Elk Island Park in autumn. Reserved Russia. Excursion routes around the park

In Moscow you can often hear many enthusiastic stories. Indeed, sometimes it is amazing that among the metropolis there are still islands of greenery, comfort and tranquility. This is very important for the population major cities, because you still need to rest from the noise and bustle. Of particular interest is the national biological station, which is located in the park and also deserves special attention.

A little about the park itself

Elk Island- it's wide famous Russia. Its area is truly vast (about 116 sq. km), it is located on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow region. The park consists of forest, ponds and swamps.

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

an area under special protection;
walking area and places for sports (mostly special routes are laid here, that is, visits are limited);
a recreation area that can be freely visited.

It is interesting that such a large territory consists of several smaller Shchelkovsky, Alekseevsky and Losinopogonny. Within the boundaries of Moscow there are Yauzsky and Losinoostrovsky.

Lots of people visit national park Elk Island. The biological station located here especially attracts visitors.

History of the park

Now it’s worth talking a little about how this unique natural area was created, as well as highlighting the main events of 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. Famous interesting fact that it was in this area that Tsar Ivan the Terrible hunted bears. For many years, a conservation regime was in effect here.

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

Biological station in Losiny Ostrov park: review

As is known, on the territory of a huge national park There is a very unusual object - an elk biological station. The status of a national park implies not only environmental and scientific activities, but also environmental education activities. As part of all these areas, it was decided to open the Elk 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 territory where moose are kept. The purpose of organizing such a territory is to rescue lost moose calves, provide assistance and food to them, and also to dilute the local population with individuals brought from other places.

The elk biological station in Elk Island National Park can already boast of many achievements. To enrich the animal population, three moose calves were brought here from the Kostroma moose farm. Here they were carefully looked after, raised, and after some time they were released into the wild. In order not to lose the moose, they were put on special collars with which their movements could be tracked. Every year the animals gave birth to offspring. This practice is carried out here periodically.

Why is it worth visiting this place?

Many people are eager to visit Elk Island National Park. The biostation is no exception; there are always visitors here. You can see really unusual things here. It is especially interesting to look at the process of interaction and communication between animals. They make unusual sounds, something you can really hear in very few places. Biological station workers have learned to reproduce similar sound effects, because this is very important when in contact with animals.

This hike will be especially educational for children. Looking at animals up close will be truly interesting for the younger generation; this will arouse interest in studying biology.

How to get there: several route options

So, you should definitely go to this wonderful place, as a biological station (Losiny Ostrov). How to get to the park? Many people have this question. You can get here either by car or by several types of public transport.

The first option is on any bus heading 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 starts to disperse - stay to the left.

The second option is bus No. 547 from the Los railway station, or bus or minibus No. 3 from the Perlovskaya station, they go to the final stop near the forest.

The third option is by private vehicle along the Yaroslavskoye Highway until the turn to the village of Druzhba.

The natural park “Losiny Ostrov” is the only one in Russia national reserve, which is located within the metropolis, just 15 kilometers from the Kremlin.

A little history

The territory where the Losiny Ostrov park is located today once belonged to the palace Taininskaya volost. Ivan the Terrible also loved to hunt in these places. The park received the name “Losiny Ostrov” during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, who also loved hunting and used hound dogs to hunt moose here.

Already at the beginning of the 18th century, forest protection was organized here. Over large areas, forests were cut down, swamps were drained, and roads were built. Work was underway to plant coniferous trees. Shortly before the revolution, they wanted to turn Losiny Island into a national park. The plans were not implemented - it began World War. Losiny Ostrov Park was able to acquire this status only in 1983.

general information

Today this territory, 90% consisting of forests, occupies 116 square meters. kilometers. It includes three zones:

Specially guarded. The area is 54 sq. km. The area is closed to the public.
31 square meters are allocated for sports and walks. km.
The recreation area occupies 31 square meters. km. and borders residential areas of the capital.

