The Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve is an orientated reserve in Sicily of about 2000 acres, founded in 1984. It's located at the mouth of the river Simento, from which it gets it's name, in the plain of Catania, on the Plaia coast, overlooking the Ionian Sea. The reserve also comprises the area of the mouth of the river Gornalunga. The oasis was created thanks to Wendy Hennessy Mazza and the LIPU (Italian Bird Protection Society)who in 1975 managed to establish an oasis for the protection of fauna. In 1984 it became a regional reserve. The vegetation of the final part of the river is essentially made up of marsh canes, tamarisk bushes and glasswort swards, among which a great variety and quantity of birds find shelter. The Simeto Oasis is easy reach by the S.S.114 from Catania,  proceeding  in the direction of Siracusa or by the Catania Ring Road from the last exit, Ponte Primosole.