Losiny Ostrov Natural Park is the only national reserve in Russia, which is located within the metropolis, just 15 kilometers from the Kremlin.
A bit of history
The territory on which the Elk Island park is located today once belonged to the palace Taininskaya volost. Even Ivan the Terrible liked to hunt in these places. The name “Elk Island” was given to the park during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, who also loved hunting and set hounds on moose here.
Already at the beginning of the 18th century, a forest guard was organized here. Large areas were deforested, swamps were drained, and roads were built. Work was underway on laying coniferous trees. Shortly before the revolution, they wanted to turn Elk Island into a national park. The plans were not implemented - the World War began. Elk Island Park was able to acquire this status only in 1983.
General information
Today, this area, 90% forested, occupies 116 square meters. kilometers. It includes inyourself three zones:
- Specially guarded. The area is 54 sq. km. The area is closed to the public.
- 31 sq. km.
- Recreation area occupies 31 square meters. km. and borders with residential areas of the capital.
The Pekhorka and Yauza rivers originate here. More than three ponds bring a pleasant variety to the "Elk Island". The national park has a significant area of marshland. The flat relief prevails here. The Klinsko-Dmitrovskaya ridge determines the north- and south-western wind rose above the forest.
Plant world
More than 60% of the vegetation is represented by deciduous trees, of which oak predominates. There are also birch groves. Linden is common. The rest of the forest is represented by pine, spruce and larch. Alekseevskaya Grove, located in the complex, is over 250 years old. Some of the pines in this grove are over 200 years old. Unique trees have been preserved thanks to the conservation regime. The grove is rightfully considered unique and adorns the "Elk Island".
The park delights visitors with an abundance of herbaceous plants. Here grow lilies of the valley, bluebells, European bathing suit, fuchs, marsh napkin and many others. At the same time, there are no representatives of the flora that are listed in the Red Book of Russia on the territory of the reserve.
Animal world
More than 40 species of mammals, 170 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles and amphibians inhabit Elk Island.
The park has become a haven for moose and wild boars,martens, hares and many others. The swampy meadows are inhabited by the hare, whose population is steadily declining due to the reduction of the range and the urban factor. More than 15 species of fish live in the waters of the Yauza.
Recreation area
There are always vacationers in the recreational part of the park, especially from the nearest residential areas. In the middle of the forest, you can find numerous benches for rest, a clearing with a children's playground and a place for sports.
Sports equipment can be rented in the park. Excellent multi-kilometer trails attract cyclists, rollerbladers and joggers to Losiny Ostrov. The national park is a unique place for hiking. Here you can wander into the same dense forest as the one described in Russian fairy tales.
There is also a stable. Horse riding enthusiasts love Elk Island. The park is just made for leisurely rides.
Walking along the trails, you can feed the squirrels. There are many animals here, and he is not afraid of people - he is ready to take food from his hand.
Winter gives the reserve a special charm. Skiing through unspoilt forests and the freshest air make this place popular even in the winter cold. Ice skating enthusiasts can satisfy their impulse on the frozen mirror of one of the reservoirs.
The sanitary maintenance service of the reserve daily removes more than 2.5 hectares of the recreational area from various garbage, dead wood. We also have to eliminate the consequences of illegal picnics and spontaneous dump sites. Paying more attention to placesthe largest concentration of people - sites, reservoirs, popular walking routes. No matter how hard the sanitary services try, their work does not decrease. The situation can change only with the improvement of the quality of cultural education of citizens.
Attractions
In the estate of the forestry of the reserve there is a cultural and educational center "Russian life". The expositions on display tell about the life of the Slavic people in the period of the 19th - 20th centuries. There is a large collection of folk clay toys.
Also exhibited here are archaeological artifacts found during excavations of barrows from the time of the Vyatichi. The place where these burials were discovered in 1989 was the Losiny Ostrov park. Photos of some items of the exhibition are presented below.
There is an elk station near the gamekeeper's site. Here you can not only see moose or wild boars - you can communicate with animals and feed them from your hands. Just walking in the park, it is problematic to meet an elk. He is a very sensitive animal and at the slightest noise moves away deep into the protected area.
There are numerous ecological trails around. Walking through the centuries-old forest, you get not only aesthetic pleasure, but also get acquainted with the pristine nature of your native land.
Folk festivals held here on Maslenitsa, Ivan Kupala, Christmas time and many other holidays are very popular with visitors.
Natural park "Elk Island" always welcomes its guests. A unique reserve in the center of the metropolis makes it possible to stop in the frantic rhythm of the capital, enjoy the virgin nature and silence.
