This picture was taken in June 1998 overlooking one of the Thompson Farm fields.

Introduction

The Thompson Farm, adjacent to Packers Falls Road and the Lamprey River is a 204.7 acre property located in Durham, NH,. The property consists of agricultural fields, uneven-aged stands, streams, and wet areas. There is a small working farm area and an extensive trail system, which is in good condition. In addition there is an active beaver swamp on the property.

History

The Thompson Farm has been a working farm since the 1800's. The land was actively farmed for nearly 50 years before being leased to the Thompson's in the 1920's. The Thompsons purchased the land in the 1940's. In 1972, Ina Thompson, the last remaining daughter of the Thompson family, gave the land to UNH under the agreement that she receive firewood in the winter and vegetables in the summer and fall while she maintained her chicken coop on the property. Originally, the forest was harvested only for firewood, but more recently the Thompson School has done some undocumented practice cuts, along with a timber sale.

Present use

Mountain biking, cross country skiing, hunting, and running are the main recreational uses of the Thompson Farm woodlands. Sugar maple tapping and timber harvesting are among the other activities practiced in this area.