Where is the main entrance to Elk Island Park? Losiny Island

In ancient times, the forests northeast of Moscow were a favorite place for royal hunting and falconry. The first sovereign of All Rus', Ivan the Terrible, loved to go bear hunting here. A little later, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich established the “Government’s Hunting Path” on these lands - a hunting area with a special, reserved and protective status. Mere mortals here were forbidden to catch animals and birds, cut down trees, pick berries, or build houses.

And at a time when there were almost no animals left in other forests near Moscow, elk still lived in these places. This fact partly explains the wonderful name “ Elk Island" Why an island? It’s just that in the old days this was the name given to forests located between villages and fields; moreover, Losiny Ostrov was surrounded by a deep ditch filled with water.

The territory of Losiny Ostrov remained royal possessions until the revolution; 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 just 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 audits 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 a most valuable natural monument.

Today it is divided into three zones:

1. Reserve, where nature is preserved in an untouched form. It is a habitat for rare wild animals and birds, so it is not only closed to visitors, but also protected;

2. educational excursion, through which several environmental and tourist routes, which you can go through accompanied by 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 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 takes its source, the floodplain of which is often flooded. In addition to the Yauza, many rivers and streams flow through the reserve, forming an entire water network. Once upon a time, canals with a total length of more than 100 km were laid here. Now many of them are abandoned.

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

Even during 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 enhancing the natural wealth of this reserve.

The modern flora of Losiny Ostrov 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 groves and taiga spruce forests have been preserved here. The pine trees 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!

Grass cover national park They consist of forest grass, buttercup anemone, lungwort, goose onion, bileaf, green grass, sedge, and wintergreen. There are also a lot of berries here: lingonberries, blueberries, sorrel, 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, sika deer were brought into the park, the beaver population was completely restored, and wild boars proliferated.

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

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

Thanks to a significant forest area and long-term restrictions on forestry activities, the Losiny Ostrov National Park, even today, against the backdrop of the urban panorama of a multimillion-dollar city, remains one of the richest and most interesting among the forests of the Moscow region in terms of the richness of flora and fauna.

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

Losiny Ostrov is 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 (mainly 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.

Many people visit Elk Island National Park. 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, and also note 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 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 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 such a wonderful place as the biostation (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 from railway station“Los” goes by bus No. 547, or from the “Perlovskaya” station - bus or minibus No. 3, they go to final stop near the forest.

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

Losiny Ostrov National Park is located in Moscow and the Moscow region. Losiny Island 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 is carried out on the territory Losinoostrovsky Park for more than 115 years, since then it has been amazing place turned into a real coniferous forest.

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

This is one of the first national parks 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, broad-leaved forests, meadows and swamps. This pristine nature in its natural state in the recreational area of ​​the park is complemented by tree plantings, meadows and ponds. The most unique object on the territory of Losiny Island is Alekseevskaya Grove. It is a section of forest, most of which is coniferous trees, about 250 years old. On the territory of Alekseevskaya Grove there is a historical and archaeological complex called “Tsar’s Hunt”.


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

Attractions

A national park is not only protected forests and recreation areas. This place preserves a piece of Russian rural life. In a picturesque old manor There is a museum “Russian Life”, which presents archaeological finds and household items of people who lived in the 19th-20th centuries. The exhibits of the Tsar's Hunt museum introduce visitors to the historical complex to the life and characteristics of various types of Russian hunting: hound, falcon, etc.


To make exploring the nature of Losiny Island more interesting and exciting, there are several routes throughout the park. excursion routes, by following which you will unravel all the mysteries of the local nature, and also learn the history of Muscovy. The most popular route among others is the “Such a Familiar Forest” trail. The dense spruce forest creates the atmosphere of a dense fairy-tale forest and it is impossible to believe that civilization is in full swing nearby. After all, from here it’s only two kilometers to the busy Moscow highway (Yaroslavskoye Highway).


Elks are the main attraction of the national park.

