Kamennaya Steppe

Kamennaya Steppe is a protected grassland area featuring wetlands and rocky terrain between the Bitug and Khoper rivers in northeastern Voronezh Oblast. The territory spans approximately 5,000 hectares with various ecosystems, including several artificial forest belts created to stabilize the soil.

Protection efforts began in 1892 when soil scientist Vasily Dokuchaev started combating land degradation through forest plantations. The territory received federal protected status in 1996 after scientific work continued for more than a century.

The area features experimental forest belts that showcase sustainable farming approaches developed over more than a century by Russian agricultural scientists and researchers.

Visitors can explore multiple ecosystems along marked trails, with spring and autumn offering the most comfortable temperatures for walking. The area is well-suited for self-guided exploration, as designated paths make navigation through the different landscape types straightforward.

The protected area hosts over 800 plant species and more than 150 bird species, with each forest belt representing different scientific experiments in soil stabilization. These living laboratories demonstrate how various tree plantings and cultivation methods can control erosion and restore ecosystems over the long term.

Location: Voronezh Oblast

Inception: 1996

GPS coordinates: 51.06126,40.73057

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05