| Michael's Virgin Land Nature Reserve | |
| Alt Name: | Ukrainian: Михайлівська цілина |
| Iucn Category: | Ia |
| Photo Width: | 300 |
| Map: | Ukraine |
| Relief: | yes |
| Location: | Sumy Oblast |
| Nearest City: | Sumy |
| Coordinates: | 50.9167°N 79°W |
| Area: | 883lk=onNaNlk=on |
| Established: | 2009 |
| Governing Body: | Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (Ukraine) |
Michael's Virgin Land Nature Reserve (Ukrainian: Михайлівська цілина) is a protected nature reserve of Ukraine that covers meadow-steppe and forest-steppe in the northeast of Ukraine near the border with Russia. It exhibits plants found in both northern and southern steppes. First created as a reserve in 1928, it was expanded over the years and formally upgraded to a national reserve in 2009. The reserve is in the administrative districts of Lebedyn and Nedryhailiv of Sumy Oblast.[1]
The reserve is relatively flat in the uplands of northeast Ukraine, in the watershed of the Sula River and the Grun River. It is the remnant of what was formerly a large virgin grassland. The main body of the reserve is in the middle of the district, with several small satellite sites of 40-100 hectares each scattered around the vicinity to protect other remnant meadow-steppe plots.[2]
The climate of the reserve is Humid continental climate, warm summer (Köppen climate classification (Dfb)). This climate is characterized by large seasonal temperature differentials and a warm summer (at least four months averaging over 10C, but no month averaging over 22C.[3] [4]
The reserve is located in the East European forest steppe ecoregion, a transition zone between the broadleaf forests of the north and the grasslands to the south.. This ecoregion is characterized by a mosaic of forests, steppe, and riverine wetlands.[5]
The reserve is meadow-steppe and forest steppe, known for wildflowers, feather grass, fescue and other grasses. Many parts are recovering from the influences of humans, particularly hay-making, and are the subject of scientific study of the processes of rebuilding wild plant and animal communities.
As a strict nature reserve, Michael's 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.