Information about the Elk Island National Park. Losinoostrovsky park: a natural pearl of the Moscow region

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 urban settlement Mytishchi, Mytishchi municipal district).

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

The total area of ​​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 water bodies - 1.69 km² (2%) and swamp - 5.74 km² (5%). An additional 66.45 km² is prepared for the expansion of the park.

The park is divided into three functional areas:

Specially protected area 53.94 km² (47%);

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

Recreation area 29.81 km² (26%), open to the public.

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

The terrain is a slightly hilly plain. The height above sea level ranges from 146 m (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 rather steep slopes.

On the territory of the park, the sources of the Yauza and Pekhorka rivers. The natural channel of the Yauza was significantly destroyed during the extraction of peat in the 1950s - 1970s; the bed of Pekhorka changed a lot during the construction of the Akulovskaya hydroelectric power 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 Tainin palace volost, the lands of which since ancient times have served as hunting grounds for Russian princes and tsars. So, in 1564 Ivan IV hunted bears here.
In general, the reserve regime was preserved 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 mile.
The first forestry was founded here in 1842, at the same time the first forest ordering was completed by the senior taxator Yegor Grimme and the junior taxator Nikolai Shelgunov. 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 initiated the creation of man-made forests in Losiny Ostrov. Active forestry work, mainly sowing and planting pine, has been 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, a period of systematic forestry began.

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

Alexey Savrasov. Elk 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 nature Park, and on August 24, 1983, by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR, a national park was formed.

In September 2006, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov sent a letter to the Government of Russia with a request to reduce the area of ​​the national park in Moscow by 150 hectares (it was planned to lay the route of the Fourth Transport Ring on this territory, as well as cottage village- "Ambassadorial town"). It was proposed to compensate 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 Moscow forest park protection belt to a federal body - Mosleskhoz (a division of Rosleskhoz), which has a meager budget, while its officials are constantly caught selling timber for large bribes. Gradually, special forestry enterprises were liquidated, the staff of foresters was dismissed. All this had extremely negative consequences: in fact, no one is engaged in the forest, the trees are sick, the number of fires has greatly increased.

Park composition:

Alekseevsky forest park

Mytishchi forest park

Yauzsky forest park

Losinoostrovsky forest park

Losino-Pogonny forest park

Shchelkovo forest park.

Borders and illegal building

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

The developed general plan of 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 inaccurate information about the borders of the National Park and partially provided for its development. The park boundary marked on the plan deviated from the established boundary in some areas up to 400 meters.

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

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

On the fact of illegal felling of trees with unauthorized seizure of the territory, a criminal case was initiated, which is being investigated by the investigation department at the Internal Affairs Directorate for the Balashikha urban district.

Flora and fauna

National park is located in the subzone of broadleaf-spruce forests of the Valdai-Onega sub-province of the North European taiga province of the Eurasian taiga region. Losiny Ostrov is home to over 500 species of vascular plants, including 32 arboreal 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 widely represented 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 swimsuit, peach bell, nettle bell, green-flowered lyubka, double-leaved lyubka, real nesting, etc.) in the near Moscow region, where the noble liverwort naturally grows.

The fauna numbers more than 230 species of vertebrates, including more than 160 species of birds, 38 species of mammals; 15 species are fish, 10 - amphibians and 5 - reptiles.
According to the staff of the service for the maintenance and improvement of the national park, at the beginning of 2013, 70 elks, 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, forest mice, goshawks, white-tailed eagles and many others.

Extermination of fauna by stray dogs

At the beginning of the XXI century, wild fauna is being exterminated by flocks of stray dogs living in the park. According to the Izvestia newspaper, packs of 10-15 dogs in the park hunt young wild boars and deer, beating them away from their parents, ravaging ground bird nests, catching squirrels, ermines, ferrets and other animals.
The hunting service conducts a systematic shooting of stray dogs. According to the editor-in-chief of the Red Book of Moscow, Boris Samoilov, stray dogs have almost completely destroyed sika deer in the park.

The deputy director of the national park, Vladimir Sobolev, reported in 2009 that in the previous winter there were 5 incidents related to the death of animals as a result of attacks by packs of dogs: deer, elk and wild boar were killed.

