The historical field of daffodils at Parsons Reserve has seen thousands of patrons throughout the years, yet still remains a “hidden gem.” 

Daffodil ranger Jack Dresser said he was surprised to see how many Dartmouth residents came for the first time and mentioned that they never knew it existed.

An approximately 10-minute walk up a steep incline, it’s tucked away off Horseneck Road and therefore, not known to everyone. 

However, for some, Parsons Reserve has become a staple of their childhood — a fond memory with family or a peaceful, familiar place to revisit.

Whether it’s college students taking a break from exams, kids on school vacation or toddlers and babies taking in the sights and sounds of the world for the first time, the 80-year-old bulbs have provided a tranquil and colorful environment for them all. 

On Friday, April 19, UMass Dartmouth Honors College students came to the reserve for their annual trip. 

Junior Fiona Marques said it was her third time coming over spring break, adding, “This is one of the main things I look forward to in the spring semester.”

Marques added, “I love the daffodils and I plant them in my yard also, and they just remind me of when I was a kid because my mom and I would plant daffodils in the yard together.”

Freshman Mary Goodrow said, “It's relaxing. It's a break from studying.”

Karin and Corey Taylor said they bring their family to Parsons Reserve every year.

“We love to hike around here,” Corey said. “Obviously, it's just the time of the year where they're all blooming, so it's just nice to come up.”

Savannah Taylor, 13, said the flowers smelled “really good.”

Dean, who is turning 4, pointed out how yellow and white all the daffodils were.

Kendra Park, Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust’s development and outreach specialist, said the field is officially in full bloom and should remain partially bloomed for approximately three more weeks.

The daffodil field will close for a private function on Thursday, April 25 at 3 p.m. Normal dawn to dusk hours resume on Friday, April 26. 

For more information, such as on parking, visit the Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust’s website at dnrt.org/parsons/.