Elk Island - National Natural Park located in the Moscow region (including in the city of Moscow). The total area of the reserve is 128 km 2 . Today Losinoostrovsky Park is a place where wild animals live in the natural environment and a huge number of plants grow, including those listed in the Red Book.
The age-old tradition of caring for nature
The conservation area was established in 1983. Earlier in this territory were hunting grounds of the last representatives of the Romanov clan. The idea of creating a natural park in the area appeared much earlier. It is believed that in this area conifers have been deliberately planted for 115 years. Losinoostrovsky park-reserve is one of the oldest in our country and one of the largest forest parks in the Moscow region. Why did the green zone get such a strange name? The thing is that in the old days, forests located between villages and fields were often called islands. In addition, Elk Island was indeed dug in by a moat, and mere mortals were not allowed to visit this place, intended for walking and hunting of royalty.
The modern territory of Elk Island
Today the reserve is divided into three
zones. The heart of the natural kingdom is a conservation area that is closed to tourist visits and carefully guarded. This is a place where wild animals constantly live in the natural environment, and research is being carried out here. Losinoostrovsky Park also has a protected area open to tourists. This is a natural area, which you can visit together with the guide. During such a walk, you can learn more about the animals and plants of the reserve, the history of Elk Island, and if you are lucky, you can even see wild animals, including "tame" moose, with your own eyes. Here are museums, sightseeing trails. The scheme of the Losinoostrovsky park makes it possible to note that the reserve also includes a third zone - open for mass visits by holidaymakers in a free mode.
Flora and fauna
It's hard to believe, but the park was not left without care and care even during the Second World War. In those difficult years, new trees and shrubs landed on the territory. Today, more than 700 species of plants, 36 species of lichens, 90 species of mushrooms and 150 species of algae grow in the reserve. Losinoostrovsky Park boasts trees that managed to celebrate their centenary. An interesting place is Alekseevskaya Grove,
ship pines grow in it
, whose age is at least 250 years. Rare species of herbs are also found in the reserve, throughout the summer there are a lot of berries and flowers. No less impressive is the fauna of the park. According to experts, about 280 species of animals live here in the natural environment. The park is inhabited by moose, which once gave it its name, as well as wild boars,
sika deer, roe deer, beavers, fur animals. In local waters there are fish and amphibians. You can find in the reserve and a variety of reptiles, a variety of birds, many varieties of insects.
Excursions to the reserve
If you want to spend a day in the possession of wildlife, learn something new or go on an interesting educational walk with children, the best place in the capital for you is Losinoostrovsky Park. The reserve's area is 128 square kilometers; a variety of tourist routes are laid along its territory. Visitors are offered several options for ecological travel. In addition, on the territory of the reserve you can visit the museum of peasant life, royal hunting and a children's zoo. To order an excursion, contact one of the park's Visit Centers.
Self rest
In the part of the park that is open for mass visits, there are no attractions and cafes familiar to many recreation areas. It is a place for relaxing walks and bicycles. It is not forbidden to arrange picnics in the park. Just do not forget to clean up all the garbage, let's save the Losinoostrovsky park! Shish kebabs in the area accessible for mass visits and walks can also be fried. However, this should be done strictly in designated areas, on special sites, using barbecues. Remember - the future of the natural zone depends on the behavior and care of each visitor. In addition, for failure to comply with simple rules for the protection of nature in the reserve faces a serious fine.
How to get there
Many residents of the capital do not even believe that such a clean and beautiful natural corner can exist in the immediate vicinity of a large city. In order to dispel such doubts, it is enough to see the Losinoostrovsky park with your own eyes once. How to get to this reserve? The park has many entrances, and, notably, some of them are located on the side of Moscow, while others are located on the side of the region. You can get to the park from Korolev, Balashikha, Schelkovo, Mytishchi. From Moscow it is most convenient to get to VDNH, and then drive a few more stops by land. If you wish, you can go by private car to any of the entrances to the recreation area. We bring to your attention a detailed map-scheme of Elk Island and its environs, which will help you make the most convenient route. The reserve works year-round, but, according to many tourists, it is most beautiful and interesting here in the summer.