Elk Island National Park, located in the north-east of Moscow and the Moscow region - is perfect place for those lovers of the forest and fresh air who do not want to leave the city. Here there is a unique opportunity to be one on one with nature without leaving the metropolis. But it will not work here to cook a barbecue or bake potatoes on a fire, the territory of the park is strictly guarded.

Elk Island is a paradise for families with children, athletes and history buffs. It will also be good here for those who just want to relax, wander along the forest paths and be alone with themselves.

About the park

The territory of the park is more than 116 km2. The forest occupies about 80% of the total area, 25% of which are located on the territory of Moscow. Elk Island is one of the first national parks in our country. Reservoirs (ponds) occupy 2% of the territory, and 5% - swamps. Several rivers flow through the park. Yauza and Pekhorka originate here. There is also a tiny stream called Elk.

There are three zones in the park:

• Specially protected area, slightly less than half of the entire territory
• Walking and sports area
• Recreation area for mass visits.

Since one thousand four hundred and six, the territory of the current Losiny Island was part of the Taininskaya palace volost, the lands of which served as hunting grounds for Russian tsars and princes.

Since 1800, the first forest areas appeared here, the ordering of the territory began. And in 1937, Elk Island became part of the "green ring" around the capital.

In one thousand nine hundred and eighty-three, Elk Island became known as the National Park. In 2004, there was an attempt to reduce the area of ​​forest plantations for the construction of the fourth transport ring. Fortunately, this idea was not implemented.

What is remarkable about Losiny Ostrov Park

Connoisseurs of wildlife will find many rare plants on the territory of the reserve. You can also meet a variety of animals here. Moose Island is known for the fact that moose still live here, which sometimes come out on the roadways of the streets adjacent to the park.

Twenty years ago, spotted deer could be seen in areas designated for mass recreation. Now they have been taken deep into the regional part of the forest in order to avoid the extermination of these rare animals by poachers.

One of the favorite activities for families with children is hand-feeding squirrels. In the park, they are apparently invisible, they are not afraid of people, and they readily take nuts and seeds from their hands.

Elk Island was chosen by cyclists. Here they have expanse - a lot of wide and comfortable trails make it possible to ride through the forest without interference.

By the way, one of the main attractions of the park is the Paper Clearing. It was cut through in ancient times to transport timber, which was used to make paper.

Now it's well paved wide road, cutting through the forest from north to south, where in the summer you can ride a bike or rollerblade without fear of getting hit by a car. After all, the entry of vehicles into the park is strictly limited.

Elk Island has several playgrounds decorated with wooden figures of animals from favorite children's fairy tales. In general, figurines of animals carved from wood are constantly found in the park, in the most unexpected places: they stand along the paths, and some peek out from under the bushes. Kids are delighted to find a bear cub or a bunny made of wood not far from the path.

Ecological centers and excursions

In the northern part of the park (near Prokhodchikov Street) there is an equestrian club where you can rent a horse and ride through the forest along safe routes. Nearby is the Museum of Russian Life, the reserve of rare birds "Bird Garden" and a biostation.

Excursions are organized in the ecological and historical centers of the park, which include "Russian life", "Red pine", "Abramtsevo", "Tea drinking in Mytishchi", which will be of interest to children and adults. The main topics are history, Moscow studies, and ecology. For example, an excursion for children, which is called the "Path of Fairy Tales" passes through such interesting forest places as the Bear's Corner, Pine Grip and others. Children get acquainted with different plants, learn to understand bird and animal tracks, observe the habits of small animals. During the tour, you can relax in one of the ecological centers, where you will always be treated to tea from a samovar, tell many fascinating stories about Russian hunting in ancient times, about the first water supply and many others.

It is believed that the hunting lodge of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich is lost somewhere in the park, or rather what is left of it. Historians say that the house may be of cultural and historical value. There are also rumors that treasures are hidden in it. But most likely, this is just idle gossip.