And the Yauza originate here. More than three ponds add pleasant variety to Losiny Ostrov. The national park has a significant area of marshland. Flat terrain prevails here. The Klinsko-Dmitrovskaya ridge determines the north- and south-west wind rose over the forest area.

Vegetable world

More than 60% of the vegetation is represented by deciduous trees, of which oak predominates. There are also birch groves. Linden is widespread. The rest of the forest is represented by pine, spruce and larches. Alekseevskaya Grove, located in the complex, is more than 250 years old. Some of the pines in this grove are over 200 years old. The unique trees were preserved thanks to the conservation regime. The grove is rightfully considered unique and adorns “Elk Island”.

The park delights visitors with an abundance of herbaceous plants. Lilies of the valley, bluebells, fuchsas, marsh lilies and many others grow here. At the same time, on the territory of the reserve there are no representatives of the flora that 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 has become a haven for moose and wild boars, martens, hares and many others. The marshy meadows are home to the brown hare, whose population is steadily declining due to a shrinking habitat and the urban factor. More than 15 species of fish live in the waters of the Yauza.

Rest zone

There are always vacationers in the recreational part of the park, especially from nearby residential areas. In the middle of the forest you can find numerous benches for rest, a clearing with a children's playground and a place for sports.

Sports equipment in the park can be rented. Excellent multi-kilometer trails attract cyclists, rollerbladers and runners to Losiny Ostrov. The national park is a unique place For hiking. Here you can wander into the same one as the one described in Russian fairy tales.

There is also its own stable. Horse riding enthusiasts love Losiny Ostrov. The park is simply created for leisurely horseback riding.

While walking along the trails, you can feed the squirrels. There are a lot of animals here, and they are not afraid of people - they are ready to take food from their hands.

Winter gives the reserve a special charm. Skiing through untouched forests and the freshest air make this place popular even in the cold of winter. Skating lovers can satisfy their impulse on the frozen mirror of one of the reservoirs.

Service sanitary maintenance The reserve daily removes more than 2.5 hectares of the recreational area from various garbage and dead wood. It is also necessary to eliminate the consequences of illegal picnics and natural dump sites. More attention is paid to places largest accumulation people - sites, reservoirs, popular walking routes. No matter how hard the sanitary services try, their work does not decrease. The situation can only change with an improvement in the quality of cultural education of citizens.

Attractions

In the forestry estate of the reserve there is a cultural and educational center "Russian Life". The exhibitions on display tell about the life of the Slavic people in the period of the 19th and 20th centuries. There is a large collection of folk toys made of clay.

Also on display here archaeological artifacts, found during excavations of mounds from the times of the Vyatichi. The place where these burials were discovered in 1989 was the Losiny Ostrov park. Photos of some of the exhibit items are presented below.

There is an elk station next to the ranger's site. Here you can not only see moose or wild boars - you can communicate with the animals and feed them by hand. Just walking through the park, it’s difficult to spot a moose. He is a very sensitive animal and at the slightest noise he moves deep into the protected area.

One of the world's largest nature reserves is located in the northeast of Moscow. Losinoostrovsky Park starts from Sokolniki and extends to Balashikha, Mytishchi and Shchelkovo. About 12 thousand hectares in the metropolis are allocated for the preserved nature of central Russia.

History of Losiny Ostrov Park

From the 15th century lands near Moscow were royal hunting grounds. The Russian nobility came here, and Ivan the Terrible himself loved to spend time, so the forest was taken care of and protected. The name “Losiny Ostrov” appears during the time of Alexei Mikhailovich the Quiet, who often came hunting with hounds and falcons.

At the beginning of the XIX century. “Losiny Ostrov” is recognized as a protected area, and a hundred years later it is included in the “green belt” around the capital. Losinoostrovsky Park received national status in 1983.

What is Losiny Ostrov Park?

More than 80% of the park area is devoted to forests, with almost a third located in Moscow.

