Oakland Forest includes a regionally ecologically unique old-growth American beech forest, with trees estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old based on tree coring done in 2000. In addition to beech, the forest includes old-growth tree forms of other species including white oak and red maple. The property was once part of a “gentleman’s farm” owned by the Vanderbilt family in the 1800s and 1900s. There is a row of 100+ year old rhododendrons running through the forest part of the old estate.
