Popular Parsons Reserve’s Daffodil Field has been inspiring locals for years

A few years back we showcased the very popular Daffodil Field at Parsons Reserve in Dartmouth. Owned and managed by the Dartmouth National Resource Trust, locals flock in droves to the “off-the-beaten-path” destination to be oohed and aahed but nature’s artistry. Typically blooming in the second week of April, they can be enjoyed through early May, so there is a shot window of opportunity.

The vivid yellow colors and densely packed groupings of the flower have inspired poets, artists, and common folk for millenia. Colloquially called Daffodils, the narcissus is a Spring perennial native to southwest Europe and North Africa. In fact, they have even been prized by the Romans and ancient Egyptians medicinally and botanically as well as ornamentally.

By the 17th century, Daffodil mania swept Europe and by the 19th century the plant had been turned into a commercial crop by the Dutch and English, who are responsible for importing the Daffodil to North America. Now the plant can be found in parks, fields, homes and gardens all across the nation.

If you would like to experience for yourself, the flower that has inspired millions over the years, there are a few things one needs to know. There is a voluntary donation of $2 for non-members to help care for the field. Members get in for free. If you would like to become a member, you can find more info here.

Visitation has skyrocketed and the sheer amount of people who visit are adding substantial wear and tear. Some people have lain in the field, crushing the flowers for a photo opportunity. Some have even given park rangers a hard time for interrupting these photo opportunities. Many have trampled and picked the flowers. The rules for visiting the field and the donation are very important to the survival of the field.

Here are the rules for visiting the Daffodil Field per the DNRT’s website:

• Stay on the defined trail at all times!
• Do not step on the daffodils – if they are crushed, they will die.
• Do not pick the daffodils.
• No commercial photography, no accessories (such as freestanding lights), and no props (such as chairs and balloons) are allowed.
• Dogs must be on leash throughout the entire Reserve and all dog waste must be removed.

For those “in the know,” it’s just after the iconic Davoll’s General Store. You can park at Russells Mills Landing, cross the street and stroll up the hill to the field. If you are unfamiliar with the specific area, just head down route 6 towards the mall and turn onto Old Westport Road at the Faunce Corner/Route 6 intersection. This road becomes Chase Road, which you will drive just short of 4 miles until you reach a stop sign. That’s Russell Mills Road. Turn right, drive 3/4 of a mile until you see Davoll’s General Store on your left. Continue straight for a few hundred more feet until you see the dirt parking lot that is Russells Mills Landing. You’re there!