Nature of the Mari region

The Republic of Mari El, a land of stunningly beautiful nature rich in lakes and forests, is one of the most ecologically clean regions in the European part of Russia.

Thanks to these wonderful ecological conditions, a rich variety of flora and fauna has been preserved in Mari El.

The forest, the primary asset of the Mari land, covers half of the republic's territory. Located at the transition zone between the taiga and mixed forests, it is rich in evergreen spruce forests, bright birch groves, mighty oak forests, and the famous "mast-timber" pine forests.

The ground is covered with a continuous carpet of green moss and abundant patches of berry bushes—including bilberries, lingonberries, and blueberries—as well as wild rose and hazel shrubs. In glades and forest edges, various edible mushrooms thrive: porcini, red-capped boletes, slippery jacks, honey mushrooms, milk caps, and many others.

Its location at the intersection of two natural zones explains the rich diversity of wildlife in the Mari forests. The largest forest inhabitant is the moose. The forests are also home to wild boars, brown bears, lynxes, wolves, foxes, hares, and martens, as well as game birds like the western capercaillie, black grouse, and hazel grouse.

Clean rivers flow and beautiful lakes lie amid the vast forests of the republic. A small part of the Republic of Mari El is nestled along the middle reaches of the Volga River. A glance at the map reveals a wealth of water resources for which the Mari land is so famous. Indeed, forest lakes are the hallmark of Mari El. The region boasts over 600 lakes—most of which are deep, clean, and of karst origin—and more than 400 rivers with a total length exceeding 7,000 km. The Ilet, Bolshaya Kokshaga, Yushut, and Kundysh rivers are among the most ecologically clean in Europe, while Lakes Yalchik, Kichier, and Karas are the main natural attractions of our region.

Among these, the most transparent lake is Nuzhyar (with water clarity reaching up to 8 meters), the largest is Lake Yalchik (covering an area of 195 hectares), and the deepest is Lake Tabashinskoye (reaching depths of 56–57 meters).

The numerous lakes and rivers offer countless opportunities for anglers to experience the joys of fishing. Many of these waters are populated with tench, crucian carp, northern pike, perch, roach, rudd, and bream.

The republic also possesses significant balneological resources. Drinking and therapeutic-table mineral waters are currently utilized around the "Klenovaya Gora" (Maple Mountain) and "Sosnovy Bor" (Pine Forest) health resort and spa centers.

The network of specially protected natural areas in the Republic of Mari El consists of one nature reserve, one national park, 9 nature sanctuaries (zakazniks), and 40 natural monuments. The "Bolshaya Kokshaga" State Nature Reserve and the "Mariy Chodra" State National Natural Park hold federal status. All other nature sanctuaries and natural monuments in Mari El have regional status.