The Elk Biological Station is located next to the ranger section of Losiny Ostrov. Here you can meet the living

There is a national park in Moscow, which is located on Losiny Island. This is where the green massif got its name. The first mention of the park dates back to 1406. The green area, located in the northeast of the capital, was a favorite territory for royal falconry and chase hunting. Since then, Losiny Ostrov (park) has not lost its attractiveness. But now the territory is used for other purposes.

History of the park

Losiny Ostrov National Park begins its history in the 15th century, but acquired its status later. The green area was first mentioned in written sources during the period when Moscow became the center of northeastern Rus'. At that time, the island belonged to the Taininsky volost, located along today's Yaroslavl highway. Ivan the Terrible loved to hunt in the park.

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

With the advent of St. Petersburg, attention to the park decreased significantly, and it began to be overgrown with thickets; trees were mercilessly cut down by peasants for their own needs. In 1804, the position of the island changed. Forest protection has resumed again. In 1805, the island again received the status of a nature 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 were carried out natural resources, and the island was divided into 4 parts: one operational and three reserved. Losiny Ostrov National Park was created in August 1983. It was based on a ministerial resolution. Since then, the territory has been considered a very valuable natural monument.

Description of the park

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

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

Park location

"Losiny Island" (Moscow) originates from Sokolniki. It borders with the cities:

  • Korolev;
  • Balashikha;
  • Mytishchi;
  • Shchelkovo.

Losiny Ostrov Park is located on an area of ​​12,000 hectares, but only 2/3 of the forest area is located outside the Moscow Ring Road. From the southwestern border of the reserve to the Kremlin is only eight kilometers. 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. There are also many streams and reservoirs in the reserve, forming a large water network. Previously, the park contained canals over 100 kilometers long. Now most of them are abandoned.

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

Separately, it is worth paying attention to Alekseevskaya Grove, which for a long time also had the status of a nature reserve. This unique territory, whose age is 250 years. 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 attention of the country's leaders. Trees were constantly being added to the area. Thanks to the work of many volunteer designers, the reserve has acquired a wonderful appearance, as evidenced by numerous reviews.

Now more than 800 species of various plants grow in the park: lichens, mushrooms, etc. Many plants are listed in the Red Book of Russia. Pine trees mainly grow in Alekseevskaya Grove. Miraculously, centuries-old linden trees, taiga spruce forests and oak forests have been preserved. The grass cover is also varied. Growing in the park:

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

There are a lot of wild strawberries, blueberries and wood sorrel growing in the park, which visitors love. Since it abounds in swamps, there is also an abundance of lingonberries on the territory.

Animal world

The animals of 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 ancient times, many horned artiodactyls lived in the territory. The number of moose 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 completely restored. There are many fur-bearing animals in the reserve:

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

At night, the park is dominated by owls and bats. Rodents get along well with animals, harmoniously complementing the reserve with their presence.

Biological station on Losiny Island

The biological station in the Losiny Ostrov park is located next to the ranger’s station. This is a place where you are allowed not only to look at artiodactyls. You can pet and feed not only adults, but also young ones. Moose take this calmly. These are very careful animals and wildlife 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 interested about the peculiarities of animal behavior, their domestication and nutrition. There are separate individual excursions. In winter you can even watch sika deer. Visits to the biological station are by appointment.

How to get to the biological station?

It will take a long time to get to the biological station. From the VDNKh metro station there is a lot of walking towards the region regular buses. You need to take any of them and get to the first stop after the Moscow Ring Road. Get out before turning 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 reaches a forest, you need to turn left. From there you will be able to see the barrier with the checkpoint. Go straight all the time, turn left at the fork and get to the biological station, which is equipped with a gate.

Losiny Island (park): how to get there?

There are several ways to do this. The entrance to the park is located from Prokhodchikov and Roterta streets. Nearby are the Babushkinskaya and Medvedkovo metro stations. The park can be quickly reached from the Los railway platform.

Or you can get there by buses No. 136 and 172, which depart from the VDNH metro station. Trams No. 29, 36 and 12 go to another part of the park. They depart from the station. m. "Ulitsa Podbelskogo".