About 5% of the territory is water bodies, swamps, swamps. The rest is sandy and glacial plains, meadows, and moraine hills.

Being a scientific institution, the park is divided into zones:

A specially protected area where mammals live and birds nest in natural conditions. Tourists are not allowed access.
Well-maintained recreational area. There are asphalt paths, benches, gazebos, picnic areas, and beaches on 2 reservoirs.
Walking excursion part of the park, where environmental centers operate. In this area you can travel on foot or on horseback along marked routes.

Unique flora of the park

Losinoostrovsky Park presents the natural vegetation of the Central Russian Upland. Of particular importance is the Alekseevskaya Grove, where 40-meter tall pines grow, up to 220 years old, and Lipnyak, where the trees are 160-180 years old.

Since 1865, the Pine Mane has been preserved; there are also 250-year-old oak trees in the park. The system of reed and lowland swamps is represented by the Mytishchi floodplains and the Upper Yazuz wetland complex, rare lichens grow in the High Swamp, and orchids grow in the shallow waters of the Budaika, Ichka, and Pekhorka rivers.

Many plants that can be seen in Losinoostrovsky Park in Moscow are listed in the Red Book of Russia. In total, the protected flora includes 600 plant species.

Fauna

About 40 species of mammals, 180 species of birds, 20 fish and 9 amphibians live in the protected area.

Scientists divide the inhabitants of Losiny Island into 3 groups depending on their habitat:

taiga;
European deciduous forests;
forest-steppe and steppe.

The pride of the reserve is the elk population, which exists freely, but at the same time is capable of self-reproduction. Losinoostrovsky Park is inhabited by sika deer, hares, squirrels, and martens. Wild boars, ferrets, stoats and muskrats found shelter. About 120 species of birds have chosen the park as a nesting site, including the eagle, partridge, kestrel, owl, and snake-eater. Many birds, such as cranes, waders, and swans, stop during their migration to wintering grounds.

Visitor centers of Losinoostrovsky Park

A popular recreational area among Muscovites, there is the Elk Station, stables, an arboretum, as well as several educational environmental centers (ECCs).

EPC employees conduct excursions around ecological trails, environmental campaigns, lectures and master classes, game programs, celebrate national holidays.

In “Red Pine” you can visit a corner of nature and the House of Fairy Tales, where Baba Yaga is in charge.

By visiting the EPC “Tea Party in Mytishchi”, you can find out where water came to Moscow, what samovars were used, and how they drank tea. There is a monument near the environmental center architecture of the 19th century Art. - a water intake station that is still in operation.

The Tsar's Hunt Museum is located in the visitor center of the same name and introduces the traditions of Russian hunting, tells how they dressed for the hunt and organized the Tsar's departure, and navigated the area. Near the visitor center there are the remains of the hunting lodge of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

EPC "Abramtsevo" is located in the former ranger cordon of the 19th century.

At each visitor center you will be served delicious herbal tea, treated to bagels, horseback riding and guided along protected park paths.

Camping

In recreational areas, birthday parties and off-site marriage registrations are held, photo shoots and corporate events, promotions and banquets are held, and sports activities are held. Many Muscovites come to Losinoostrovsky Park and post photos of their vacation on various resources.

Not far from the entrances to the park next to the EPC “Tea Party in Mytishchi”, “Abramtsevo”, “Red Pine”, “Russian Life” cozy places for picnics. These are wooden houses, sheds, gazebos and tents, which have everything you need:

tables and benches;
barbecue;
firewood.

In ecological centers you can rent log cabins and refectories.

Horse rides

If you want to get better acquainted with the natural world in Losinoostrovsky Park, how to get deep into the protected area? There is only one answer - during a horseback riding excursion.

There are 5 equestrian clubs in the park:

"Yauza-1";
"Yauza-2";
"Losinka";
"Mytishchi";
"Career".

