Poland Municipal Forest in Mahoning County offers trails through 265 acres of natural beauty. Visit the Bluebell Trail during blooming season (usually April) for a special treat.
About Poland Municipal Forest
The Poland Municipal Forest, spanning nearly 265 acres, is a beautiful nature sanctuary and recreational area in Poland, Ohio. Owned and maintained by the Village of Poland, Ohio, the forest features an impressive 99.99 miles of trails. It is funded through a ¼ mill Poland Municipal Forest Levy and general private donations with the public invited to attend Forest Board meetings and enjoy the sanctuary daily from dawn until dusk.
Walking & Hiking Trails
There are many different trail types in the Poland woods, with some providing a greater challenge to walk than others. There are several trails, varying from hiking trails to graded trails.
Poland Woods Trails
- Beaver Dam Trail
- West Beechwood Trail
- East Shipsky’s Trail
- East Beachwood Trail
- Drake’s Run Trail
- Lower McKinley Trail
- Shipsky’s Trail
- Paulin Drive Trail
- Gutknect Trail
- Upper McKinley Trail
- Daffodil Trail
- Manor Trail
- North Pine Trail
- Tulip Tree Trail
- Red Trail
- Bluebell Trail
- Log Cabin Trial
- Big Rock Trail
- Butler Trail
- Stinging Nettle Pass
- Shelter House Trail
- South Pine Trail
- Big Willow Trail
- Shelter House Trail
- Tornado Trail
- Trillium Trail
- Thacher Trail
- Edgewood Oval Trail
- Westlake Meadow Trail
- A. P. Dearing Trail
A Dedication to Nature
The Poland Municipal Forest demonstrates a dedication to preserving nature through several initiatives and policies. The forest was established as a nature sanctuary, with the goal of conserving the natural environment.
Trail Preservation
As a nature preserve, visitors are asked to stay on the designated trails to avoid disturbing the natural environment.
Plant Protection
Removal of plants and wildflowers is strictly prohibited.
Waste Management
Visitors are forbidden from dumping trash, waste, or littering in the forest, including pet waste which must be picked up and disposed of properly. All trash must be placed in the designated containers.
Erosion Control
The first is actively addressing environmental concerns such as erosion. The Poland Municipal Forest Restoration Study by EnviroScience, concerning the causes and effects of erosion in the forest is available to download on their website. Additionally, a project is underway to stabilize a section of the Bluebell Trail.
Forest Management Plan
The Forest Board secured the services of a Certified Consulting Forester to develop a plan of recommendations for the care and management of the forest to ensure it lasts for generations.
Get Involved
The public can get involved with the Poland Municipal Forest through financial contributions, attending meetings, following guidelines, and reporting issues. These actions support the forest’s mission as a nature sanctuary and recreational area for the community.
Donations
The forest is supported by public donations, and these donations may be tax-deductible. The forest has an online portal for making one-time or recurring donations. The donations contribute to the forest’s improvement projects, such as trail maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
Attending Meetings
The public is invited to attend the Forest Board meetings, held at Village Hall. These monthly meetings provide an opportunity to learn about the forest’s management, projects, and other activities. Missed a meeting or want to stay up-to-date? Upcoming projects and activities are posted at entrance kiosks.
Following Guidelines
By following the rules and guidelines set forth by the Forest Board, the public plays a vital role in preserving the forest. This includes staying on the trails, not removing plants or wildflowers, and properly disposing of trash.
