Hetman National Nature Park (Ukrainian: Гетьманський національний природний парк) is a national park of Ukraine that follows floodplains and terraces of the right bank of the Vorskla River. The park is administrative in Okhtyrka Raion of Sumy Oblast.[1]
The park was created on April 27, 2009[2] with the aim of preserving, reproducing and rationally using the typical and unique natural complexes of the Left Bank forest-steppe, which have important nature conservation, scientific, aesthetic, recreational and health-improving significance, in accordance with Article 53 of the Law of Ukraine "On the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine".[3]
Topography
The park begins at the border with Russia as the Vorskla River runs west and south, and follows the river for all 122 km of its length through Sumy Oblast. There are some short breaks between sectors for roads or built-up villages. Their terrain is mostly flat, with some hills and ravines.
Hetman is in the East European forest steppe ecoregion, a band of patchy forests and grasslands that stretches from the middle of Ukraine to the Ural Mountains.[6]
Flora, fauna, and funga
The river valley supports floodplain and terrace wetlands and forest-steppe floral communities. The forest trees are mostly oak, linden, ash, aspen, willow, cherry, birchbark, pine, and birch.[7] Great diversity of the mushroom kingdom. On the territory of the park, it is known about the growth of numerous species of macromycetes - microscopic mushrooms. Some of them, such as coral-like heritium and dog's mutin, are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.[8][9]
Public use
There are hiking trails and guided ecological excursion trails available, and kayaking routes on the river. The park supports educational programs for local school groups, and public education campaigns related to nature preservation.[1]
