Blooming Feather Grass: The Silver of the Kuialnytskyi Steppe
The blooming season for feather grass has arrived at the Kuialnytskyi National Nature Park. This is one of the most famous and valuable plants of the Ukrainian steppe. Feather grass serves as a natural indicator of well-preserved, pristine steppe, signaling that the land has not been plowed or overgrazed. Its dense sod and developed root […]
Happy European Day of Parks!
Every year on May 24, we celebrate nature and culture — European Day of Parks. Established in 1999, the date was chosen to commemorate the creation of the first national park in Sweden on May 24, 1909. This holiday aims to promote protected areas and support their vital work. Europe is home to over 300 […]
May 30 — Steppe Day!
(Still unofficial, but deeply necessary) Why is it important? The steppe is more than just a landscape. It represents: Unique plants and animals Fertile soils The culture and history of nations Natural protection against climate change However, almost no pristine steppe remains in Ukraine. The primary causes include plowing, afforestation, soil degradation, and the loss […]
Significant Discovery in Kuialnytskyi NNP
During a field expedition, researchers from the Kuialnytskyi National Nature Park discovered a fascinating plant — the Snowdrop Anemone (Anemone sylvestris). This species is included in the list of regionally rare plants of the Odesa region and is protected in many other regions across Ukraine. The anemone was found in late April on the slopes […]
European Green Lizard in Kuialnytskyi NNP
The European green lizard (Lacerta viridis) is one of the unique inhabitants of the Kuialnytskyi National Nature Park. It can be found in steppe areas, slopes, gullies, and ravines. These animals are known for their ability to dig deep burrows up to 1 meter in length and their impressive running speed. When threatened, these lizards […]
Researching Spiders of the Kuialnytskyi Estuary
Studying animal biodiversity and the ecology of specific species within the Kuialnytskyi National Nature Park (NNP) is a key task under the “Chronicles of Nature” program. In May 2025, the park hosted scientists conducting specialized arachnological research. Nina Polchaninova, a renowned Ukrainian spider researcher from V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, and Olha Deli, a scientist […]
Ruddy Shelduck: A Unique Member of Ukraine’s Fauna
The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) is one of the most distinctive bird species in Ukraine. Unlike most ducks, it does not build its own nests. Instead, it utilizes ready-made natural niches or hollows in clay banks. These nesting sites can sometimes be located high up—up to 10 meters above the ground. For nesting, the Ruddy […]
May 22 — International Day for Biological Diversity
This is a day when the entire world focuses on the threats facing our natural world. In December 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted. Its goal is to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. This document is a concrete action plan consisting of 23 targets supported by 196 countries, including Ukraine. […]
Prevent Ecosystem Fires! Protect the Forest from Fire!
As temperatures rise and dry, windy weather sets in, the fire hazard within the Kuialnytskyi National Nature Park increases. This poses a significant threat to natural ecosystems, particularly forests and other protected areas. The primary causes of fires include the careless use of fire, trash burning, and the uncontrolled burning of dry grass and plant […]
April 22 — Mother Earth Day
We build our lives from what the Earth gives us: from clay we make homes, from trees — we write, from metals — we craft tools. The Earth does not ask for gratitude, but it suffers when forgotten. It silently endures deforestation, pollution, and urban sprawl… In Ukrainian traditions, the Earth is a living being, […]