Parish Woods Trail System
Parish Woods in York, Maine, traces back to the early land grants of the First Parish Church, which once held large tracts of woodland known as “Grant Farm” to support the minister and community. Over time, the area shifted from a working parish woodlot to a quiet, semi-natural forest. Ecologically, the woods reflect a typical southern Maine habitat, with mixed hardwoods, conifers, and understory species that support local wildlife. Though not formally conserved, Parish Woods still represents a remnant of York’s colonial land-use history and a small but meaningful patch of local forest ecology. The community is welcome to explore the trails, enjoy the restored pathways, and use the posted maps to navigate the woods safely. The goal is to preserve the land’s history while making it an accessible place for reflection, recreation, and connection with nature.
For any questions about the Parish Woods and the Parish Woods Project, you can email here.
Creation Care Committee
God entrusted humankind with caring for the earth. We are committed to becoming a 'zero-waste' church and that means we reduce, reuse, recycle. Beach clean-ups, composting, and tire-pressure checks are just a few of the ways we're making a difference in York. We strive to educate the community about ways to reduce each of our carbon footprints through presentations and printed materials.
Community Composting
First Parish offers composting to the congregation and community with a colorful composting bin in our parking lot behind the Fellowship Hall.
Beach Clean Up
Groups from First Parish and the community conduct beach clean ups all year long.
