Recreational potential of botanical natural sightseeings on the example of Liriodendron tulipifera L.

Ecotourism is aimed at forming public awareness regarding the protection and rational use of natural resources, environmental protection and conservation. The purpose of the research was to conduct a general assessment of botanical natural sightseeings L. tulipifera L. in the conditions of Kyiv region for their use in the organization of ecological tourism, and to identify mechanisms for improving their functioning. The study objectives: to analyze botanical natural sightseeings L. tulipifera L. as objects of a recreational zone for their use in ecotourism; to consider the prospects for ecotourism routes development. The list of natural reserve fund of Kyiv region includes 69 botanical sightseeings of local importance. According to the results of a route survey of garden and park facilities of Kyiv region, where the botanical natural sightseeing “Tulip Tree” is under protection, it was established that several L. tulipifera L. trees of different age categories (planted in 1850 and 1967) grow in the State State Enterprise “Olexandria” of the NAS of Ukraine in the city of Bila Tserkva, within the municipal enterprise of Kyiv regional council “Regional Forestry Farm” within the administrative boundaries of Vorzel settlement council (planted in 1914), the city of Skvyra, Selektsiyna Street, 1, Skvyra Research Station (planted in 1950). General condition monitoring indicates their high recreational potential and the possibility of using them to green the population’s consciousness in ecotourism. Ecotourism activities using the botanical natural sightseeing "Tulip Tree" can be carried out in the following types of tourism: scientific, cognitive, educational, ecological. Oorganization of ecological trails and ecological tourist routes is promising. To improve recreation programs and organize tourism for the purpose of further development of recreational activities in the communities we offer the city authorities to plan further infrastructure development and arrangement of the territory for tourists and vacationers. Key words: botanical natural sightseein "Tulip Tree", ecological tourism, recreational potential.