Elk Island Park. Elk Island Sokolniki Park and Elk Island

There is a national park in Moscow, which is located on Losiny Island. From him the green massif was named. The first mention of the park dates back to 1406. The green massif, located in the north-east of the capital, was a favorite territory for the royal falconry and chase hunting. Since then, Losiny Ostrov (park) has not lost its appeal. But now the territory is being used for other purposes.

History of the park

The Losiny Ostrov National Park begins its history from the 15th century, but acquired its status later. The green massif was first mentioned in written sources during the period when Moscow became the center of northeastern Russia. At that time, the island belonged to the Taininskaya volost, located along the current Yaroslavl highway. Ivan the Terrible was very fond of hunting in the park.

Later, a royal hunting farm was established on the island. The park began to be called the "Sovereign's Trap Route" and acquired the status of a reserve. As before, hunting was organized on this territory, often with foreign ambassadors. The name "Losiny Ostrov" appeared only in 1710. In the 18th century. it began to belong to the state department, and hunting in the territory was prohibited to everyone without exception.

With the emergence of St. Petersburg, attention to the park decreased significantly, and it began to overgrow with thickets, the trees were mercilessly cut down by the peasants for their own needs. In 1804 the position of the island changed. The protection of the forest was resumed again. In 1805, the island again received the status of a reserve.

In 1822 the territory was divided into 55 quarters with one boundary wall encircling their common borders. Organized forestry began only in 1842. Until 1912, audits of natural resources were carried out, and the island was divided into 4 parts: one operational and three reserved. Losiny Ostrov National Park was established in August 1983. It was based on the decree of the ministry. Since then, the area has been considered a very valuable natural monument.

Description of the park

Today "Losiny Ostrov" (Moscow) has an area of ​​over 116 square kilometers. The forest area occupies 80 percent of the territory. It is divided into three zones. The first is a protected part of the park, which is home to rare species of birds and animals. This part of the island is closed to the public and is heavily guarded.

The second zone is called educational and excursion. Tourist and ecological routes are laid through this territory, accompanied by professional guides. There are four visiting places in this part. The third area is called recreational. It is designed for mass recreation.

Location of the park

Losiny Ostrov (Moscow) originates from Sokolniki. It borders on cities:

• Korolev;
• Balashikha;
• Mytischi;
• Shchelkovo.

Losiny Ostrov Park is located on an area of ​​12,000 hectares, but outside the Moscow Ring Road there is only 2/3 of the forest. It is only eight kilometers from the southwestern border of the reserve to the Kremlin. The length of the park from south to north is 10 km, from east to west - 22 km.

Nature

Losiny Ostrov (park) is very beautiful. In the center of the territory there is a small swamp, from which the river begins. Yauza. And also in the reserve there are many more streams and reservoirs that form a large water network. Previously, there were over 100 kilometers of canals in the park. Most of them are now abandoned.

The largest canal is called Akulovsky and has been functioning until now. It appeared in the pre-war years and connects the Pekhorka and Yauza rivers with the Volga. Through the Akulov Canal, water flows to the Russian capital.

We should also pay special attention to the Alekseevskaya Grove, which for a long time also had the status of a reserve. This is a unique territory, which is 250 years old. There are many swamps in the park, and they occupy a fairly large area.

Vegetable world

"Losiny Ostrov" (park) has always, even in wartime, been under the close scrutiny of the country's leaders. Trees were constantly planted on the territory. Thanks to the work of many volunteer designers, the reserve has acquired a remarkable appearance, as evidenced by numerous reviews.

Now more than 800 species of various plants grow in the park: lichens, mushrooms, etc. Many plants are included in the Red Book of Russia. Pine mainly grows in the Alekseevskaya grove. The age-old lindens, taiga spruce and oak forests have miraculously survived. The grass cover is also diverse. Growing in the park:

• forester;
• lungwort;
• wintergreen;
• buttercup anemone;
• double-leaf mine;
• sedge;
• Zelenchuk.

A lot of wild strawberries, blueberries and sour cherry grows in the park, which is popular with visitors. Since it abounds in swamps, there is also an abundance of lingonberries on the territory.

Animal world

The animals of the Losiny Island are also very diverse. There are over 280 species of birds and animals in the park. Among them:

• 180 - birds;
• 8 - amphibians;
• 4 - reptiles;
• 40 - mammals;
• over 20 - freshwater fish.

"Losiny Ostrov" (park) got its name for a reason. Since the earliest times, many horned artiodactyls have lived on the territory. The number of elk has survived to this day. In the post-war period, sika deer also appeared in the reserve.

