"Elk Island" - a park in the capital. Description

The Natural Park "Losiny Ostrov" is the only national reserve in Russia, located within the metropolis, just 15 kilometers from the Kremlin.

A bit of history

The territory on which today the park "Losiny Ostrov" is located, once belonged to the palace Taininskoy volost. Ivan the Terrible loved 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 sent down hounds of dogs to moose.

At the beginning of the XVIII century, a forest guard was organized here. Large felling areas were used for logging, draining swamps, and building roads. Works on laying coniferous trees were conducted. Shortly before the revolution, "Losiny Ostrov" was to be turned into a national park. Plans were not implemented - the World War began. The park "Losiny Ostrov" was able to obtain this status only in 1983.

general information

Today, this territory, consisting of 90% of forest areas, occupies 116 square kilometers. Kilometers. It includes three zones:

1. Especially guarded. The area is 54 square meters. Km. The area is closed for visiting.
2. For sports and walking, there are 31 square meters. Km.
3. Recreation area occupies 31 square meters. Km. And borders with residential areas of the capital.

The rivers of Pekhorca and Yauza originate here. More than three ponds make a pleasant variety in "Losiny Ostrov". The national park has a considerable area of swampy terrain. Here the plain relief prevails. Klin-Dmitrov ridge causes the north and south-west wind rose over the forest.

Vegetable world

More than 60% of the vegetation is represented by deciduous tree species, of which the oak predominates. There are birch groves. The lime tree is widespread. The rest of the forest is represented by pine, fir and larch. Alekseevskaya grove, located in the complex, for more than 250 years. Some pine trees of this grove are more than 200 years old. Unique trees have been preserved thanks to the protected regime. Grove is considered to be unique and adorns itself with "Losiny Ostrov".

The park pleases visitors and the abundance of herbaceous plants. Here grow lilies of the valley, bells, a European bathing suit, fuchsa, dremlik marsh and many others. At the same time, there are no representatives of the flora on the territory of the reserve, which are listed in the Red Book of Russia.

Animal world

More than 40 species of mammals, 170 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles and amphibians inhabit "Losiny Ostrov".

The park became a refuge for moose and boars, martens, hares and many others. In marshy meadows inhabits hare-hare, whose population is steadily shrinking due to the reduction of the range and the urban factor. In the waters of the Yauza, there are more than 15 species of fish.

Rest zone

In the recreational part of the park there are always vacationers, especially from the nearest residential quarters. In the middle of the forest you can find numerous benches for recreation, a glade with a children's playground and a place for sports.

Sports equipment in the park can be rented. Excellent multi-kilometer trails attract bicyclists, roller-skaters and runners to "Losiny Ostrov". The National Park is a unique place for hiking. Here you can wander into the same dense forest, as well as the one described in Russian fairy tales.

There is also its own stables. Riding lovers adore "Elk Island". The park is simply designed for leisurely walks on horseback.

Walking paths, you can feed the protein. There's a lot of animals here, and he's not afraid of people-he's ready to take food from his hand.

Special charm gives the reserve winter. Skiing in the untouched forest, fresh air make this place popular and in winter cold. Fans of skating can satisfy their impulse on a frozen mirror of one of the reservoirs.

The Sanitary Service of the reserve daily removes more than 2.5 hectares of recreational area from various debris, dead wood. Also, it is necessary to eliminate the consequences of illegal picnics, places of spontaneous landfills. More attention is paid to the places of greatest concentration of people - sites, reservoirs, popular walking routes. No matter how trying the health services, their work is not diminished. The situation can change only with the improvement of the quality of cultural education of citizens.

sights

In the manor of the forest reserve of the reserve is the cultural and educational center "Russian way of life". Expositions on display, tell about the life of the Slavic people in the period 19 - 20 centuries. There is a large collection of folk toys made of clay.

Also here are exhibited archaeological artifacts found during the excavation of mounds of vyatichi time. The place where these burials were discovered in 1989 was the Losiny Ostrov park. Photos of some items of the exposition are shown below.

Near the site of the huntsman there is a moose station. Here you can not only see moose or wild boars - you can chat with animals and feed them. Just walking in the park, elk is problematic. He is a very sensitive animal and, with the slightest noise, moves deeper into the reserve zone.

Around there are numerous ecological trails. Walking through the centuries-old forest, you get not only aesthetic pleasure, but also get acquainted with the pristine nature of your native land.

The folk festivities on Shrove Tuesday, Ivan Kupala, Christmas tree and many other festivals are very popular among visitors.

The natural park "Losiny Ostrov" always welcomes its guests cordially. A unique reserve in the center of the metropolis gives an opportunity to stop in the frenzied rhythm of the capital, to enjoy the virgin nature and silence.