The Losiny Ostrov Nature Park is the only national reserve in Russia that 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 loved to hunt in these places. The park received the name “Elk Island” during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, who also loved hunting and let down hounds of dogs for moose.
Already at the beginning of the XVIII century, forest protection was organized here. Deforestation, swamp drainage, and road construction were carried out over large areas. Work was done on laying conifers. Shortly before the revolution, "Elk Island" wanted to turn into a national park. The plans were not implemented - the World War began. Park "Elk Island" was able to gain this status only in 1983.
general information
Today, this territory, 90% of which is forested, occupies 116 square meters. kilometers. It includes three zones:
- Especially guarded. The area is 54 square meters. km The area is closed to the public.
- For sports and walks allotted 31 square meters. km
- The recreation area occupies 31 square meters. km and borders on residential areas of the capital.
The Pekhorka and Yauza rivers originate here. More than three ponds bring a pleasant variety to Elk Island. The national park has a significant area of marshland. A flat relief prevails here. The Klinsko – Dmitrov ridge determines a north- and south-west wind rose above the forest.
Vegetable world
More than 60% of the vegetation is represented by deciduous trees, of which oak predominates. There are birch groves. Linden is common. The rest of the forest is represented by pine, spruce 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 were saved thanks to the protected regime. The grove is considered to be unique and adorns the “Elk Island”.
The park pleases visitors with an abundance of herbaceous plants. Here grow lilies of the valley, bells, a European leotard, Fuchsia, Swamp napkin and many others. Moreover, there are no representatives of the flora 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 the Elk Island.
The park has become a haven for moose and wild boars, martens, hares and many others. In marshy meadows inhabited by a hare, the population of which is steadily declining due to the reduction of its range and urban factor. More than 15 species of fish live in the waters of Yauza.
Rest zone
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 relaxation, 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, skaters and runners to Elk Island. 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. Riding enthusiasts love Elk Island. The park is simply designed for leisurely horseback riding.
Walking trails, you can feed the squirrel. There is a lot of animal, and he is not afraid of people - he is ready to take food from his hand.
The reserve gives a special charm to winter. Skiing in the untouched forest, fresh air make this place popular even in the winter cold. Skating enthusiasts can satisfy their rush on the frozen mirror of one of the ponds.
The sanitation service of the reserve daily removes more than 2.5 hectares of the recreation area from various debris and dead wood. Also, the consequences of illegal picnics and places of natural dumps have to be eliminated. More attention is paid to places of the greatest concentration of people - sites, ponds, popular walking routes. No matter how hard the sanitary services try, their work is not diminishing. The situation can only change with an increase in the quality of cultural education of citizens.
sights
In the estate of the reserve’s forestry is located the Russian Life cultural and educational center. Expositions on display tell about the life of the Slavic people in the period 19 - 20 centuries. There is a large collection of folk clay toys.
Also, archaeological artifacts found during excavations of the Vyatichi barrows are exhibited here. The place where these burials were discovered in 1989 was Elk Island. Photos of some objects of the exposure are presented below.
Near the site of the huntsman is a moose station. Here you can not only see moose or wild boars - you can chat with animals and feed them with your hands. Just walking in the park, it’s problematic to meet moose. He is a very sensitive animal and, with the slightest noise, goes deep into the conservation area.
Numerous ecological trails are laid around . Walking through the centuries-old forest, you get not only aesthetic pleasure, but also get acquainted with the pristine nature of the native land.
The festivities held here on Maslenitsa, Ivan Kupala, Christmas time and many other holidays are very popular with visitors.
The Elk Island Nature Park always welcomes its guests. A unique reserve in the center of the metropolis makes it possible to stay in the frantic rhythm of the capital, enjoy the virgin nature and silence.