Walking routes run through the Losinoostrovsky National Park, Mytishchi and Yauzsky forest parks. During the 1-1.5 hour journey, excursionists will see animal tracks, admire the landscapes, and get acquainted with the main natural complexes. The routes are 3-5 km long; you can go horseback riding without a guide, only accompanied by an instructor.

In winter they organize sleigh rides, in summer - on a cart or tarantass.

Excursion routes around the park

There are more than 45 km of roads in Losinoostrovsky Park walking routes so that excursionists can see the diverse beauty of nature near Moscow.

The ecological trails “Such a Familiar Forest” and “Mytishchi Plavni” will lead through unique landscapes and ecosystems. During the trip, you can see not only small rodents and birds, but also meet large mammals, including the owner of the park, the moose. An excursion to the Verkhneyauz swamps allows you to learn how beavers live and walk along the dam they built.

On the route “Alekseevskaya Grove” you will get acquainted with ancient trees and search for the place where the travel palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich was located. And the excursion “The Path of the Vyatichi”, taking you through the preserved mounds of the 12th-13th centuries, will show the distant past of the Moscow region.

It is extremely interesting to visit the Elk Biological Station, where you can interact with elk calves and, in winter, with deer. However, please note that the tour is only available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and you must pre-register. This is due to the way of life of animals.

A fascinating and educational excursion is held around the arboretum of Losinoostrovsky Park. Part of the route is laid on wooden walkways, laid at a height of 6 m above the ground. This allows you to see the forest through the eyes of its indigenous inhabitants. The guide will tell you not only about forest inhabitants, but also about foresters, whose profession is to protect forest areas.

There is an excursion dedicated to the ancient roads of the XV-XVI centuries.

Excursion programs on ecology, Moscow studies, geography, history, and natural history have been prepared for children and schoolchildren.

How to get there by public transport

Losinoostrovsky Park is easy to get to because... There are many entrances to the park; they are located in different areas of the capital.

To the EPC “Tsarskaya Okhota” from the station. m. Shchelkovskaya you need to take bus No. 361, minibuses 506k, 485, 447k, 396k, 362k, 1222k and 380k to the stop. "Experimental field".
To the EPC "Abramtsevo" from the station. m. Shchelkovskaya follow bus number 627 to the stop with the same name.
If from Art. m. VDNKh take trolleybus No. 76, bus No. 136, 172, 244 or minibuses 76,144, 244, 344, 675 to the stop. Printing College, then you can get to “Red Pine”.
You can get to the Losinaya Biological Station if you take the train from Yaroslavsky railway station and get to the Los or Perlovskaya station, then transfer to bus No. 547 or 3. People also go to the biological station from the station. m. VDNKh on any bus that goes to the region.
From Art. m. VDNKh to the visitor center "Russian Life" go to the stop "Children's Clinic" by buses 136, 172, 903 and 789.
Along the Yaroslavl railway to Mytishchi station or from the station. m. VDNKh by minibus to the 4th km of the Moscow Ring Road (20th km of the Yaroslavl highway) - this is how you can get to the EPC “Tea Party in Mytishchi”.
Child Center located in Korolev; go from Yaroslavsky railway station to Bolshevo station, then take bus number 7.

How to get there by car

Getting to the national park by car is even easier. The 95th kilometer of the Moscow Ring Road bisects the park area. There are exits from the highway leading to recreational areas.

You can drive in from Shchelkovskoye Highway, the landmark is the traffic police post. The arboretum is located here.

How to get to Losinoostrovsky Park by car without getting stuck in traffic jams? In this case, it is worth leaving early in the morning along the Yaroslavl highway.

The recreational part of the park is open 24 hours a day. Ecocenters and museums are open daily, and some excursions require advance registration.

Losiny Ostrov is one of the first national parks in Russia (along with Sochi), located on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow region (Balashikha urban district, Korolev urban district, Shchelkovsky district and the urban settlement of Mytishchi, Mytishchi municipal district).

