The Sagittario Gorges Nature Reserve is a protected nature area of Abruzzo, founded in 1997. The Reserve comprises the valley through which the river Sagittario flows and stretches from Villalago to Cocullo in the province of Aquila. The area of the gorges starts at the San Domenico dam near Villalago. The chapel of San Domenico lies near the dam. Many wild animals find refuge in the gorges, such as wolves and hawks, small dormice, owls and Marsican bears. There's also an important botanical garden, a museum, a pic-nic area and footpaths in the reserve. In the area of the Sorgenti del Cavuto there's also an interesting Botanical Garden run by the WWF with the function of conservation, education and information about the flora to be found in the area.