According to the newspaper Moskovia, which refers to the staff of the national park, 17 Far Eastern deer were brought to the protected area 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, which were the victim of an attack by stray dogs. In only one winter of 2008-2009, 17 deer died as a result of an attack by dogs, which is about 10% of the herd, the newspaper claims.

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

“Stray dogs do not kill any fallow deer and sika deer. For 20 years now, deer have not 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. "

Losiny Ostrov natural park is the only one on the territory of Russia national reserve, which is located within the metropolis, just 15 kilometers from the Kremlin.

A bit of history

The territory on which the Losiny Ostrov park is located today once belonged to the palace Taininskaya volost. Ivan the Terrible also loved to arrange hunting in these places. The park got its name "Losiny Ostrov" during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, who also loved hunting and used to set hounds on elk here.

Already at the beginning of the 18th century, a forest guard was organized here. On large areas, deforestation, drainage of swamps, and construction of roads were carried out. Work was carried out on the laying of coniferous trees. Shortly before the revolution, they wanted to turn Losiny Ostrov into a national park. The plans were not realized - the World War began. 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:

1. Specially guarded. The area is 54 sq. km. The area is closed to the public.
2. For sports and walking, 31 sq. km.
3. The recreation area is 31 sq. km. and borders on the residential areas of the capital.

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

Vegetable world

More than 60% of the vegetation is represented by deciduous trees, of which oak prevails. There are also birch groves. Linden is common. The rest of the forest is represented by pine, spruce and larch trees. 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 protected regime. The grove is rightfully considered unique and adorns the Losiny Ostrov.

The park pleases visitors with an abundance of herbaceous plants. Lilies of the valley, bells, fuchs, marsh dremlik and many others grow here. At the same time, there are no flora representatives on the territory of the reserve, which are included 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 Elk Island.

The park has become a haven for moose and wild boars, martens, hares and many others. The brown hare lives in the swampy meadows, the population of which is steadily declining due to the reduction of the range 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 the nearest residential areas. In the middle of the forest, you can find numerous benches for relaxation, a meadow with a children's playground and a place for sports.

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

There is also a stable. Horse-riding enthusiasts adore Elk Island. The park is just made for leisurely horseback riding.

Walking along the trails, you can feed the squirrels. There are many animals here, and he is not afraid of people - he is ready to take food from his hand.

Winter gives the reserve a special charm. Skiing in untouched forest and the freshest air make this a popular destination even in the winter cold. Ice skating enthusiasts can satisfy their impulse on the frozen mirror of one of the reservoirs.

The sanitary maintenance service of the reserve daily removes more than 2.5 hectares of the recreational zone from various garbage, dead wood. Also, it is necessary to eliminate the consequences of illegal picnics and spontaneous dump sites. More attention is paid to places of greatest congestion - sites, reservoirs, popular walking routes... No matter how hard the sanitary services try, their work is not diminished. The situation can only change with an improvement in the quality of the cultural education of citizens.

sights

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

There are also archaeological artifacts found during excavations of burial 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 items on display are presented below.

There is an elk station next to the huntsman's site. Here you can not only see moose or wild boars - you can communicate with animals and feed them from your hands. Just walking in the park, it is problematic to meet a moose. He is a very sensitive animal and, at the slightest noise, moves into the depths of the protected area.

About the park

National Park is a category of specially protected natural areas, designed at first glance to combine the incompatible - the preservation of natural and cultural landscapes, rare species and reference ecosystems with their use for recreational and educational purposes.

Losiny Ostrov is a mosaic of natural and human-transformed ecosystems, allowing species with very different life needs to exist on this essentially closed territory.

In recent decades, Losiny Ostrov has become an integral part of the recreational infrastructure of Moscow and its satellite cities. The attendance of the national park is very high: an average of 10 thousand people daily, up to 150 thousand people on "peak" days, in the amount of 3-5 million people a year. At the same time, for many residents of the areas bordering the park, the Losiny Ostrov forest is the only place for a good rest.

Total area 125 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 water bodies - 1.69 km² (2%) and swamp - 5.74 km² (5%).

