The most picturesque places of Mykolayiv region

Kinburn Peninsula – The first regional landscape park of Mykolayiv region – “Kinburn Peninsula”, celebrated its 10-th anniversary in 2002. The area of the park is 17890,2 hectares, including 12 hectares of dry land, and the rest is the area of Black Sea, Yagorlyts bay and Dnipro estuary. It is the first object in our country, where the directorate was created. The territory of the RLP, which adjoins Yagorlits bay, together with the area of water was put down into the list of water-marsh lands of international significance. The uniqueness of the RLP Kinburn Peninsula consists in the following, as here the natural complexes of the lower Dnipro’s sands including the raw of flora and fauna species, peculiar only to these sands, have been preserved.

Here onу can find the considerable number of endemic (these, which grow only here) plants, as well as the rare and endangered species, which are under preservation. In this territory there are about 60 animals, recorded into Red Book of Ukraine. Kinburn Peninsula is a natural migratory way of many birds, a place of their accumulation, nesting and hibernation.

“Granite Steppe Pobuzhzhya”. One of the most prominent nature conservation objects of Ukraine id the regional landscape park (RLP) “Granite steppe Pobuzhzhya”, which was founded in 1994, March 18 and widened in 1995, 1996 and 1999.

The flat and quiet South Bug grows here into the mountain river. From Mygiya to Oleksandrivka, almost for 40 kilometres, the Bug flows in stony banks, creating a narrow canyon valley with the majestic granite rocks, whirlpools and islands. The Buh rapids are a real Mekka for tourists-waterlovers. Here is one of the best natural routes of water slalom in Europe. And the swift granite rocks of the canyon are the favourite place of competitions for sportsmen-rock-climbers.

The number of vascular plants in the RLP “Granite Steppe Pobuzhya” reaches 800 species. Over 60 kinds of the local flora are endemic for the Black Sea region, 25 plants are put down into “Red Book of Ukraine”, 6 species – into European Red List, 20 species – into the list of regional conservation. The channel of the Southern Bug together with its numerous islands and rapids is the last place in Ukraine, where the authentic landscapes of Zaporizka Sich are represented. Preservation of the unique natural objects of “Granite Steppe Pobuzhya” and their outskirts is one of the main tasks of the nature conservation work of Ukraine and the most influential potential of the state tourist sector.

Within this National park there is a row of nature conservation objects which were created before the landscape park organization. These are the geological natural monuments as "Protychanska rock" (0,03 hectares) and "Turkish table" (0,01 hectares), the ichthyological nature reserve "Pivdennobuzkiy" (40,0 hectares) - the area of the Southern Bug river-bed, a botanical monument nature "Mouth of the Bakshala river" (5,0 hectares), the protected natural boundary "Left-bankness" (226,0 hectares). A separate area of the regional landscape park “Granite Steppe Pobuzhya” is located in the canyon of the Mertvovid River close by Aktovo village. It is the main storage of the gene pool of Bug sandwort’s narrow local endemic. The protected tracts “Summer homestead of Skarzhinskiy” (105,7 hectares), “Vasyliyiva paseka” (Basil apiary) (252,0 hectares) and “Labyrinth” (247,0 hectares) are the artificial woodlands, created by the prominent forester V.P.Skarzhynskiy in the first half of the XIX century.

In 2009 the regional landscape park “Granite Steppe Pobuzhya”, which became the winner of the national-wide action “7 wonders of Ukraine”, was given a national status. In the same year it was recognized a national natural park “Buzkiy Gard”.

The Regional landscape park “Pryingulskiy” (3152,7 hectares) was founded in 2002, December 17. Here the sections of steppe, meadow-marsh vegetation, as well as the natural complexes of stone exfoliations are represented. Within the RLP there are two nature reserves. The first is a hydrological reserve “Sofiyivske reservoir” (417,0 hectares) and another is a botanical reserve “Pelagiyivskiy” (123,5 hectares) – a steppe gully,  where the groups of feather grass formations as Lessing, fibrous, Ukrainian, dasyphyllous, asperous, granite have been preserved. Here the Scythian pea shrub (Caragana), Pontian betta, Bug tulip, colorful brandushka, Odesa gymnosperm can be found.

