Kuzuyayla Nature Park
Kuzuyayla Nature Park is a nature park located within the borders of Kartepe district of Kocaeli province. The area, which was declared a park in 2011, has rich vegetation and views of Sapanca Lake The dominant species in the park area are beech trees and rhododendrons. There are chestnuts, hornbeams, oaks, and occasionally Scots pine and larch. Six reptiles live in the area. Some species in the region are protected according to additional lists of the European Convention for the Protection of Wildlife and Habitats (Bern). A total of 45 bird species live, 30 of which are in Bern Annex-2 (Strictly Protected Animal Species) and 12 of which are in Bern Annex-3 (Protected Animal Species). There are 21 mammals, 9 of which are in the Bern Annex-3 list and 7 of which are in the Bern Annex-2 list. Kuzuyayla and the ski lift center at the summit of Kartepe are connected to each other by an asphalt road of approximately one kilometer. Izmit Bay and Sapanca Lake can be seen at the same time from this area.