The largest forest in Moscow and the largest among forests located within cities (Moscow part of the forest).

total area the national park in 2001 was 116,215 km². The forest occupies 96.04 km² (83% of the territory), of which 30.77 km² (27%) are located within the city of Moscow. The rest is occupied by reservoirs - 1.69 km² (2%) and swamps - 5.74 km² (5%). An additional 66.45 km² has been prepared for the expansion of the park.

The park is divided into three functional zones:

Specially protected zone 53.94 km² (47%);

Walking and sports area, 31.30 km² (27%), open to limited visits along established routes;

A recreation area of 29.81 km² (26%) is open to the public.

It includes 6 forest parks: Yauzsky and Losinoostrovsky (located within Moscow), as well as Mytishchi, Losinopogonny, Alekseevsky and Shchelkovsky near Moscow. Geographically, the park is located at the borders of the Meshcherskaya Lowland and the southern spurs of the Klinsko-Dmitrovskaya ridge, which is the watershed between the Moscow River and Klyazma.

The terrain is a slightly hilly plain. The height above sea level ranges from 146 m (the floodplain of the Yauza River) to 175 m. In the central part of the park the relief is the flattest. The most picturesque is the southwestern part of the park, where the terraces above the Yauza floodplain have fairly steep slopes.

The sources of the Yauza and Pekhorka rivers are on the territory of the park. The natural bed of the Yauza was significantly destroyed during peat extraction in 1950 - 1970; The river bed of Pekhorka changed greatly during the construction of the Akulovskaya hydroelectric station. On the territory of Losiny Ostrov, several small rivers and streams flow into the Yauza, including Ichka and Budaika.

History of the park

Losiny Ostrov has been known since 1406. From the 15th to the 17th centuries. the lands were part of the Taininsky palace volost, the lands of which since ancient times served as hunting grounds for Russian princes and tsars. So, in 1564, Ivan IV hunted bears here.
In general, the reserve regime was maintained for Losiny Ostrov. In 1799, the forests were transferred to the treasury department and the first topographic survey was carried out; the forest is divided into quarters, the area of each is equal to a square verst.
The first forestry was founded here in 1842, at the same time senior taxator Yegor Grimme and junior taxator Nikolai Shelgunov completed the first forest management. According to its results, the dominance of spruce (67%) was noted in the forest fund, which was subsequently replaced by pine and birch.

In 1844, forester Vasily Gershner began the creation of man-made forests in Losiny Ostrov. Active silvicultural work, mainly sowing and planting pine, was carried out for 115 years. These plantings are still resistant to intense anthropogenic impact.

In the middle of the 19th century, the Losinoostrovskaya forest dacha (Pogonno-Losino-Ostrovskoye forestry) was organized, and the period of systematic forestry began.

The idea of creating a national park was put forward by the head of the forestry, collegiate adviser Sergei Vasilyevich Dyakov, back in 1912. In 1934, Losiny Ostrov was included in the 50-kilometer “green belt” around Moscow.

Alexey Savrasov. Losiny Island in Sokolniki, 1869

Most of the forest was cut down during the Great Patriotic War. In 1979, by a joint decision of the Moscow city and regional Councils of People's Deputies, Losiny Ostrov was transformed into natural Park, and on August 24, 1983, by decision of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR, a national park was formed.

In September 2006, Moscow Mayor Yu. Luzhkov sent a letter to the Russian Government with a request to reduce the area of the national park in Moscow by 150 hectares (it was planned to lay the Fourth Transport Ring route on this territory, as well as to build cottage village- “Embassy town”). It was proposed to compensate for these territories at the expense of the Gorensky forest park of the Balashikha special forestry enterprise (Moscow region). In January 2007, the Russian Government refused to change the boundaries of Losiny Ostrov to the Moscow mayor.