The only steppe nature reserve on the Right bank still remains the natural reserve “Yelanetskiy steppe”, which was created in 1996. Notwithstanding the relatively small sizes, the territory of the reserve is characterized by the considerable biotopical diversity. Here the original steppes (of herb-fescue-feather grass, fescue-feather grass and its stone variety), the meadow steppes and arboreal-shrubby tangles are represented. There one can find the Lessing, fibrous, Ukrainian, dasyphyllous feather grass formations among the plant groups, which need conservation. According to the data of nature Chronicle about 400 species of vascular plants are observed in this reserve. In spite of the considerable mastering of the surrounding territories and the consequences of the current housekeeping in the very reserve, the animal world has preserved its main zonal peculiarities. Due to the previous data, approximately 1500 species of invertebrate animals live in the territory of the present reserve and its nearest outskirts. Among them 158 species are considered to be rare or regionally rare and need to be preserved. Their major third is put down into Red Book of Ukraine (giant ktir, steppe scoliid wasps (Scoliidae), dead's head hawk(Acherontia atropos), swallowtail(Papilio machaon),tiger Hera (Arctia) – just 51 species) and into European Red list (pear emperor(Saturniidae), multituberculate fate – just 8 species). What the birds concerns, one should mention nesting of 3 steppe buzzard (Buteo) pairs as well as extremely big amount of birds of prey (small falcons, harriers, oaks) for such a small territory. As regards to mammals, here prevail small rodents and particularly meadow minks. What about predatory mammals, there are basically foxes, sometimes least weasels and wolves can be found in the reserve. The hoof species is represented by roes.

The RegionalLandscape Park(RLP) "Tylyguls'kiy" was founded in 1995, April 20. Its area is 8195,4 ha, including 4755,3 hectares of the estuary water area. The RLP "Tylyguls'kiy" is known as the place of large nesting and rest of migrating birds, what determined its including to the list of the territories, that are important for saving  the species’ diversity and quantity variety of birds. The water area and the part of the territory, adjoining to the regional landscape park, also have the status of water-marsh lands of international value, which is protected by Ramsar Convention. Lots of virgin heaths, groups of calciferousoutcrops, meadow-halophytic and hardy-shrub complexes remain in the park. At the end of 2002 the directorate of the regional landscape park "Tylyguls'kiy" started its activity.

The National historical-archaeological reserve “Olbio” is the prominent monument of the Greek settlements in the territory of Mykolayiv region – the remains of the ancient Greek city-state, that existed for 1000 years. Olbio means “happy”. The city-state was founded by expatriates from ancient Greek Milet city. They seemed to like the knobby locality near the estuary, fenced by the deep gullies from the boundless steppes in the north and west, and in the east – by the water barrier of the Hypanis (the ancient name of the Southern Bug).

The ruins of the ancient city are located in 40 km from the regional centre, over the outskirt of Parutino village (Ochakiv district). Nowadays “Olbio” is the national historical-archaeological reserve of the National Science Academy of Ukraine. It includes 33 hectares of the ancient Greek city’s territory, 330 hectares of its necropolis and Berezan Island, where the first Greek settlement in the Northern Black Sea region appeared in the VII cent. B.C. In the issue of the scientific researches about 5 hectares of the city’s territory was excavated, also 2 temenoses (sacred sections) with the remains of temples, altars and other constructions, its central square – agorus with the surrounding buildings, a gymnasium, a court house, housing blocks as well as industrial and economical complexes, fortifications of different times were discovered.

Olbio is the considerable centre of tourism, which is annually visited by ten thousands of people. A museum, a funds storage, a lapidarniy and a science library operate in the reserve.