Wild boars began to breed, and now their population has increased significantly. The number of beavers has been fully restored. There are many fur animals in the reserve:

• ermine;
• squirrel;
• black ferret;
• marten;
• mink.

Owls and bats reign in the park at night. Rodents get along well with animals, harmoniously complementing the reserve with their presence.

Biostation on Losiny Island

The biological station in the Losiny Ostrov park is located next to the huntsman site. This is the place where it is allowed not only to look at artiodactyls. You can iron and feed not only adults, but also cubs. Elks are calm about this. They are very cautious animals and in the wild always try to avoid meeting people.

At the biological station, artiodactyls are already accustomed to the presence of humans and willingly make contact. The staff of the reserve tell those who wish about the behavior of animals, their domestication and nutrition. There are separate individual excursions. In winter, you can even spot sika deer. A visit to the biological station is carried out by appointment.

How to get to the biostation?

It will take a long time to get to the biological station. There are many regular buses going from the VDNKh metro station towards the region. You need to take any of them and get to the first stop after the Moscow Ring Road. Exit before the turn towards the village of Druzhba. Then walk along the main road for another 40 minutes. The path will take approximately 4 kilometers and will pass through the village.

When the road runs into a forest, you must turn left. From there you will see a barrier with a checkpoint. Go straight all the time, turn left at the fork and get to the biological station, which is equipped with a gate.

Losiny Ostrov (park): how to get there?

This can be done in several ways. The entrance to the park is from the side of Prokhodchikov and Roterta streets. Nearby are the Babushkinskaya and Medvedkovo metro stations. You can quickly get to the park from the Elk railway platform.

Or you can take buses No. 136 and 172, which depart from the VDNKh metro station. Trams No. 29, 36 and 12 go to the other part of the park. They leave from the station. m. "Podbelskogo Street".

Losiny Ostrov National Park is located in the city of Moscow and the Moscow region. Losiny Ostrov consists of two forest parks - Yauzsky and Losinoostrovsky - within the capital and four forest parks located on the territory of the Moscow region.

Work on sowing pine trees has been carried out on the territory of Losinoostrovsky Park for more than 115 years, since then this amazing place has turned into a real coniferous massif.

The idea of ​​creating a national park on this territory was proposed more than a century ago, however, the park itself was created only in 1983. The Losiny Island includes protected hunting grounds that once belonged to the last of the Romanovs.

This is one of the first national parks in our homeland and the largest forest area within the capital of Russia.

Flora and fauna of Losinoostrovsky national park

A large area of ​​the national park is occupied by vast coniferous forests, birch forests, deciduous forests, meadows and swamps. This pristine nature in its natural state in the recreational area of ​​the park is complemented by tree plantations, glades and ponds. The most unique object on the territory of Losiny Island is Alekseevskaya Grove. It is an area of ​​forest, in which most of it is coniferous trees, about 250 years old. On the territory of the Alekseevskaya grove there is a historical and archaeological complex called "The Tsar's Hunt".

The fauna of this protected area of ​​nature is also amazing. Rare animals live here: moose, sika deer, beavers and many others. The birds nesting on the territory of Losiny Island are considered to be one of the rarest in the Moscow region.

sights

The national park is not only reserved forests and recreation areas. This place keeps a piece of Russian rural life. In a picturesque old manor house there is a museum "Russian life", which displays archaeological finds and household items of people who lived in the XIX-XX centuries. The exhibits of the Tsar's Hunt Museum acquaint visitors of the historical complex with the way of life and the peculiarities of various types of Russian hunting: canine, falconry, etc.

To make the study of the nature of Losiny Island more interesting and exciting, several excursion routes have been laid through the park, going along which you will solve all the mysteries of local nature, as well as learn the history of Muscovy. The most popular trail, among others, is the Such Familiar Forest Trail. A dense spruce forest creates an atmosphere of a dense fairytale forest and it is impossible to believe that civilization is boiling nearby. After all, it is only two kilometers from here to the busy Moscow highway (Yaroslavskoe shosse).

Elk is the main attraction of the national park.

Elk biological station is located next to the "Losiny Ostrov" ranger site. Here you can meet the living

In ancient times, the forests northeast of Moscow were a favorite place for the royal chase and falconry. The first sovereign of All Russia, Ivan the Terrible, loved to go bear hunting here. A little later, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich on these lands set up the "Sovereign's Trap Route" - a hunting farm with a special, reserved and protected status. It was forbidden for mere mortals to catch animals and birds, cut trees, pick berries, and build houses.

