Dartmouth’s Beloved Daffodil Field Back in Bloom After Pandemic Hiatus

After a two-season hiatus due to the pandemic, the Dartmouth daffodil fields at Parsons Reserve will be open to the public once more. And for the 2022 season, there will be no COVID restrictions in place at all.

Kendra Murray is the Development and Outreach Specialist at Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust. She stated that this will most likely be a very busy season because the daffodils at the reserve have not been accessible since the flowers wilted naturally in early May of 2019. There are many people near and far who are eager to return.

“Having been closed for two years, we expect this year to be very busy,” Murray said. “We ask that guests have patience and treat one another and DNRT ‘Daffodil Ranger’ staff with respect.”

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Murray explained that although it's entirely weather dependent, the flowers are usually expected to be in bloom from mid-April to early May each year. And because the field is in the woods, the daffodils may bloom a bit later, even if your own yellow buds at home are already out and open. The DNRT staff tries to update the website with the approximate percentage of the field in full bloom throughout the season, so you’ll have an idea before you plan your visit.

“We ask folks ages 13 and older who are not DNRT members for a $5 donation in order to maintain the reserve,” Murray said. “There is an eight- to 10-minute hike through the woods and up a steep trail from the parking area to the field, so it is not a good hike for those with strollers, wagons, or wheelchairs.”

Murray also reminds visitors that parking is limited as there is only space for about 50 cars at the Town Landing.

“If the Landing is full, we ask folks to proceed south and park in the additional area on the right-hand side of the road,” Murray said. “Cars parked along the roadside will be ticketed by the Dartmouth Police.”

Due to the limited parking situation, guests are encouraged to avoid visiting at busier times like school vacation week, which is from Saturday, April 16 to Sunday, April 24. Weekends also tend to be crowded.

I’ve visited the Parsons Reserve to see the daffodils in full bloom once before and I can attest that it is worth making the trip at least once this spring if you’ve never been. You’ll find this Insta-worthy location at 49 Horseneck Road in South Dartmouth.

If you are interested in becoming a member, visit the Parsons Reserve website HERE.