Berezan Island. No less attractive is Borysphen as a part of the historical-archaeological reserve “Olbio”. A Greek settlement was located in the territory of the peninsula, but due to activization of the transgression process (rising of the sea level) it became an island. The first excavations in Berezan were held in 1884, 6 years later a necropolis of the Greek settlement was discovered. The excavations of Berezan became large-scale in the 60-th of the last century, and continue up till now. The remains of streets, dwellings, household and religious constructions were discovered there. In recent years the sacred section – temenos is being excavated. There the temple of Goddess Aphrodite was found. The city of Borysphen citizens existed 900 years; the latest findings are dated to the III cent. AD. The Middle Ages epoch also left signs on Berezan Island (at that time it was called St. Epherey Island). It is mentioned in the work “About the Empire governance” by the Byzantine emperor Konstantyn Bagryanorodniy and in the work “Story of the past ages” by Nestor. The island was situated on the way “from Varangians and to Greeks”, therefore was well known to the sailors. On the medieval Italian maps it was marked under the name Barbeze, the Turks called it Byuro-ezen-ada (the Island of the Wolf’s River). The island was a witness of the important historical events and new times. It was here, that in 1906, March 6 the revolt participants on the cruiser “Ochakiv”: lieutenant P.Shmidt and seamen M.Antonchenko, A.Gladkov and S.Chastnyk were executed. In 1968 on Odesa and Mykolayiv students’ initiative an original monument was placed in the southern part of the island at the place of the seamen execution. It consists of three ferroconcrete triangles, put in such a way, that they look like a big vessel from any side. Nowadays Berezan enjoys the peace. It is empty (of people), in summer tourists and enthusiastic archaeologists come here. The island is considered to be a nature reserve nook. There are snakes, lizards and many birds. Berezan is beautiful in any season, but particularly majestic it looks in winter: when the huge blocks of ice surround it from all the sides like a necklace. From spring to the middle of autumn the steppe grasses blossom violently, filling the air with a charming fragrance.

The Black Sea coast of Mykolayiv region, from legendary Olbio to the borders of Odesa region, could be a solid resort zone. The natural conditions are so favourable here for health-improving and rest. There are several recreation areas, as Ochakiv, Rybakivka and Kobleve on this coast, cut by estuaries.

Resort Kobleve is situatedon the Black Sea coast of Mykolayiv region, in 4 km from Odesa-Mikolayiv road (40 km. from Odesa city and 70 km. from Mykolayiv) and comprises the centre of boarding houses and health resorts, stretching along the coast on 6 km. 92 recreation centers, boarding houses and other accommodation щиоусеі operate in the recreation area Kobleve. Ambulance rooms, chemist’s shops, groceries, call offices, sport and children’s grounds, exchange points, a post, markets, cafes, cinemas are situated in its territory.

The Tylygul estuary, abundant in fish as well as famous for bird kingdom and medicinal mud, adjoins the recreation area. The Tylygul estuary, with its sand spits and  steppe lots, by the area of 8195,4 ha., was taken under protection in 1995. One of the biggest medicinal mud fields in the world was discovered there, but it is not used yet.

The sea air in the coast line, enriched in oxygen, iodine, bromine and chloride salts, is curative for people. Breeze winds, sea noise, waves of breakers have also a wholesome effect on health. Thus, it is useful to take a rest as well as treatment there.

Resort Rybakіvka is situated in the ecologically clean zone on the Black Sea coast, in the silent and cozy bay sand beaches and the warm tender sea. The wide lane of pinewood stretches along the coast. Beside the mud-saline, Tuzly lake is situated. Theresearches of Tuzly lake’s mud, held by the Ukrainian research institute of balneology and physiotherapy, showed that they possess strong medical qualities. Mudtherapy is one of the most perspective ways of the resort development. The sea, the wood, the steppe and nearness to the saline lake form a unique microclimate, what favors the health improvement of respiratory and heart-vascular systems organism.

72 recreation centers and boarding houses propose their services to the vacationers in Rybakivka zone. The developed infrastructure of the recreation zone favors the comfortable and pleasant rest. The shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, discos, cinemas, playgrounds, billiard clubs, the amusement park, aqua parks at the beaches are at the vacationers’ disposal. Different excursions are held. The post, communication departments, savings bank, exchange offices operate there.

Ochakivskiy district and Ochakiv town are fairly called a small pearl of the Northern Black Sea region. Annually Ochakiv population increases in many times – tourists, excursionists and holiday-makers visit these banks, fanned by the ancient history, warmed by the generous southern sun. Wonderful sanatoriums and holiday centers, the tender sea and air, drawn on sea salts and fragrances of steppe grasses are awaiting guests and always cheerfully meet them. The evidence of this land settlement in the Bronze Age, remains of the ancient Slavs’ Scythian and Sarmat colonies were discovered by the archaeologists in the town and its outskirts.

