An exhibition was opened at the VSU Museum and Exhibition Centre dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the “Galichya Gora” Nature Reserve. The opening ceremony was attended by students from the Faculty of Geology and the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences.
“It’s the smallest nature reserve in the world, an island of friendship between flora and fauna”, said Anzhelika Makarova, Head of the VSU Museum and Exhibition Centre.
VSU Rector Dmitry Endovitsky also attended the opening of the exhibition. He said that “Galichya Gora” is a unique place located in several districts of the Lipetsk Region. Its uniqueness lies in the diversity of its flora and fauna.
“We can talk about the reserve for eternity. No other university in Russia or in Europe has such a unique place: despite being located in a different region, the reserve is a part of our university. The flora that can be found in “Galichya Gora”, is more common in the northern and Arctic regions. Tourists from all over the world come to our reserve to see its treasures”, said VSU Rector Dmitry Endovitsky.
Vladimir Sarychev, PhD in Biology, deputy director of the reserve for research, said that “Galichya Gora” is very versatile. For some it is just a picturesque place, while for others it’s an important research centre. The new exhibition is dedicated to the key function of the reserve, which is scientific studies.
“Over the 100 years of functioning, the reserve has contributed greatly to the investigation of the nature of Upper Don. “Galichya Gora” is one of the reserves in Russia that have the greatest research potential. Voronezh State University should cherish this treasure. The reserve serves as both a study and research centre in various areas”, said Vladimir Sarychev.
“The reserve has remained the centre of attention for over 50 years. Over these years, it has been visited by a large number of prominent scientists, who contributed greatly to science and education”, said Anna Grigorievskaya, DSc in Geography and one of the veterans of the reserve.
The “Galichya Gora” Nature Reserve is an important conservation and research centre. The reserve’s herbarium, its mycological collection, and the collection of invertebrates are the largest in the Central Black Earth Region and the largest reserve collections in Russia.
