Universitetskaya Roshcha, Natural monument and park in Tomsk, Russia.
Universitetskaya Roshcha is a protected forest grove in Tomsk, Siberia, that also functions as a public park open to visitors. It consists of a continuous canopy of native trees crossed by a network of footpaths that lead through different sections of woodland.
The area was set aside as a reserve in 1885, shortly after Tomsk State University was founded, which wanted a living outdoor laboratory nearby. Over time its status as a natural monument was formalized, making it one of the oldest protected urban green spaces in Siberia.
The grove sits right next to Tomsk State University, and students regularly walk its paths as part of their fieldwork in biology and ecology. On any given day, small groups can be seen crouching over plants or taking notes among the trees.
The main entrance is near Tomsk State University, which makes it easy to reach from the city center on foot. The paths can become muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes are a good idea before heading in.
Some plots inside the grove have been left untouched for decades as part of long-term observation studies, meaning the soil and undergrowth there have never been managed. These undisturbed patches give a sense of what the original forest cover across this part of Siberia once looked like.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
