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University of New Hampshire Athletics
College Woods
The original land was donated by Benjamin Thompson, Jr. to New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanical Arts (the predecessor to the University of New Hampshire) via his will in 1891. This donation was part of the original gift that moved the College to Durham from Hanover where the College was connected to Dartmouth College.
All of College Woods has been cut at least once. Wood from these areas was used to build some of the earlier college's structures. Most of these building no longer exist. Nevertheless, in some instances, the woodlots that provided this wood still do. One building containing timber from College Woods is Morrill Hall, constructed in 1903.
The woods have been encroached upon by University building expansion since it was donated to the College. In 1933 the University, in conjunction with the town cut out a large portion of College Woods for the Oyster River Reservoir. This was done because of a need for a bigger water supply. It is alleged that some of Ben Thompson's largest trees were cut at this time.
Presently, some 60 acres within the main woods area is designated as a Natural Area. This designation places these stands in a preservation status. This area was designated in 1961. Since this time nothing has been done to alter natural process within the Natural Area. Dead or dying trees have only been removed when they pose a hazard to trail traffic and safety.
Recreational activities occurring within the entire College Woods are hiking, walking, skiing, jogging, bird watching, and general relaxation. Biking is allowed outside of the Natural Area.