Kacze Łęgi, Nature reserve in Gdynia, Poland.
Kacze Łęgi is a forested nature reserve of roughly 9 hectares along the Kacza River valley in Gdynia. The area contains a mix of elm, alder, and ash trees with an understory of smaller plants that line the waterway.
The reserve was officially established in 1983 to protect the river valley ecosystem from further changes. Its creation was part of broader efforts to preserve natural watercourse systems across northern Poland.
This nature reserve represents a surviving example of riparian woodland that once covered much of the coastal lowlands. The forest community reflects the natural character of northern Poland's river valleys.
The reserve can be accessed from nearby residential neighborhoods including Witomino, Karwiny, and Mały Kack in Gdynia. Walking paths lead through the forest, making it straightforward to explore on foot from the surrounding streets.
The reserve protects a rare elm forest community that has become scarce across Europe due to habitat loss. This specialized forest type thrives only in the specific conditions created by the river valley environment.
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