‘The Storied Steppe’ Interregional Ecological Tourism Festival

The 14th Storied Steppe Ecotourism Festival took place in the Orlovsky District of the Rostov Region on 18 April 2026. Per tradition, the event was organized by the Rostov Region government, the Rostov Region Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Living Nature of the Steppe Association, the Rostov regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society, the Rostovsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve, and the Orlovsky District administration.

The festival has been held since 2013 and traditionally takes place during the period when tulips are in full bloom. Over this time, the Storied Steppe has become a calling card of the Rostov Region and a cherished spring tradition. This year, the festival was held under the auspices of the Neva International Ecological Congress.

This unique natural phenomenon of mass tulip blooming draws nature enthusiasts from the Rostov Region and other parts of Russia to the protected zone of the Rostovsky Reserve.

The festival included a central venue featuring interactive zones dedicated to the region’s specially protected natural areas and biodiversity. The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources had a dedicated platform that focused on the 6th ‘Ecology Is Everyone’s Business’ International Children’s and Youth Award. The platform presented various exhibits, including eco-projects, environmental videos, animated ecological films, creative works related to volunteer activities, as well as thematic drawings and photographs. Festival participants were also introduced to the Clean Air Federal Project, which is part of the Ecological Well-Being National Project that encourages citizen participation in environmental initiatives.

There were also various platforms dedicated to the diversity of Russia’s peoples as part of the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia announced by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

At the platforms hosted by the Living Nature of the Steppe Association and the regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society, visitors learned about rare animals of the European steppe and the specific techniques used to cultivate indigenous grape varieties.

Visitors were accompanied by reserve rangers to the shores of Lake Lopukhovaty to admire the blooming steppe with its endless fields of fragrant tulips, Bieberstein’s tulips, dwarf irises, and other plants.

In addition, 30 saplings of birch, privet, and lilac trees were planted in the Orlovsky District settlement of Volochayevsky as part of the spring Tree-Planting Day initiative.