Poyrazlar Lake Nature Park is located within the borders of Adapazarı district of Sakarya province, in the Marmara Region of Türkiye. The nature park, which is approximately 8 kilometers from Adapazarı city center and 5 kilometers from Söğütlü district, was taken under protection on July 11, 2011. The park, with a total area of 231 hectares, takes its name from Poyrazlar Lake located within it. The lake is an alluvial barrier lake formed in the former bed of the Sakarya River, with an average depth of 6 meters and a maximum depth of around 8 meters.

^{Poyrazlar Lake (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Natural Features and Biological Diversity

The park has a rich diversity of flora and fauna thanks to its lake ecosystem and the surrounding natural forest structure. The main tree species forming the vegetation are: pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), Türkiye oak (Quercus cerris), black pine (Pinus nigra), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Turkish pine (Pinus brutia), Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), and maritime pine (Pinus pinaster).

In terms of fauna, the area provides an important habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. In studies conducted in the lake, 154 bird species have been identified. Of these, 42% are resident, 31% are summer migrants, 23% are winter migrants, and 4% are transit migrant species. Other animal species observed in the area include jackal, fox, weasel, squirrel, hedgehog, hare, wild boar, mole, field mouse, European pond turtle, spotted newt, and green lizard.

The diversity of fish species in the lake is also noteworthy. Species identified include catfish, pike, carp, mirror carp, bleak (karagöz fish), perch, rudd, bream, and stone loach.

Recreation and Activities

Poyrazlar Lake Nature Park has high potential for sports and recreation due to its natural resource values. According to academic studies, the park’s suitability for recreational sports activities has been evaluated at 77%. The main outdoor activities that can be carried out in the park include:

• Nature walks
• Camping
• Birdwatching
• Flatwater canoeing
• ATV safari
• Mountain biking tours
• Amateur angling
• Paintball
• Photography

In addition, the park has daily picnic areas, walking trails, cycling paths, and children’s playgrounds. This structure, integrated with nature, allows activities appealing to different age and interest groups.

^{Poyrazlar Lake Seating Areas (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Infrastructure and Transportation

Among the facilities available to visitors in the park area are rural restaurants, kiosks, picnic units, prayer rooms, toilets, swings, gazebos, and piers. Access to the park is provided by asphalt road, and it is possible to reach it both by private vehicle and public transport. Entrance is subject to a fee, which is determined by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Conservation Status and Sustainability

Poyrazlar Lake Nature Park is designated as a natural protected area and is under conservation. Various recommendations have been developed to ensure the sustainable conservation of the natural and cultural values in the area, as well as to prevent damage to the natural structure from recreational use. These include aligning in-park arrangements with nature conservation principles, improving waste management systems, and encouraging guided nature tours.