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

The territory of Losiny Ostrov remained tsarist possessions until the revolution, even the Yaroslavl railway line laid nearby in 1860 did not violate 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 slightly more than 6 thousand hectares, the foundation was laid for organized forestry. All work here began to be carried out according to the rules of "forest science".

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

• the park;
• suburban village;
• reserve;
• operating area.

The Losiny Ostrov State National Park received its status only in 1983 and has preserved 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, therefore, it is not only closed to the public, but also protected;

2. educational and excursion, through which several ecological and tourist routes are laid, which can be passed with a guide. There are 4 visitor centers here;

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 thousand hectares, only two-thirds of which are located outside the Moscow Ring Road. It is only 8 km from the Kremlin to the southwestern border of the park. 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 rivulets and streams flow through the reserve, forming a whole water network. Once upon a time, canals with a total length of more than 100 km were laid here. Many of them are now abandoned.

Even in the pre-war years, the largest was built - the Akulov 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 have worked here - foresters and landscape designers, who have put a lot of effort into preserving and enhancing the natural wealth of this reserve.

The modern flora of Losiny Ostrov includes:

• more than 700 plant species;
• 90 types of mushrooms;
• 36 types 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. Here are preserved centuries-old pine and lime forests, oak forests and taiga spruce forests. 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 herbaceous cover of the national park is made up of forest forest, buttercup anemone, lungwort, goose onion, two-leaved mine, zelenchuk, sedge, and wintergreen. There are also many berries: lingonberries, blueberries, oxalis, 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 types of amphibians;
• more than 20 species of freshwater fish.

As in the old days, moose live here.

In the post-war years, sika deer were brought to 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 are circling over the forest, and their eternal enemies are owls.

Due to a significant forest area and long-term limitation of forestry activities, the Losiny Ostrov National Park remains one of the richest and most interesting forests in the Moscow Region against the backdrop of the urban panorama of a multimillion city in terms of the richness of flora and fauna.

Moscow, you can often hear a lot of enthusiastic stories. Indeed, sometimes it is striking that among the metropolis there are still islands of greenery, comfort and tranquility. This is very important for the population of large cities, because you still need to rest from the hustle and bustle. Of particular interest is the National Biostation, which is located in the park, and also deserves special attention.

A little about the park itself

Losiny Ostrov is widely known in Russia. Its area is really extensive (about 116 sq. Km), it is located on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow region. The park consists of forests, reservoirs and swamps.

Of course, most of it is covered by forests; only 7% of the territory is allocated to water bodies and swamps. The park can be conditionally divided into 3 parts:

• zone under special protection;
• a walking area and places for sports (mainly special routes are laid here, that is, visits are limited);
• recreation area, which you can freely visit.

It is interesting that such a large area consists of several smaller Shchelkovsky, Alekseevsky and Losinopogonny. Within Moscow - Yauzsky and Losinoostrovsky.

Lots of people visit Elk Island National Park. The biological station located here is especially attractive for visitors.

History of the park

Now it's worth talking a little about how this unique natural zone was created, and also note the main events in its history. The very first mention of this place dates back to 1406. Initially, the lands were used as hunting grounds for Russian tsars and princes. An interesting fact is known that it was in this area that Tsar Ivan the Terrible hunted bears. For many years there was a reserve regime here.

After quite a long time, the first forestry was organized in this place. It was founded in 1842. The forestry carried out the ordering of the forest and its improvement. Around the same time began, one might say, the man-made creation of the forest. A large number of pines were planted, such plantings were carried out for over 100 years, many trees have survived to the present day.

Biostation in Losiny Ostrov park: overview

As you know, on the territory of a huge national park there is a very unusual object - an elk biological station. The status of a national park presupposes not only environmental and scientific, but also environmental education activities. Within the framework of all these directions, it was decided to open the Losinaya biological station. Now it's worth figuring out what kind of project was created on the territory of Losiny Ostrov park.

The biological station is a special area where moose are kept. The purpose of organizing such a territory is to rescue lost moose calves, provide assistance and feed them, as well as dilute the local population with individuals brought from other places.

The Elk biological station in the Losiny Ostrov National Park already boasts many achievements. To enrich the animal population, three moose calves from the Kostroma moose farm were brought here. Here they were carefully looked after, raised, and after a while they were released. In order not to lose the moose, they were put on special collars, with the help of which it was possible to track their movements. Every year the animals bore offspring. This practice is carried out here periodically.

Why visit this place?

