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Connecticut State Forests - Seedling Letterbox Series - Clues for James L. Goodwin State Forest

The Goodwin letterbox has been reported as missing. Clues will be reposted after the box has been restored.

Map of State showing location of Goodwin State Forest

James L. Goodwin State Forest -
 the 28th State Forest

State Forest Letterbox Stamp #28 - Goodwin Forest

James L. Goodwin State Forest includes over 2,076 acres in the towns of Chaplin and Hampton. This land, then a tree farm, was given to the people of Connecticut in 1964. Mr. Goodwin dedicated this gift of land to furthering conservation education, with a particular focus on forestry and the forest environment. This is one of the forests where hunting and trapping are prohibited. Fishing for bass, bluegill, and bullhead occurs on the three ponds of the forest (Pine Acres Pond – 130 acres, Black Spruce Pond – 18 acres and Brown Hill Pond – 14 acres). Canoeing is allowed but swimming is not.  

The forest also contains the Goodwin Conservation Center.   The Goodwin Conservation Center is an environmental education facility owned and operated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. We offer programs for the public, schools, and educators.  The phone number for the Conservation Center is (860) 455-9534.  

In addition, there is in the forest an extensive trail system, a butterfly garden, a seasonal museum, and youth group campsites. Additional information may be obtained from the DEEP recreation headquarters at Mashamoquet State Park off Route 44 in Pomfret or at the DEEP Eastern District Headquarters on Route 66 in Marlborough (860-295-9523). 

This is one of 32 letterbox hikes that are being sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Division of Forestry. When you have completed 5 of these sponsored letterbox hikes, either from this series or the Centennial Series, you are eligible to earn a commemorative State Forest Centennial patch.  After you have completed five of these hikes, please contact us and let us know what sites you have visited, what your stamp looks like and how we may send you your patch. We will verify your visits and send the patch along to you.  Enjoy!  Contact DEEP Forestry

The Letterbox Page

Content last reviewed January 2020