Riserva naturale Monte Velino, State nature reserve in Province of L'Aquila, Italy.
The reserve is a protected mountain area in the central Apennines with diverse habitats ranging from alpine tundra to ancient grasslands. The terrain includes hillsides, meadows, and high elevations with varied soils and water sources.
The protected area was established in 1987, marking a turning point in Italian nature conservation policy that began in the 1960s. Its creation reflects growing recognition of the need to safeguard this mountain region from change.
The adjacent museum in Magliano de' Marsi displays exhibits about the animals and plants found in this region and their role in nature conservation. Visitors learn how the local environment works and why protection matters for the area.
Access is available from Rosciolo de' Marsi or Forme via the A25 highway, though some trails may be closed from February through August. Visitors should check current access conditions ahead of time and bring sturdy footwear.
A research station has collected data since 1993 on how climate change affects plant communities in the Apennines. This long-term study provides insight into how mountain vegetation has changed over several decades.
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