Nongko Ijo Pine Forest

Exploring the Charm of Nongko Ijo Pine Forest: A Green Gem on the Slopes of Mount Wilis

Regency Madiun is not only known as the 'City of Warriors' or a center for the railway industry, but it also holds stunning natural wealth in its mountainous regions. One of the prime destinations offering the freshness of mountain air and a panorama of dense vegetation is Nongko Ijo Pine Forest. Located in Kare Village, Kare District, this destination is an oasis for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of urban pollution for a while.

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Uniqueness of Ecosystem and Natural Landscape

Hutan Pinus Nongko Ijo stands majestically at the foot of Mount Wilis, an area topographically dominated by steep hills and deep valleys. The main characteristic of this destination is the dense stand of tall pine trees (Pinus merkusii), creating a natural canopy that protects the area below from direct sunlight.

The name "Nongko Ijo" itself has a unique origin. Literally, Nongko Ijo means "Green Jackfruit." It is said that this naming refers to the presence of a very large and green jackfruit tree that grew around the pine forest area when it was first opened. The combination of homogeneous pine stands with the surrounding local vegetation creates a cool microclimate, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Besides the rows of pine trees, an equally stunning natural attraction is the confluence of two rivers that flow through the area. The sound of gurgling water hitting the river rocks provides a natural therapeutic effect for visitors. The valleys around the forest are also often covered in a thin mist in the morning and evening, adding a dramatic and mystical impression to the natural scenery.

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Outdoor Experiences and Activities

Hutan Pinus Nongko Ijo is not just a place to sit and relax; this area offers various outdoor experiences that involve physical interaction with nature:

1. Forest Bathing and Photography: The most popular activity is walking along the trails under the shade of the pine trees. The management has built various strategic viewing decks, allowing visitors to take photos with a backdrop of green valleys and symmetrical rows of trees.

2. Camping Ground: For those who want to experience sleeping amidst the forest, there is a spacious camping area. Gathering around a campfire while listening to the sounds of night insects and the rustling of wind in the pine tops provides a profound experience.

3. River Tourism: Visitors can descend to the valley area to enjoy the clarity of the river water. Large rocks on the riverbanks are often used as family picnic spots.

4. Outbound and Education: The structured forest layout makes it an ideal location for team-building activities or nature education for school students, to get to know the production forest ecosystem more closely and the importance of protecting water catchment areas.

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Biodiversity

Although dominated by pine trees planted for forestry purposes, the ecosystem in Nongko Ijo still supports the life of various local fauna. Lucky visitors may encounter various types of mountain birds, squirrels, and various colorful forest butterflies. The presence of thick moss at the base of the pine trees indicates that the air quality in the Kare area is still very clean and protected from chemical pollutants.

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Best Time and Seasonal Variations

To get the best visual experience, the most recommended time to visit is in the morning between 07:00 and 10:00 WIB. During these hours, sunlight filtering through the gaps in the pine branches (Tyndall effect) creates a very aesthetic scene for photography.

During the dry season, the air will feel colder and the sky will tend to be clear blue. However, during the rainy season, the area will look much more fertile and lush green, although visitors must be more aware of the trails that may become slippery and the thicker fog that can limit visibility.

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Conservation and Environmental Protection

Hutan Pinus Nongko Ijo is managed by LMDH (Village Forest Community Institution) in cooperation with Perum Perhutani. Its status as a tourist forest as well as a production forest demands a balance between economic utilization and preservation.

The management is very strict in enforcing rules against littering and damaging pine tree bark (vandalism). The pine trees here are also still actively tapped for their sap traditionally, so visitors can witness the process of pine sap harvesting as part of an educational attraction about the utilization of non-wood forest products. Reforestation efforts along the riverbanks are also continuously carried out to prevent soil erosion on the slopes of Mount Wilis.

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Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching Hutan Pinus Nongko Ijo requires a journey of about 40 to 60 minutes from the center of Madiun City. The route to the location is dominated by uphill and winding mountain roads, but the asphalt condition is quite good and can be traversed by two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

The facilities available at the location are quite adequate for tourist comfort, including:

• Spacious parking area under the shade of trees.
• Local culinary stalls serving typical rural dishes such as nasi pecel and authentic Kare coffee.
• Clean toilets and a prayer room.
• Wooden gazebos for resting.
• Children's play area integrated with the natural structure.

Hutan Pinus Nongko Ijo is tangible proof of how proper forest management can create harmony between environmental conservation and the tourism sector. This destination offers more than just scenery; it offers tranquility, pure air, and a reminder of the importance of preserving the green lungs of East Java. For anyone passing through Madiun, taking the time to ascend towards Kare to visit Nongko Ijo is a must to feel the authentic heartbeat of Mount Wilis' nature.