Introduction

Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture defines a national park as an area of natural, historical or scientific interest which is kept by the government for people to visit. A reserve – an area of land where wild animals or plants are officially protected – is more common in our country. But they both are protected natural territories and are objects of national property.

There are the following types of natural protected areas:

● State Natural Reserves

These reserves are especially important for wildlife conservation in Russia. The ground, waters, bowels of the earth, flora and fauna have nature protection according to federal laws. There were 100 state natural reserves in the Russian federation at the beginning of 2006.

● National Parks

National Parks are the most popular kind of protected areas in the world. The first one was organized in the USA in 1872 and was titled Yellowstone National Park of California. The total number of national parks is about 2000 nowadays, 34 function in the Russian Federation.

● Natural Parks

Natural Park should be an outstandingly scenic area, a rare example of a geologic landform or a place of exceptional ecological diversity. There are 30 natural parks in Russia now.

State Natural Zakazniks

● They exist only in the Russian Federation and there were 67 federal zakazniks at the end of 2006.

● Nature Monuments

Nature Monuments are unique natural complexes, including:

► sites of beauty

► places of growth of valuable plants

► unique natural landscapes – gorges, canyons, caves, valleys, volcanoes, falls, geysers, cliffs, grottoes, etc.

► places of birds nesting

► trees-long-livers

► lakes, wetlands, ponds, etc.

● Dendrology Parks and Botanical Gardens

They create special collections of plants for preservation of diversity and also realize scientific and educational activity. Botanical gardens and dendrology parks develop decorative gardening, landscape architecture, selection and agriculture. The best dendrology park in Russia is located in Sochi.

4.1. Match the words with their definitions.

1. reserve, n	a) picturesque
2. wildlife, n	b) an official rule
3. conservation, n	c) to work
4. flora, n	d) very unusual
5. law, n	e) an area for protected animals
6. function, v	f) not often
7. scenic, adj	g) vegetation
8. rare, adj	h) protection
9. unique, adj	i) looking after a garden
10. valuable, adj	j) very important
11. selection, n	k) a choice
12. gardening, n	l) wild plants and animals

4.2 Fill in the gaps with the word from the box. Mind plural and singular forms.

lake / landscape / gorge / canyon / cave / valley / volcano / fall / geyser / cliff / grotto / pond

1. A beautiful water …….. was falling from a great height.

2. A natural spring of hot water is called a …….. .

3. The beauty of the New England …….. in autumn is amazing.

4. Their house has wonderful views across the …….. .

5. The …….. of Dover are made of chalk.

6. A …….. is a natural cave made of limestone.

7. A river was flowing through a deep narrow …….. .

8. There were several …….. in the side of a cliff.

9. The …….. last erupted over fifty years ago.

10. The …….. District is the most famous tourist destination in Great Britain.

11. The farm has a …….. from which cattle can drink.

12. A deep narrow valley with steep sides is called …….. .

4.3. Read the text and be ready to check your understanding.