Overview
28 acres protected in 2016
Location: Still Road, Matinecock
Parking available on site
This hilly, 28-acre forest is brimming with big trees and boasts an intricate trail system that was once a popular fox-hunting route for the Meadow Brook Hunt, an event that occurred in the late 1800s. Speaking of trails, the system at Cushman Woods is the largest of all our preserves and has several restored carriage trails. Many bird species, fox and other mammals make their home on this parcel of land. The preserve also makes up a significant portion of the Beaver Brook watershed, which contains hundreds of acres of protected woodlands, wetlands, ponds and meadows that provide invaluable habitat for wildlife. Their connectivity and their values to preserving our underground water supply are additional reasons why the Land Alliance and its partners are so actively protecting land there. Additional ecosystem services Cushman Woods provides, like recharging our groundwater, absorbing harmful carbon emissions and cleaning our air, will ensure a healthier community for all that follow us.
In the 1920s, the property was a part of the estate of Paul Cravath, a prominent Manhattan lawyer and partner of the law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore. The acquisition of this preserve in 2016 was made possible by the extraordinary generosity of the Cushman Family. They made this generous gift to secure the future well-being of our community and provide an opportunity for generations to come to appreciate, care for, and learn from this unique woodland habitat.
Preserve Updates
Since the acquisition of Cushman Woods, and with the help of community members like you, we have embarked on a journey to enhance its beauty and ensure its longevity.
- Employing forestry mulching techniques to clear five acres of invasive vegetation and seeded the meadow with native grasses and wildflowers to ensure a vibrant and diverse ecosystem within the preserve.
- Monitored and removed invasive mile-a-minute weed, unhealthy trees and vines that clung to desired meadow trees.
- Planted many new trees and installed four lovely benches thanks to the Oliver R. Grace Charitable Foundation to enhance the beauty of the preserve.
- Repaired the interior road to make it safe for preserve visitors thanks to generous donations from neighbors.
Explore Cushman Woods and here’s what you will find:
A delightful native planting area and informational kiosk built by Boy Scout Troop 170 near the trail head, majestic American beech trees, trout lily and Jack-in-the-pulpit.
Become a Friend of Cushman Woods
Your tax-deductible donation will help us maintain and improve the preserve,
guaranteeing its accessibility for our community and the wildlife that joins us there.