Acarlar Floodplain Forest Located in Sakarya Province, the Acarlar Floodplain Forest is a unique blend of seaside, lagoon, dunes, and forest. This vast expanse of Turkey's largest mono-bloc floodplain forest spans between Karasu and Kaynarca, with a distance of approximately 26 km (16 mi) to Karasu and 50 km (31 mi) to Sakarya. The region is home to five villages of the Karasu district and three of the Kaynarca district. Often referred to as lagoons, the inundated coastal terrain is created by sand barriers that form between the sea and land. The Acarlar Floodplain Forest is located on the border of Karasu-Kaynarca District and is situated approximately 700 m (2,300 ft) from the sea, covering an area of 1,562 ha (3,860 acres). The area features deep water that can reach up to around 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) in some areas during summer months when less rainfall occurs. The floodplain is surrounded by high sand dunes to the north, along the Black Sea, and low hills to the south, with an average height of 100 m. Excess water over flood stage flows into Okçu Creek, which joins Sakarya River 6 km away to the east. A rich variety of local flora and fauna inhabit the Acarlar Floodplain Forest. It is also a breeding and overwintering center for migratory birds, making it an essential ecological habitat in the region.