Many people tend to visit Elk Island National Park. The biostation is no exception, there are always visitors here. Here you can see really unusual things. It is especially interesting to look at the process of interaction and communication between animals. They make unusual sounds, this is really a little where you can hear it. The workers of the biological station have learned to reproduce such sound effects, because it is very important in contact with animals.

Such a trip will be especially informative for children. Seeing animals up close will be really interesting for the younger generation, it will arouse interest in the study of biology.

How to get there: several options for the path

So, you should definitely go to such a wonderful place as the biological station (Losiny Ostrov). How to get to the park? This question arises for many. You can get here both by car and by several types of public transport.

The first option is by any bus following to the region (from You need to get to the first stop after the Moscow Ring Road before turning to the village of Druzhba. Then you need to go to the forest, then turn left (you will see a checkpoint with a barrier), then go straight when the road will begin to diverge - keep to the left.

The second option - from the railway station "Los" there is a bus №547, or from the station "Perlovskaya" - a bus or minibus №3, they reach the final stop near the forest.

The third option is to take a private car along the Yaroslavskoe highway to the turn to the village of Druzhba.

Elk Island National Park located in the northeast of Moscow and the Moscow region is an ideal place for those lovers of woods 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 over 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 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 over 116 km2. Forest occupies about 80% of the total area, 25% of which are located on the territory of Moscow. Losiny Ostrov is one of the first national parks in our country. Water bodies (ponds) occupy 2% of the territory, and 5% - swamps. Several rivers flow through the park. Here Yauza and Pekhorka originate. 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
• Zone for walking and doing sports,
• Recreation area for mass visits.

From one thousand four hundred and sixth year, the territory of the present Losiny Island was part of the Taininskaya palace volost, the lands of which served as hunting grounds for the Russian tsars and princes.

Since 1800, the first forestry areas appeared here, and the ordering of the territory began. And in 1937 Losiny Ostrov 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 did not materialize.

What is remarkable about Losiny Ostrov park

Connoisseurs of wildlife will find many rare plants on the territory of the reserve, as well as a wide variety of animals. Elk Island is known for the fact that moose still live here, which from time to time go out onto the carriageways of the streets adjacent to the park.

Twenty years ago, sika deer could be seen in recreational areas. Now they were taken deep into the regional part of the forest to avoid the extermination of these rare animals by poachers.

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

Elk Island was chosen by cyclists. Here they have plenty of space - many wide and comfortable trails make it possible to ride through the forest without hindrances.

By the way, one of the main attractions of the park is Paper Prosek. It was cut in time immemorial to transport timber, which was used to make paper.

Now it is a wide, well-paved road that cuts through the forest from north to south, where in summer you can ride a bicycle or roller-skate without fear of being hit by a car. After all, the entry of vehicles into the park is strictly limited.

Losiny Island has several playgrounds decorated with wooden figures of animals from favorite children's fairy tales. In general, animal figurines carved from wood are found in the park all the time, in the most unexpected places: they stand along the paths, and some look out from under the bushes. Kids are delighted to find a teddy bear or a bunny made of wood near the path.

Ecological centers and excursions

In the northern part of the park (not far from Prokhodchikov Street) there is an equestrian club where you can rent a horse and ride through the forest along safe routes. Nearby there is the Museum of Russian Life, the "Bird Garden" reserve of rare birds and a biological station.

In the ecological and historical centers of the park, which include "Russian life", "Krasnaya sosna", "Abramtsevo", "Tea drinking in Mytishchi", excursions are organized that will be of interest to children and adults. The main topics are history, Moscow studies, ecology. For example, an excursion for children called "The Path of Fairy Tales" takes place in such interesting forest places as Bear Corner, Pine Mane and others. Children get acquainted with different plants, learn to understand bird and animal tracks, observe the habits of small animals. During the excursion, you can relax in one of the ecological centers, where you will always be treated to tea from a samovar, they will 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.

Elk Island is a huge forest with an ancient history. A few weeks will not be enough for an ordinary person to explore the entire territory of the park. Any visitor will find something to their liking here. History lovers can visit fascinating excursions, athletes ride bicycles in summer and ski in winter, children play and learn to understand and appreciate nature. Tourists take pedestrian crossings to the sources of the famous Moscow rivers. It is good to have a rest here with the whole family at any time of the year.

How to get there from the metro:

You can get to the park in different ways. One of them is the entrance from the street. Roterta, st. Drivers. The nearest metro stations are Medvedkovo and Babushkinskaya, you can also walk from the Los platform of the Yaroslavl railway or take buses No. 172, 136 from VDNKh metro station. trams # 36, 12, 29.