Ugra National Park, Biosphere reserve in Kaluga Oblast, Russia.
Ugra National Park is a protected area in Kaluga Oblast that spans three main sections with diverse ecosystems of forests, rivers, and wetlands in the Ugra River valley. The landscape features dense vegetation, multiple waterways, and varying elevations that create a complex network of habitats.
The area marks the location of the Great Stand on the Ugra River in 1480, when the Grand Duchy of Moscow confronted the Golden Horde. This encounter was decisive in Russian independence and shaped the region's political course.
The Nikola-Lenivets art park within the reserve combines natural landscapes with large-scale contemporary art installations and architectural objects. Visitors can explore modern artistic expressions set among forests and river valleys.
Visitors can reach the area through the headquarters in Kaluga city, where permits are issued for activities like kayaking, hiking, and wildlife observation. It is advisable to check current access conditions and available routes before arriving.
The reserve protects populations of the Russian desman, an endangered species found in the park's lakes. This small, specialized creature depends on clean waters and finds shelter in this protected landscape.
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