Higher plants more than 800 species have been identified, including 80 species of trees and 76 species of shrubs.

• lichens - at least 90 species;
• mushrooms - 128 species;
• algae - at least 150 species.

Animals:

• mammals - 43 species;
• birds - about 180 species;
• reptiles - 5 species;
• amphibians - 8 species.

The most valuable natural complexes:

• spruce and linden old forests of the central part of the park;
• Mytishchi Plavni with the largest gull colony in the Moscow region;
• areas of sphagnum bogs, incl. small peat bog 11 thousand years old and 7.5 m deep;
• damp meadows as a habitat for orchids;
• fragments of indigenous floodplain black alder forests;
• Alekseevskaya grove.

Photo

History of the park

Already in 1912, a project for a national park in Losiny Ostrov was proposed, but the First World War prevented its creation.
In 1935 Losiny Ostrov became part of the Moscow forest-park protective belt.

Historically, the national park is an amazing combination of cultural landscapes that have preserved the features of different eras:

• settlements of the Slavs-Vyatichi of the last centuries of the Slavic colonization of the basin of the river. Oki,
• villages inhabited by tsarist "service people" in the 15th-16th centuries;
• grand-ducal and royal hunting grounds;
• the estate of A.D. Menshikov (his first land ownership);
• the first Moscow "Ekaterininsky" water supply system;
• the old forest of the Pogonno-Losinoostrovskaya forest dacha and the oldest forest cultures in the Moscow region are a living monument to forest scientists who were looking for the most perfect methods of forestry.

One of the world's largest reserves is located in the north-east of Moscow. Losinoostrovsky Park starts from Sokolniki and extends to Balashikha, Mytishchi and Shchelkovo. About 12 thousand hectares in the megalopolis are reserved for the nature of central Russia preserved in its natural form.

History of Losiny Ostrov park

From the XV century. the lands near Moscow were the royal hunting grounds. The Russian nobility came here, and Ivan the Terrible himself loved to spend time, so the forest was protected and protected. The name "Losiny Ostrov" appears at the time of Alexei Mikhailovich Quiet, who often came to hunt with hounds and falcons.

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

What is Losiny Ostrov park

More than 80% of the park area is reserved for 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, moraine hills.

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

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

Unique flora of the park

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

The Pine Mane has been preserved since 1865; there are also 250-year-old oaks in the park. The system of reed and lowland bogs is represented by the Mytishchi floodplains and the Verkhnyazuzsky wetland complex, rare lichens grow on the Verkhovy bog, and orchids grow in the shallow waters of the Budaika, Ichka, 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. Spotted deer, hares, squirrels, martens live in Losinoostrovsky Park. Wild boars, ferrets, ermines and muskrats found shelter. About 120 bird species have chosen the park as a nesting place, among them the eagle, partridge, kestrel, owl, and snake-eater. Many birds, such as cranes, waders, swans, stop during their wintering flight.

Visiting centers of Losinoostrovsky park

In a popular recreation place among Muscovites, there are an elk station, stables, an arboretum, as well as several environmental educational centers (EPC).

Employees of the EOC conduct excursions along ecological paths, environmental actions, lectures and master classes, game programs, and celebrate national holidays.

In "Red Pine" you can visit the corner of nature and the House of the Fairy Tale, where Baba Yaga is the boss.

Visiting the EOC "Tea drinking in Mytishchi", you can find out where the water came to Moscow from, what samovars were used, how they drank tea. There is a monument next to the ecological center architecture XIX Art. - a water intake station that is still in operation.

The Museum "Tsarskaya Okhota" is located in the visit-center of the same name and introduces the traditions of Russian hunting, tells how they dressed for the hunt and organized the departure of the tsar, orientated themselves on the terrain. Near the visitor center are the remains of the hunting lodge of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

EPTs "Abramtsevo" is located in the former jaeger cordon of the XIX century.

Each visitor center will give you delicious herbal tea, treat you with bagels, ride horses and lead you along reserved park paths.

