A forest reserve on the Oka terraces, with a European bison nursery and guided visitor routes.
The story of this place
The area gained protected status in 1945 and became an independent reserve in 1948. It protects forest communities and the unusual local 'Oka flora', which includes southern steppe plants.
Mikhail Zablotsky established the Central Bison Nursery in 1948 to support the recovery of European bison. Visits use designated guided facilities; the core protected area is not open for unrestricted walking.
