Wanagama Bedrock Forest is a facility for environmental research and education established by the Faculty of Forestry, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and its supporting partners. The 600-hectare Forest is located around 35 KM south of Yogyakarta, at Banaran village, Playen sub-district, Gunung Kidul regency.

The educational center for environment was inaugurated on April 17 2007 by a senior staff of UGM simultaneously with an environmental education program for children named “Forest for Kids” held by the Wanagama Bedrock Forest management. Corresponding with their motto, “Better Environment for a Better Future”, they intend to provide a free of charge environmental education for anybody, especially children as the future generation. The programs will teach participants about the elements of the ecosystems, their variety, benefits for humans, and also about the different kinds of rocks and plants in forest. One of the privilege of the programs is that participants learn through direct participation and implementation in the field coupled with fun and educational games so it will increase their interest in the subject.

Upon entering the forest, visitors will feel a certain tranquility from the nuance. You can hear the sound of flowing water from small streams, birds singing in trees and also observe the various kinds of plants.The forest displays more than 1500 different species of plants, each given an identification tag for learning and marking purpose. The plants displayed are both natural plants that grew in the forest and also genetic plants for on site learning. Before the current state, Wanagama Forest was once just a rocky bareen area. After a reforestation program in 1964 pioneered by the UGM forestry team, it became a natural tourism site as it is today.

Besides being a facility for research and education, Wanagama Forest also provides camping ground that can be accessed and enjoyed by anybody. No fee is charged for this service but visitors are encouraged to maintain and preserve the wellness of the forest as it as and not make or do anything to harm the facility in any way.

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