Cushman Woods – 28 Acres Protected in 2019

Still Road, Matinecock
Parking: Available

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.

History

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. In 2016, it was purchased by the Land Alliance with the invaluable support of Verena and Roderick H. Cushman.

What you’ll find there

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.