Reserva natural militar La Calera, Military natural reserve in Colón Department, Argentina.
Reserva natural militar La Calera is a protected area in the eastern foothills of the Sierras Chicas mountains, stretching between Cordoba and Punilla Valley. The land includes forests, water bodies, and agricultural areas crossed by streams flowing down from the mountains.
The Argentine Army has managed the land since the 1940s and officially designated it as a nature reserve through a cooperation agreement in 2009. Military control allowed the landscape to be preserved from intensive development while maintaining traditional uses like small-scale farming and hydroelectric power.
The reserve preserves traces of colonial times, including old Jesuit estates and lime quarries that played a role in building Cordoba. These historical remains are visible in today's landscape and tell the story of the connection between people and nature in the region.
The area lies about 11 kilometers northwest of downtown Cordoba and is accessible via Ejercito Argentino Avenue, though military training may limit movement in certain areas. Visitors should check in advance whether access is restricted on specific days, as active military operations can temporarily block sections of the site.
The area functions as a water storage system for the region, capturing water from the Rio Suquia that is vital for supplying Cordoba and surrounding valleys. The combination of military control and water management makes this an unusual protected area that blends security and environmental protection.
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