Ecological Trail "Zveroboy"

Many tourists and local historians say that "Saint-John's-wort" is the most beautiful place in the Novosibirsk region. And it is difficult to disagree with this. There are magnificent views of the winding Berd valley, rocky mountains and forests from birds eye view from the top of the cliff.

No one knows exactly why the mountain was named "Saint-John's-wort". Someone is of the opinion that the mountain is named after the medicinal plant Saint-John's-wort growing on its slopes. Others believe that cattle often crashed on these rocks, and also because hunters once drove the beast here. It is difficult to say, but whichever is true, this place is known throughout the district as "Saint-John's-wort".

The mountain "Saint-John's-wort" is part of the natural reserve "Legostayevsky", created in 2000, and is a unique corner of nature of Iskitimsky district. This area has rich flora and fauna. The reserve is home to 18 species of animals and plants listed in the Red book, as well as some plants that can be found only in the foothills of the Salair ridge.

Upon the initiative of Novosibirsk Limited Liability Company "Social partnership" and the Novosibirsk hydroelectric power station with the support of the Board on environmental safety, nature management and environment protection, Public chamber of the Novosibirsk region and the Department for natural resources and environmental protection of the Novosibirsk region the first in the Novosibirsk region ecological path was developed here on the slopes of the mountain "Saint-John's-wort".

The total length of the ecological route is 7 kilometers with a natural observation deck at the highest point of the mountain "Saint-John's-wort" and parking near the Berd river.

Since the opening of the ecological trail "Saint-John's-wort" in 2015, the route is constantly being equipped. Currently, throughout the whole route there are feeders for birds and animals, mangers for feeding of roe deer, as well as "salt springs", stubs with mineral salt, which are used not only by large-horned animals, but also by hares and squirrels. The new trail is equipped with direction signs, which allow not to get lost for those who visit the trail for the first time, and also kindles genuine interest, showing how far from the trail are the major cities and attractions of the region. There are information stands with the description of Red-book animals and plants living in the reserve, where everyone can get acquainted with the rare flora and fauna of the territory there along the route. The places of rest for tourists are organized along the trail as well. Comfortable benches, beautiful views of nature, all this has become a favorite place for vacationers. This year, the bonfires appeared at places where tourists kindled fires earlier to ensure the safety of the rootstalks of plants and fire safety.

Location: Iskitimsky district, Novosibirsk region, 300 meters to the south-east of the village of Novososedovo, on the Berd river
 
How to get there: the distance from the city of Iskitim to the village of Novososedovo is 71 km, the distance from the city of Novosibirsk to the village of Novososedovo is 126 km.

It is necessary to reach the village of Novososedovo, at the foot of mountain "Saint-John's-wort", and then 2 km on foot through the forest from the beginning of the trail to the observation deck, at the highest point of the mountain "Saint-John's-wort". The recreational regime of the special protected area does not allow one to reach the very top of the mountain "Saint-John's-wort" by car (snowmobile, quad bike), as clearly indicated on the information boards installed at the beginning of the ecological trail "Saint-John's-wort".

For reference: Board on environmental safety, environmental management and environmental protection of the Public chamber of the Novosibirsk region
Tel.: +7 (383) 210-16-16
E-mail: Kebop@mail.ru