Brzanka Range Landscape Park

The Brzanka Range Landscape Park, established in November 1995, is located on the border of the Małopolskie and Podkarpackie voivodeships, within the area of the Carpathian Foothills, encompassing the eastern part of the Ciężkowickie Foothills between the Biała and Wisłoka river valleys. Its area covers 15,427.28 hectares, including the municipalities of Gromnik, Ryglice, Rzepiennik Strzyżewski, Tuchów, and Szerzyny in Małopolska, and Jodłowa in Podkarpackie. This area is part of the Natura 2000 network, with notable refuges in the Brzanka Range and Liwocz. The park's flora is rich in diverse plant communities, such as submontane ash riparian forest, subcontinental hornbeam forest, fertile Carpathian beech forest, acidic mountain beech forest, and mixed coniferous forest. Rare and protected plants grow in the park, including drooping sedge, spiny wood fern, common snowdrop, and southern bladdernut. Notable fauna includes larger animals such as European roe deer, red deer, wild boar, black stork, and predatory birds like the sparrowhawk and northern goshawk. The region also holds cultural and historical significance, tied to the traditions and folklore of local communities that have inhabited these areas for many years. The park is not only a place for nature conservation but also a space for cultural activities, such as festivals and nature-related events, making it an attractive tourist destination. An interesting fact is the rich fauna, including the presence of rare species such as the fire salamander and the common European adder, highlighting the importance of this area for the protection of biological diversity. It is worth noting that the park area is an important element of the regional landscape, influencing local microclimates and soil conditions, which supports not only environmental but also economic initiatives of the residents.