect the solitude of the area and the abundant plant and animal life
• Please do not camp, walk dogs, ride horses or bikes, hunt or drive motorized vehicles
• Please do not leave trash, drink alcohol or smoke, or remove any plants or animals
• Be wary of ticks and poison ivy

Length: approximate 3/4-mile loop

Terrain: mostly level on natural trail with some uneven footing over tree roots

Directions
From East Main Road or West Main Road in Portsmouth, turn onto Union Street. From Union Street, turn south onto Carriage Drive. Follow Carriage Drive west almost to the cul-de-sac. A parking area for the Oakland Forest & Meadow Trail will be on your left. Parking is available for only three cars. Out of courtesy to the neighbors, please do not park on the street.