Moose Island is a huge forest with ancient history. Even a few weeks is not enough for an ordinary person to explore the entire territory of the park. Any visitor will find something to their liking here. History buffs can visit exciting excursions, athletes ride bicycles in summer and ski in winter, children play and learn to understand and appreciate nature. Tourists make hiking trips to the origins of famous Moscow rivers. At any time of the year it is good to relax here with the whole family.

How to get from the metro:

There are different ways to get into the park. One of them is the entrance from the street. Roterta, st. Prokhodchikov. The nearest metro stations are Medvedkovo and Babushkinskaya, you can also walk from the Los platform of Yaroslavskaya railway or get from VDNH metro station by buses No. 172, 136. In addition, from the metro station "Ulitsa Podbelskogo" you can get to another part of the park by trams No. 36, 12, 29.

Elk Island(Moscow, Russia) - exact location, interesting places, inhabitants, routes.

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Park Losiny Ostrov, known since ancient times, by the way, is the only national park, which is located within the boundaries of Moscow. It is hard to imagine that just a few kilometers from the Garden Ring begins the real taiga, where moose, deer and wild boars live. It is not for nothing that these dense forests were chosen by Moscow sovereigns for hunting several centuries ago, and the thickets were taken under special protection.

Losiny Ostrov National Park is located on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow Region. The Yauza and Pekhorka rivers originate in the park. total area The reserve is about 116 square kilometers.

History paragraph

Losiny Ostrov has been known for a long time, from the 15th to the 18th centuries these regions were part of the Taininskaya palace volost - the most beloved and popular place for hunting among Moscow princes and tsars. Ivan IV, known by the nickname the Terrible, hunted bears here, of which there were a great many in these impenetrable thickets.

The forests of Elk Island already in those days, being the royal hunting grounds, were especially protected. At the end of the 18th century, in 1799, when Losiny Ostrov was transferred to state administration, a topographic survey was carried out here, the forest was divided into quarters. In the middle of the 19th century, the Losinoostrovskaya forest dacha appeared, and in 1842 the first forestry was founded here, the forest management was completed by the tax collectors Yegor Grimme and Nikolai Shelgunov.

Elk Island

The artificial creation of forests was started in 1844, at the initiative of the forester Vasily Gershner. Pine trees were grown mainly, and this process lasted for almost 115 years. The result makes itself felt to this day, plantings are still preserved, despite human impact. Thoughts about creating a reserve in these vast forests appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, but the tragic events of the beginning of the century destroyed these plans. During the Second World War, Losiny Ostrov suffered some losses - enough was cut down here. a large number of trees. official status national park Elk Island received in 1983, one of the first in the country.

In Losiny Ostrov, you can spend the whole day walking through these still dense groves, watching the frolicking birds or animals.

Flora and fauna

Elk Island is famous for its rich flora and fauna. More than 230 species of vertebrates live here, including many species of birds, mammals (among which, of course, elks, deer, wild boars, foxes, hares, squirrels, raccoon dogs, beavers, muskrats, hawks, white-tailed eagles and many others) More than 500 species of vascular plants grow in the park, rare herbaceous plants in the Moscow region. There are also mighty oaks, and dark firs, slender birches and fragrant lindens, and tall pines striving into the sky. The park is divided into three zones: a specially protected zone, a zone for walking and sports (open to a limited visit on strictly established routes), and a recreation area open to the public. In Losiny Ostrov, you can spend the whole day walking through these still dense groves, watching the frolicking birds or animals. Despite the fact that the park is located within the city, there is wonderful air here, and it is hard to imagine that the center of the metropolis is within easy reach from here. It is good to spend time in the park in any season and in any weather. In winter, among the snow-covered spruces and pines are laid ski slopes, in summer and autumn you can ride a bike, explore the forest paths, or wander on foot, listen to the birds singing in the spring and watch the awakening of nature. There are nurseries and museums dedicated to a variety of topics in Losiny Ostrov.

Coordinates

Elk Island is very large, so the park has several entrances located in different parts of the city.

