Muraviovka Park

Muraviovka Park is a 15,000-acre wetland/upland complex that has the distinction of being the first privately owned nature preserve in Russia since 1917. It is the brainchild of Dr. Sergei Smirenski, who now serves as its director. Dr. Smirenski is a world-renowned ornithologist whose love of birds is equaled only by his love of his country and countrymen. His goal in creating Muraviovka Park was to provide a safe place for birds and other wildlife to live and raise their young, to demonstrate to local people ecologically sound farming practices, to bring people from different countries and backgrounds together to help solve environmental problems, and to teach the local people about their environment – hoping they will gain an appreciation for what they have.

Muraviovka Park provides excellent habitat for more than 200 species of birds. The park serves as a test plot for new strategies of ecosystem conservation, environmental education and sustainable development that will benefit both people and wildlife. Since 1993, when the park was established, numbers of endangered Red-crowned, White-naped and Hooded Cranes, and Oriental White Storks have increased three-fold. Hundreds of local children and teachers have participated in summer camps and become strong allies of the park.