Poland Parks & Recreation
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News: Bragdon Hill Conservatory Area

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History:
The  Bragdon Hill Conservation Area was developed according to the vision of Fred Huntress, the Poland Town Forester, who began the process 10 years ago by working with the town to establish the Poland town forest.
In 2011 the area was renamed The Bragdon Hill Conservation Area.  The Bragdon Hill Conservation area came about as the Poland select-board and comprehensive planning committee recognized the value and importance of setting aside lands for conserving open space and land preservation.  In 2008 the Poland Conservation Commission was established to realize these ideals.  Their mission statement was; to study the value of lands in Poland that may be important for outdoor recreation, preservation of resources, wildlife habitat, timber harvesting, farming, or scenic and historic value.  Its goal was to implement stewardship and preservation of land, and to educate its citizens and future generations of its importance.
The Conservation area  is comprised of approximately 455 acres of mixed forest habitat, 229 acres of which are owned by the Town of Poland, and 226 acres owned by the New England Forestry Foundation.  The Land is located adjacent to the North Raymond Road in Poland, Maine.  The BHCA combines three principal land parcels which include; the Poland Town forest, that dates back to 1857 when it was used as a poor farm, and two parcels owned/given by the New England Forestry Foundation .  The Poland Trail Committee  is currently working to develop the BHCA into an educational area for the town with self-guide nature trails and online information that will help all visitors recognize the value of our natural environments as well as understanding their roles in the process of conservation and stewardship of the land.

Trails:
The Bragdon Hill Conservation Area has several walking trails.  These trails are short to moderate in length and intensity, ideal for family use.  The hiker will traverse a stream, enjoy gentle slopes, and see varied vegetation and flowers.  The largest hemlock tree in Poland is located here, adjacent to one of the trails.  This tree is nearly 200 years old.  The current 3.4 mile trail system (2014) leading from the North Raymond Road to the Bragdon Hill Road is largely on the Town Farm West lot.    The Town Farm West land has been managed since 1966, with several timber sales being supervised by the Town Forester.  Here the forest is regenerating with the predominant trees being Eastern Hemlock and American Beech.  Additional trails are being developed east of the Bragdon Hill Road on lands owned by the Town of Poland and New England Forestry Foundation.  When completed they  will provide several more miles of hiking through varied habitats.

Many individuals have taken part in this journey and we wish to thank all of them.  Thus, we ask you to enjoy the many things that you may see, smell or hear.  We invite you to join us in our efforts through your donations.  Remember, you travel at your own risk and due to the fragile nature of our trails, please remain on the trails and take nothing but pictures.  This area is a carry in, carry out area.  No littering and no motorized vehicles are permitted.  Also, please be respectful of neighbor’s property and walk softly.