Entrance in the Golyanovo area. From the metro station Ulitsa Podbelskogo by trams No. 2, No. 36, No. 13 and No. 29, children's sanatorium stop.

Entrance at Yauza. Trams from VDNKh metro station or Preobrazhenskaya Ploshchad. By train from the Yaroslavsky railway station, to the Yauza station.

Entrance at Red Pine Street. from metro VDNKh buses 172, 136, trolleybus 76 stop. Printing College.

Entrance from Prokhodchikov street. From meters VDNKh 76 trolley bus stops Children's clinic and Fedoskinskaya street.

(including within the city of Moscow). The total area of ​​the reserve is 128 km2. Today, Losinoostrovsky Park is a place where wild animals live in their natural environment and a huge number of plants grow, including those listed in the Red Book.

Age-old traditions of caring for nature

The protected area was organized in 1983. Previously, this territory was the hunting grounds of the last representatives of the Romanov family. The idea of ​​​​creating in a given area natural park appeared much earlier. It is believed that coniferous trees have been deliberately planted in this area 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 green Zone got 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 royal people.

The modern territory of Losiny Island

Today, the reserve is divided into three natural kingdoms - this is a protected area that is closed to tourists and carefully guarded. This is a place where wild animals constantly live in their natural environment, research work is also carried out here. Losinoostrovsky Park also has a protected area open to tourists. This is a natural area, which you can visit with a 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're lucky, you can even see wild animals with your own eyes, including "tame" elks. Here are museums, sightseeing trails. The scheme of the Losinoostrovsky Park allows us to notice that the reserve also has a third zone - open for mass visits by vacationers in free mode.

Flora and fauna

It's hard to believe, but the park was not left without care and maintenance even during the Second World War. In those difficult years, new trees and shrubs were planted on the territory. Today, more than 700 species of plants, 36 species of lichens, 90 species of fungi and 150 species of algae grow in the reserve. Losinoostrovsky Park can boast of trees that have managed to celebrate their centennial anniversary. Interesting place- Alekseevskaya grove, in which the age of which is at least 250 years old. There are also rare species of herbs in the reserve; throughout the summer there are a lot of berries and flowers. The fauna of the park is no less impressive. According to experts, about 280 species of animals live here in their natural environment. The park is inhabited by moose, which once gave it its name, as well as wild boars, roe deer, beavers, fur-bearing animals. Fish and amphibians are found in local water bodies. You can meet 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 the day in the domain wildlife, learn something new or go on an interesting educational walk with children, the best place in the capital for you - Losinoostrovsky park. The area of ​​the reserve is 128 square kilometers; various tourist routes are laid on 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 Visitor Centers of the park.

Independent rest

In the part of the park open to the public, there are no rides and cafes familiar to many recreation areas. This is a place for relaxing walks on foot and on bicycles. It is not forbidden to arrange picnics in the park. Just don't forget to clean up all your trash, let's save Losinoostrovsky Park! You can also fry kebabs in the area accessible for mass visits and walks. However, this should be done strictly in designated areas, on special sites, using barbecue facilities. Remember - the future of the natural area depends on the behavior and care of each visitor. In addition, for non-compliance simple rules The Nature Conservancy in the reserve faces a serious fine.

How to get there?

Many residents of the capital cannot even believe that such a clean and beautiful natural area can exist in close proximity to big city. In order to dispel such doubts, it is enough to see Losinoostrovsky Park with your own eyes once. How to get to this reserve? The park has many entrances, and, what is remarkable, some of them are from the side of Moscow, and others - from the side of the region. You can get to the park from Korolev, Balashikha, Shchelkovo, Mytishchi. From Moscow, it is most convenient to get to VDNKh, and then go a few more stops ground transport. 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 Losiny Island and its environs, which will help you make the most convenient route for you. The reserve is open all year round, but, according to many tourists, it is most beautiful and interesting here in the summer.

