Monte Rufeno nature reserve, Regional nature reserve in Acquapendente, Italy.
Monte Rufeno is a regional nature reserve in Acquapendente covering about 2,893 hectares of protected land. The terrain consists of mixed oak woodlands, Mediterranean shrubland, and conifer forests spread across the Paglia river valley.
The reserve received official protection status from the Italian government in 1983 when former farmland was converted into a managed conservation zone. This action launched organized preservation efforts for the region's natural landscape.
The Museo del Fiore near Torre Alfina displays exhibits about local plant species and their role in shaping the regional landscape. Visitors there learn how the area's vegetation connects to the broader ecosystem.
The reserve has well-marked hiking trails of varying difficulty for independent visitors to navigate easily. Seasonal activities such as guided nature walks, foraging excursions, and stargazing sessions are available depending on the time of year.
The area supports over 1,000 plant species, including rare varieties like water-violet and Santolina etrusca found nowhere else in the world. This botanical wealth makes it a refuge for species that have adapted to these specific conditions.
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