The Štěpánovský Stream originates in the picturesque countryside below the Blaník Hill and heading northward, it flows into the Sázava River 18 kilometres later. Its ragged banks and clean water are a home to a number of interesting species of flora and fauna. The common alder lines the downstream, creating a floodplain alder forest that hides the wood anemone and alternate-leaved golden saxifrage. The brook lamprey, an animal with a snake-like body, lives in the clean water. Its ammocoete larvae spend many years dug in the alluvium of the stream awaiting their D-Day, when they are adult and are able to begin a new generation. The noble crayfish hides underneath the stones and tree roots in the river, and the common kingfisher builds its burrows in its steep banks. The river trout, sole and gudgeon also dwell in the stream. Due to its significant natural treasures, the downstream of the Štěpánovský Stream was established as a nature reserve in 1993.