In ancient times, the forests to the northeast of Moscow were a favorite place for the royal falconry. The first sovereign of All Rus', Ivan the Terrible, liked to hunt bears here. A little later, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich set up the Sovereign's Trapper's Way on these lands - a hunting farm with a special, protected and protected status. Mere mortals here were forbidden to catch animals and birds, cut down trees, pick berries, and build houses.

And at a time when there were almost no animals left in other forests near Moscow, moose were still found in these places. This fact partly explains the wonderful name "Elk Island". Why an island? It's just that in the old days the forests located between villages and fields were called that, moreover, Elk Island was surrounded by a deep moat filled with water.

The territory of Losiny Ostrov remained royal possessions until the revolution itself, even the Yaroslavl railway line laid nearby in 1860 did not disturb the natural balance of the reserve, and all the diversity of flora and fauna was preserved.

In 1842, when the territory of the park was a little over 6 thousand hectares, the beginning of organized forestry was laid. All work here began to be carried out according to the rules of "forest science".

Forest revisions carried out in the period 1842-1912 led to the division of Losiny Ostrov into 4 parts:

• a park;
• suburban village;
• reserve;
• operational zone.

State National Park "Losiny Ostrov" received its status only in 1983 and has retained it to this day, remaining the most valuable natural monument.

Today it is divided into three zones:

1. Reserved, where nature is preserved intact. It is a habitat for rare wild animals and birds, so it is not only closed to the public, but also protected;

2. educational and excursion, through which several ecological and tourist routes which you can go through with a guide. There are 4 visitor centers;

3. Recreational, serving as a place of mass recreation.

Losiny Ostrov stretches from Sokolniki Park to the cities of Balashikha, Shchelkovo, Korolev and Mytishchi, occupying 12,000 hectares, only two-thirds of which are outside the Moscow Ring Road. From the Kremlin to the southwestern border of the park is only 8 km. Its length from north to south is 10 km, and from west to east - as much as 22 km.

In the very center of Losiny Ostrov, not far from Mytishchi, there is a swamp, it is from here that the Yauza River originates, the floodplain of which is often flooded. In addition to the Yauza, many rivers and streams flow through the reserve, forming a whole water network. Canals were once laid here total length over 100 km. Now many of them are in an abandoned state.

Even before the war, the largest one was built - the Akulovsky Canal, connecting the Volga with the Yauza and Pekhorka rivers. It serves to supply the Volga water to the capital.

Even in the most difficult war years, trees were planted on Losiny Ostrov. Many enthusiasts worked here - foresters and landscape designers who put a lot of effort into preserving and increasing natural wealth this reserve.

The modern flora of Elk Island includes:

• more than 700 plant species;
• 90 types of mushrooms;
• 36 species of lichens;
• 150 types of algae.

Here you can find plants listed in the Russian and Moscow Red Book.

Losiny Ostrov is a real pearl of Russian nature. Centuries-old pine and lime forests, oak forests and taiga spruce forests have been preserved here. The pines growing in the famous Alekseevskaya ship grove, which are neither more nor less than 250 years old, amaze the imagination and impress with their beauty!

The grass cover of the national park is made up of blueberry, ranunculus anemone, lungwort, goose onion, two-leafed mullet, greenfinch, sedge, wintergreen. There are also many berries here: lingonberries, blueberries, sour, strawberries.

The fauna of the park is also very diverse. More than 280 species of animals and birds are found in Losiny Ostrov, including:

• 180 species of birds;
• 40 species of mammals;
• 4 types of reptiles;
• 8 species of amphibians;
• more than 20 species of freshwater fish.

As in the old days, moose live here.

In the post-war years, spotted deer were brought into the park, the beaver population was completely restored, and wild boars bred.

Fur-bearing animals also live in the reserve - mink, ermine, marten, black ferret.

At night, bats circle over the forest, and their eternal enemies are owls.

Due to the large area of ​​the forest and the long-term restriction of forestry activities, the Losiny Ostrov National Park, in our time, against the background of the urban panorama of a multi-million city, in terms of the richness of flora and fauna, remains one of the richest and most interesting among the forests of the Moscow region.