New Forest Code Russian Federation 2006 (adopted in January 2007) transferred the Forest Park Protective Belt of Moscow to a federal body - Mosleskhoz (a division of Rosleskhoz), which has a meager budget, while its officials are constantly caught selling forests for large bribes. Special forestry enterprises were gradually liquidated and the staff of foresters was disbanded. All this had extremely negative consequences: essentially no one is taking care of the forest, the trees are getting sick, and the number of fires has increased significantly.

Park composition:

Alekseevsky forest park

Mytishchi Forest Park

Yauzsky forest park

Losinoostrovsky forest park

Losino-Pogonny forest park

Shchelkovsky forest park.

Boundaries and illegal development

On December 14, 2009, the Arbitration Court of the Moscow Region, at the request of the regional prosecutor's office, made a decision to declare partially invalid the general plan of the Balashikha urban district, where the boundaries of the Losiny Ostrov National Park were incorrectly displayed. The Federal Arbitration Court of the Moscow District left this decision unchanged.

The developed master plan for the Balashikha urban district, approved by the Council of Deputies and personally by the head of the urban district V.G. Samodelov in December 2005, contained unreliable information about the boundaries of the National Park and partially provided for its development. The park boundary indicated on the plan retreated from the established boundary in some areas up to 400 meters.

Thus, in violation of the current legislation, the document was not submitted to the department of Rosprirodnadzor for the Central Federal District and was not approved and was adopted in violation of the Federal Law “On Specially Protected Natural Areas.”
This law provides that issues of socio-economic activities of economic entities, as well as development projects settlements located on the territories of the relevant national parks and their protected areas are agreed upon with the federal executive authorities.

“During the construction of the new Shchitnikovo microdistrict in August 2008, the developer Construction Company Kifo-N unauthorizedly fenced land plot, located in the 49th quarter of the Alekseevsky Forest Park and carried out work on arranging a foundation pit and trench.
As a result, the soil was damaged over an area of 3,764 square meters. meters and destroyed forest crops on an area of 1 hectare. The damage amounted to over 62 million 792 thousand rubles,” stated the Prosecutor General’s Office.

A criminal case was opened regarding the illegal cutting of trees with unauthorized seizure of territory, which is being investigated by the investigative department at the Internal Affairs Directorate for the city district of Balashikha.

Flora and fauna

The national park is located in the subzone of broad-leaved spruce forests of the Valdai-Onega subprovince of the North European taiga province of the Eurasian taiga region. More than 500 species of vascular plants grow in Losiny Ostrov, including 32 tree species and 37 shrub species.
Forest-forming tree species are birch (46% of the forested area), pine (22%), spruce (16%), linden (13%), oak (3%). The share of other breeds is insignificant. There are a wide range of species of herbaceous plants classified as rare and subject to protection on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow region (common wolfberry, lily of the valley, European swimmer, peach-leaved bell, nettle-leaved bell, green-flowered lyubka, bifolia lyubka, true nesting plant, etc.) Here is the only place in the near Moscow region, where liverwort nobly grows naturally.

The fauna includes more than 230 species of vertebrates, including more than 160 species of birds, 38 species of mammals; 15 species are represented by fish, 10 by amphibians and 5 by reptiles.
According to information from employees of the maintenance and improvement service of the national park, at the beginning of 2013, 70 moose, 300 sika deer, 200 wild boars, 300 hares lived on the territory of Losiny Ostrov; There are also foxes, American minks, raccoon dogs, squirrels, hazel dormouse, beavers, muskrats, bank voles, wood mice, goshawks, white-tailed eagles and many others.

Extermination of fauna by stray dogs

At the beginning of the 21st century, wild fauna is being exterminated by packs of stray dogs living in the park. According to the Izvestia newspaper, packs of 10 to 15 dogs in the park hunt young wild boars and deer, knocking them away from their parents, destroy the ground nests of birds, and catch squirrels, stoats, ferrets and other animals.
The huntsman service systematically shoots stray dogs. According to the editor-in-chief of the Red Book of Moscow, Boris Samoilov, stray dogs have almost completely destroyed the sika deer in the park.