60 recreation centers, sanatorium-and-spa establishments are situated in Ochakiv region’s territory. The resort zone of Ochakiv region possesses mud resources. They include medicinal mud deposits of Baykushskiy bay located in the Berezanskiy estuary’s area. The deposits of sulphide silt muds were also explored there. The balance storage of these mud is 349 410 m?. This amount is sufficient for the perspective usage of medicinal mud by the possible complex of sanatorium-and-spa establishments.

Grounf mineral water was also discovered in the resorts’ area. It is represented by chloride sodium water of highly mineralized and brine type (32-41 gramme/l). It possesses a high concentration of iodine – 6-16,9 milligram/l and particularly bromine – 126-156 miligram/l. Such qualities of the water can be widely used in balneology, which considerably broadens the resorts’ perspective.

Voznesenskiy district. The real riches of droughty southern steppe is Trykratskiy forest, a founder of the southern Ukrainian steppe forests, which rises at once behind Trykraty village, situated in the north of Voznesenskiy district near-by the Mertvovid and Arbuzynka rivers. Making of the forests is connected with the name of Skarzhynskiy V.P., the hero of the war in 1812, which made a garden and an arboretum, organized the forest seed plots. The forest consists of 2 tracts – “Vasyliyivska paseka” (Vasyliv apiary) and “Labyrinth”. Both of them are preserved by law, and from 1972 they were given the statuses of the state nature reserve tracts.

The tract “Vasyliyivska paseka” is the green kingdom of pines, maples, nutwoods and oaks with the mirrors of ponds and small lakes. In the very centre of the tract there is a pond – the favourite place of swimming birds’ nesting. Swans, wild ducks and gooses can be also found there. A rare colony of grey herons is under the state conservation and is considered to be of ornithological significance.

The tract “Labyrinth” consists oftwo parts: Skarzhinskiy forest and Aktovskiy labyrinth of the Arbuzynka river’s canyon, which falls into the Mertvovid River near Aktove vaillage. The unique natural complex is an inimitable forest and water ecosystem in aggregate to the complex of high rocks and granite boulders. Trykraty forest is adjoined by the majestic rocks of the Mertvovid River’s canyon. The Mertvovid is a beautiful and comfortable place for trainings of mountain climbers.

“Myroniv garden” is the only place in Mykolayiv region, where the colonies of gray herons are located. It is not easy to find it; the forest, running to the bottom of the ditch, became almost impassable. The dense tangles, rocks conglomerations, streamlets with cold crystal pure water make this place fabulously admirable.

Among the places of tourist interest a noticeable place occupies Racynska dacha, it's a forest massif, located near-by Trudove village and occupies an area of 780 hectares. "Racynska dacha" is conserved by law as the monument of steppe forestation and by the decision of Mykolayiv Regional Executive Committee it was moved to the category of state nature reserve. The pride of "Racynska dacha" is a birch grove and a bison herd.

The unique natural complex of forest and water ecosystem in combination with the complex of rocks and granite boulders is Aktovskiy canyon (Small Crimea). It arises in the place, where the Arbuzynka River divides a canyon in half, creating the landscapes which possess a special ecological, aesthetic and historical value. Aktovskiy canyon occupies an area over 250 hectares. This nook is famous far outside the district not only for its striking animal and vegetable kingdom, but also for the remarkable landscape, created by nature. Somewhere the granite rocks reach 30-50 meters high.

One more pearl of these places is a picturesque Balastne lake, the unique place, created by nature and man. From one side there are high banks, above which a wonderful pine forest rises, from another side there is a lake with secluded nooks for rest and fishing. The water in the lake is crystal pure; there is a lot of fish. For already many years these places have been selected by swans, which are always there.

There are opportunities for creating a modern tourist health-improving complex near the lake.

The picturesque nooks beside Trykraty village are unique and always present bright impressions, supply of health and good spirits to the tourists and travelers.