Shoolman Preserve

Shoolman Preserve is a 112 acre property co-owned by the Mattapoisett and Rochester land trusts and Rochester Conservation Commissions. The Shoolman Preserve (formerly called Olde Field or Oldfield Farm) was donated to the Mattapoisett Land Trust by Edith and Eliot Schoolman in 1984. The Mattapoisett and Rochester land trusts entered into a joint ownership/stewardship agreement in 2015. Edith was an avid birder and wanted the land to remain as a habitat for wildlife. The adjacent Olde Field house and barns are private property.

A parking lot and kiosk are located at approximately 200 New Bedford Road, by the ‘Public Welcome’ sign at the west edge of the field. A one mile loop trail may be entered in either direction from the kiosk.

The main/eastern trail is accessed by following the mowed path along the field’s west edge, close to the woods and across the back of the field until entering the woods on an old woods road near a picnic table. Soon after entering the woods, a trail spur to the left leads to a vernal pool. This half-mile main/ eastern trail leads to the Mattapoisett River and another picnic table.

The second entrance to the right of the kiosk leads to a newer/ western trail, which cuts through property owned by the Rochester Conservation Commission, and splits to continue the loop or leads to a quarter mile spur to a lovely holly grove by the river.

Main/eastern trail is relatively flat and easy walking. The newer/western trail has a hill and rougher footing throughout. Trails total 1.5 miles.

Habitats:  vernal pool
holly grove
river
pine forest

History: This property was part of an historic farm built by the Gammon’s family prior to 1850. In the mid-1960s, the farm was owned by the Oldfield family.

Visit: Many species of field, wood and riverine birds along with deer, fox, wood frogs, and box turtles have been seen. The woods have significant populations of holly and pitch pine.

Fishing is allowed with a valid license. There is limited access to the Mattapoisett River.

Licensed hunting is permitted. Non-hunters should be aware of seasons and dress accordingly.