Akhuny are called the lungs of Penza. On the right bank of the Sura, beautiful oak and pine groves have long thrived. Some of these trees were planted so long ago that they could remember the times of the Russian Empire.

The Zasurskie forests held special significance even for the first settlers. By decree of Peter the Great, they became protected and were intended for the construction of military ships that participated in the Azov campaigns. Care for the forests persisted even a century and a half later. In 1864, the Zasursko-Selikinsky forestry was established here, led by the experienced gamekeeper Alexander Rudzsky. He transformed this place into a unique reserve, dividing it into several sections. Alexander Felicianovich cared not only for the oaks and pines but also planted linden trees, lilies of the valley, ferns, and other plants. Some trees in the reserve were planted in the late 19th century and are now about 160-170 years old. Unfortunately, part of the forest suffered greatly during the Great Patriotic War when timber was used for building the bunkers of the 37th reserve rifle brigade and heating stoves.

The forest began to be restored only after the war. Since the 1950s, the area has been replanted with oaks. Today, our task is to preserve this unique corner of nature.