Stanytsia-Luhanska Reserve

Stanytsia-Luhanska Reserve is a protected area in Ukraine that covers a portion of the left bank of the Donets River floodplain. It belongs to the Luhansk Nature Reserve. The reserve is about 30 km north of Luhansk, near the town of Stanytsia Luhanska in the administrative district of Shchastia Raion of Luhansk Oblast.

Topography

The site is set back from the Donets River itself, on the terrace supporting a strip of flood lakes about 50 meters above sea level. In the 1990s the lakes in the middle of the reserve were frequently connected to the river by flooding. The soils are chernozym on 15–20 meters of alluvium and limestone rocks.

Climate and ecoregion

The official climate designation for the Stanytsia-Luhanska area is "Humid continental climate - warm summer sub-type", with large seasonal temperature differentials and a warm summer (at least four months averaging over, but no month averaging over. The growing season lasts 200–210 days. The average annual precipitation is 460 mm, but varies from 300-680.

Flora and fauna

The reserve is covered mostly with deciduous forest, meadow-steppe, and floodplain lakes. The lower sandy regions near the river feature willow and poplar; on the terrace are oak forests.

Public use

As a strict nature reserve, Stanytsia-Luhanska Reserve's primary purpose is protection of nature and scientific study. Public access is limited: mass recreation and construction of facilities is prohibited as are hunting and fishing.