Moscow region, Moscow city

Founding history
"Losiny Island" is a unique territory. Here, close to a multimillion-dollar city, nature has been preserved in its natural state Central Russia in all its diversity: coniferous, birch and broad-leaved forests, areas of meadows and raised swamps, the sources of the Yauza with lakes and floodplains. Ten kilometers from the Kremlin live beavers, wild boars and moose, many birds of prey, and plants rare in the Moscow region grow.
Losiny Ostrov National Park is one of the first in Russia, created in 1983 on the territory that since ancient times served as the protected hunting grounds of the Grand Dukes and Tsars.

Physiographical features
Geographically, the park is confined to the junction of the Meshcherskaya lowland and the Klinsko-Dmitrovskaya ridge, which is the watershed of the Moscow and Klyazma rivers. The most picturesque area is in the southwest of the park. On the territory of the park are the sources of the Yauza and Pekhorka rivers, there are several ponds: Alekseevsky, Golyanovsky, Kazenny and others. All these reservoirs are located in the recreational area of ​​the park. The swamps in the park occupy a fairly large area. The Verkhne-Yauza wetland complex with an area of ​​about 1000 hectares is of particular value.
The climate of the region is moderate continental. The coldest month is January ( average temperature-10ºС), the warmest is July (average temperature +19.5ºС).

Diversity of flora and fauna
Forests occupy about 80% of the national park's area. These are birch, coniferous, and broad-leaved forests.
The composition of the flora is dominated by forest species; there is a relatively large number of weeds and alien species, since the park is surrounded by settlements, transport routes and agricultural land.
Rare species of herbaceous plants that are subject to protection in Moscow and the Moscow region are quite widely represented in the park. Here you can find common wolfberry, lily of the valley, European swimmer, nettle-leaved bell, bifolia, and club moss.
Exclusively interesting object park - Alekseevskaya Grove, on the territory of which the reserve regime was maintained for a long time. This is a unique area of ​​forest almost 250 years old, the main forest-forming species of which is pine.
Very diverse animal world parka. In the last 15 years, thanks to the restoration of a large wetland complex in the upper reaches of the Yauza River and the allocation of a significant protected area, a very interesting ornithocomplex of shorebirds and meadow birds has formed here, and spawning grounds have emerged.
In the forest area, surrounded on all sides by cities with a population of millions, sika deer, moose, wild boar, mink, squirrel live or appear during migration, muskrats build their huts, beavers build dams.
13 species of diurnal birds of prey and owls nest in the park, including the falcon and lesser spotted eagle, which are rare in the Moscow region. The most common fish are pike, crucian carp, perch, roach, bream, and burbot.

Cultural heritage
The long history of development of the region and proximity to the “white stone” explain a large number cultural monuments on the territory of the park. During archaeological excavations burial mounds of the Vyatichi people (11th–12th centuries) and ancient settlements were discovered. During excavations in Alekseevskaya Grove, the remains of a palace building from the late 17th century were found.
The history of the Mytishchi pumping station is closely connected with the construction of the first gravity water supply system in Russia during the time of Catherine II. Once upon a time in these parts there was a chapel on the famous Thunder Spring, the most abundant source of water for the capital city. And the Belokamennaya station on the first Moscow district railway- a rare monument of industrial architecture.

What to watch
The Losiny Ostrov NP preserves not only the forests that once surrounded the Kremlin, but also the history of the rural way of life of our ancestors. In the “Russian Life” museum, located in the Losinoostrovsky forestry estate, you will see both archaeological finds of the origins of the Slavs and everyday objects of the 19th-20th centuries. In winter, after a walk in the forest, you can warm up in the hut by the stove and drink hot, fragrant tea. On hot days the house provides coolness. From here you can organize horseback riding around the park: in the summer in a tarantass, in the winter in a sleigh with bells.
The ecological trails of Losiny Island are one of the opportunities to combine recreation with knowledge of the nature and history of the Moscow outskirts. The most visited route is the “Such a Familiar Forest” trail. You can walk along it either independently or accompanied by a guide. Dense thickets of fir trees create the feeling of a fabulous dense forest and it’s hard to believe that you are within Moscow, 2 km from the Yaroslavl highway and only 15 km from the Kremlin.

Based on materials from oopt.info and zapoved.ru