Rest at nature

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

Not far from the entrances to the park next to the EPTs "Tea drinking in Mytishchi", "Abramtsevo", "Krasnaya sosna", "Russian life" there are cozy picnic spots. These are wooden houses, sheds, gazebos and tents, which have everything you need:

• tables and benches;
• barbecue;
• firewood.

Log cabin refectory can be rented in the ecological centers.

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 horse excursion.

There are 5 horse clubs in the park:

• "Yauza-1";
• "Yauza-2";
• "Losinka";
• "Mytischi";
• "Career".

Walking routes run through the national park Losinoostrovsky, Mytishchinsky and Yauzsky forest parks. For 1-1.5 hours of travel, sightseers will see animal tracks, admire the landscapes, get acquainted with the main natural complexes. The routes are 3-5 km long, you can go on horseback riding without a guide, only accompanied by an instructor.

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

Excursion routes in the park

More than 45 km have been laid along Losinoostrovsky Park hiking trails so that tourists can see the various beauty of the nature near Moscow.

Ecological trails "Such a familiar forest", "Mytishchi Plavni" will lead you through unique landscape 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 elk. An excursion to the Verkhneyauzskie bogs allows you to learn how beavers live and walk along the dam they have erected.

On the Alekseevskaya Grove route, you will get acquainted with ancient trees and search for the place where you were travel palace Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. And the excursion "By the path of the Vyatichi", leading through the preserved burial mounds of the XII-XIII centuries, will show the distant past of the Moscow region.

It is extremely interesting to visit Losina biological station, where you can communicate with moose calves, and in winter with deer. However, it should be noted that the excursion is held only at 11 and 13 o'clock, and it is necessary to pre-register. This is due to the way of life of animals.

A fascinating and informative excursion is conducted around the arboretum of Losinoostrovsky Park. Part of the route runs along wooden walkways 6 m above the ground. This allows you to see the forest through the eyes of its native inhabitants. The guide will tell you not only about forest dwellers, but also about foresters, whose profession is to protect forest areas.

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

Prepared for kids and schoolchildren excursion programs on ecology, Moscow studies, geography, history, natural history.

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 parts of the capital.

1. To the EPTs "Tsarskaya Okhota" from the station. m. Shchelkovskaya you need to go bus number 361, minibuses 506k, 485, 447k, 396k, 362k, 1222k and 380k to the stop. "Experimental field".
2. To the EPTs "Abramtsevo" from the station. m. Shchelkovskaya bus number 627 follows to the stop with the same name.
3. If from Art. m. VDNKh take trolleybus no. 76, bus no. 136, 172, 244 or minibuses 76,144, 244, 344, 675 to the stop. Polygraphic College, you can get into the "Red Pine".
4. You can get to Losinaya biological station if you take a train from the Yaroslavl station and get to the station Los or Perlovskaya, then change to bus # 547 or 3. People go to the biological station from the station. m. VDNKh by any bus that goes to the region.
5. From st. m. VDNKh to the visit center "Russian life" to go to the stop "Children's Clinic" by buses 136, 172, 903 and 789.
6. Along the Yaroslavl railway to the station Mytishchi or from the station. m. VDNKh by minibus to the 4th km of the Moscow Ring Road (20th km of the Yaroslavskoe highway) - this is how you can get to the EPC "Tea drinking in Mytishchi".
7. Child Center located in the city of Korolev; go from the Yaroslavsky railway station to the Bolshevo station, then by bus # 7.

How to get there by car

It is even easier to get to the national park by car. The 95th kilometer of the Moscow Ring Road crosses the park area in half. There are exits from the road leading to recreational areas.

You can enter from the Shchelkovskoye highway, the landmark is the traffic police post. The arboretum is located here.

How to get to Losinoostrovsky park by car so as not to get 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 around the clock. Ecocenters and museums are open daily, some excursions require an advance registration.

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 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 overlook 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 bike 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, figurines of animals 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 environmental and historic centers the park, which includes "Russian life", "Red pine", "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 ancient history. To an ordinary person several weeks will not be enough 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 Yaroslavskaya railroad or from metro VDNKh by buses No. 172, 136. In addition, from the Ulitsa Podbelskogo metro station, you can get to another part of the park by trams No. 36, 12, 29.