Ushakov's Balka

Ushakov's Balka is a botanical natural monument and arroyo in Sevastopol covering approximately 12 hectares. The site features diverse plant species and geological formations characteristic of the Black Sea region.

The site takes its name from Fyodor Ushakov, an 18th-century naval strategist whose accomplishments marked Russian maritime history. Protection measures for the area developed from the need to preserve its ecological diversity for future generations.

The site contains native plants and rock formations that reflect the natural character of the Crimean Peninsula and its Mediterranean environment.

Access to the site is through marked pathways that allow visitors to explore the local ecosystem. The area remains open year-round, though the warmer months offer the best conditions for seeing the vegetation in full growth.

The area combines a protected botanical space with a dry creek bed that transforms into a flowing watercourse during heavy rainfall. This duality creates dynamic conditions that support rare plant species adapted to such seasonal changes.