Deputy Director of the National Park Vladimir Sobolev reported in 2009 that the previous winter there were 5 incidents involving the death of animals as a result of attacks by packs of dogs: deer, elk and wild boar died.

According to the newspaper Moskovia, which cites employees of the national park, 17 Far Eastern deer were brought to the protected part of Losiny Ostrov in the 1960s.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the herd numbered about 200 individuals. However, since 2005, employees began to find gnawed skeletons of deer that were victims of attacks by stray dogs. In just one winter, 2008-2009, 17 deer died as a result of dog attacks, which is about 10% of the herd, the publication claims.

Employee of the Institute of Ecology and Evolution named after. A. N. Severtsova RAS, ecologist Andrei Poyarkov expressed the opinion that the reasons for the decline in the population of wild animals lie in human factor. In his opinion, information about the cruelty of stray animals is exaggerated: (inaccessible link)

“Stray dogs do not kill any fallow deer or sika deer. It's been 20 years since deer have appeared in the city. Until recently, they were fed near Abramtsevo, but then the animals were taken deeper into the region. The reason is the Moscow Ring Road and poachers. As for the fallow deer, the Muscovites themselves pitted them against the guard dogs. A stray dog will not attack such large animals. »

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

Centuries-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 this area natural park appeared much earlier. It is believed that coniferous trees have been purposefully 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 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 surrounded by a moat, and mere mortals were not allowed to visit this place, intended for walking and hunting for royalty.

The modern territory of Losiny Island

Today the reserve is divided into three natural kingdoms - it is a protected area that is closed to tourist visits and is carefully guarded. This is a place where wild animals constantly live in their natural environment; research. Losinoostrovsky Park also has a protected area open to tourists. This is a natural area that 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” moose. There are also museums and excursion trails here. The diagram of Losinoostrovsky Park allows us to notice that the reserve also has a third zone - open for mass visits by vacationers in a 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. During those difficult years, new trees and shrubs were planted on the territory. Today, the reserve is home to more than 700 species of plants, 36 species of lichens, 90 varieties of mushrooms and 150 algae. Losinoostrovsky Park boasts trees that have already celebrated their centennial anniversary. Interesting place- Alekseevskaya Grove, where the growing trees are at least 250 years old. Rare species of herbs are also found 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 home to elk, which once gave it its name, as well as wild boars, roe deer, beavers, and fur-bearing animals. Local reservoirs are home to fish and amphibians. You can find a variety of reptiles, a wide variety of birds, and many varieties of insects in the reserve.

Excursions to the reserve

If you want to spend a day on the property 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. Visitors are offered several eco-trip options. In addition, on the territory of the reserve you can visit the museum of peasant life, royal hunting and a children's zoo. To book an excursion, contact one of the park's Visitor Centers.

Independent holiday

In the part of the park open to the public, there are no attractions and cafes familiar to many recreation areas. This is a place for relaxing walks and bike rides. It is not forbidden to have picnics in the park. Just don’t forget to pick up all the trash after yourself, let’s save Losinoostrovsky Park! You can also grill kebabs in an area accessible to public visits and walks. However, this should be done strictly in designated areas, on special sites, using barbecues. Remember - the future natural area depends on the behavior and care of each visitor. In addition, failure to comply with simple rules for nature conservation in the reserve will result in a serious fine.

How to get there?

Many residents of the capital cannot even believe that it is so clean and beautiful. natural corner may exist in close proximity to large 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, notably, some of them are located from Moscow, while others are from the region. You can get to the park from Korolev, Balashikha, Shchelkovo, Mytishchi. From Moscow, the most convenient way is to get to VDNKh, and then drive a few more stops by land 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 the surrounding area, which will help you create the most convenient route. The reserve is open year-round, but, according to many tourists, it is most beautiful and interesting here in the summer.

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