Mari Chodra National Park and caves. Mari Chodra National Park

The Mari Chodra National Park is one of the most beautiful corners of our state, the pearl of the Mari region. Its visiting card is rightfully the cleanest lakes and springs, full-flowing rivers, forests with their diversity of flora and fauna. The territory of the national park includes natural complexes and objects of the Middle Volga region, which have a special ecological, historical and aesthetic value, which are intended for use in environmental, educational, scientific, cultural purposes and for regulated tourism.

Any activity that can damage natural complexes and objects of flora and fauna, cultural and historical objects of the national park is prohibited on the territory of the national park. In this regard, a differentiated protection regime has been established in the park, taking into account its natural, historical, cultural and other features, and five functional zones have been identified in the park.

The vertebrate fauna of the national park "Mariy Chodra" has a mixed character due to the peculiarities of the geographical location of the territory occupied by the park. In the fauna of the national park there are taiga species (brown bear, elk, wood grouse, hazel grouse), 4 species of coniferous-broad-leaved forests (yellow mountain mouse, squirrel, dormouse, oriole, green woodpecker), as well as forest-steppe species (hare, field mouse, reddish ground squirrel, common hamster). In total, 58 species of mammals are represented in the park, of which 1 species is included in the IUCN Red List, 2 species are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and 17 species are in the Red Book of the Republic of Mari El.

The avifauna of the national park is represented by 188 species of birds, of which 11 species are in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and 44 species are in the Red Book of the Republic of Mari El. The most representative orders are galliformes ( capercaillie, hazel grouse, black grouse), anseriformes (mallard, gray goose, whooper swan, wigeon, common goldeney, pintail), owls (snowy owl, eagle owl, long-eared owl, long-tailed and gray owl), falconiformes (osprey , red-footed falcon, kestrel, white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, buzzard, white-tailed eagle, short-toed eagle, black kite) and passerines (raven, magpie, jay, chaffinch, siskin, goldfinch).

Amphibians and reptiles are represented by 13 and 6 species, respectively. More than 43 species of fish live in the rivers and lakes of the park - catfish, pike, crucian carp, golden and silver, carp, tench, bream. A rare species, the European grayling, lives in the channels of the Ilet River. The invertebrates of the Mariy Chodra National Park have not been studied enough. To date, 281 species of arachnids, 10 species of flatworms, 1408 species of insects, 73 species of mollusks have been identified.

Lake Yalchik is the largest lake in the Republic of Mari El
By origin, the lake is a failure-karst lake. It consists of two lakes, Big and Small Yalchik, connected by a canal, which periodically dries up in summer.
There is a legend that the lake was formed after the washed meadow collapsed. The last big collapse happened in 1914 and created a big wave.
Lake Yalchik is one of the popular places for summer recreation for residents of Mari El and the Republic of Tatarstan. There are many explanations for its popularity. Firstly, it is the amazing nature that surrounds the lake. Secondly, the purest water, and majestic coniferous forests around. The forest is not only transparent, but also, one might say, healing air.
In addition to the cleanest lake, there are 20 recreational facilities in the water area. These are children's health camps, boarding houses and recreation centers.

In the tourist town of Kugu-Er there are 14 houses for tourists: two and four local. It offers vacationers: rental of sports equipment, catamarans, boats, the opportunity to cook food on a fire and relax with the whole family or a friendly company. On the coast there is a beach where you can sunbathe.

Ecological and local history trail "Trace of a man"
The route passes through the forest of one of the unique natural objects - the national park "Mariy Chodra".
The route passes through the historical places of the Lushmarsky forestry
"Old Kazan tract"
"River Yushut"
"Mineral springs"
"Floodplain oak forests"
"River Ilet"
"Stone quarry"
"Mixed Forest"

You can also visit the equestrian site, where you will find an exciting ride on a horse along a short route for beginners (300 rubles) or riding in a circle on a rein (50 rubles).

Old Kazan tract
This road in the past connected the city of Kazan with Tsarevokokshaysk, now the city of Yoshkar-Ola. It was the most difficult of the postal roads of the Kazan province and the only one where carts were going. The road went for the most part through marshy and sparsely populated places in the middle of the forest, which made it difficult for both foot and horseback, and laden wagons to move. In addition, there are several steep and dangerous descents and ascents from the city of Kazan to Klenovaya Gora. It is known from history that Emelyan Pugachev with his army of 500 people, leaving Kazan, passed through the Mari forests: in particular, along the Kazan highway. Not far from Lake Konan-Er, he climbed an oak tree and peered through a spyglass at the city of Kazan, engulfed in fire. Until now, this oak is called “Pugachev’s oak”, and these places are called “Pugachev’s” places.

The old Kazan tract was the main "artery" connecting the city of Kazan with the Mari capital, the proud Yoshkar-Ola (Tsarevokokshaisk). But after the railway bridge across the Ilet River was built in 1927, it lost its former significance. The first train reached the Ilet station and returned back to Kazan. After the construction of the railway bridge, the train was able to reach the capital of the Republic of Mari - El - Yoshkar-Ola. The construction of this road was carried out manually, with the help of a pickaxe, shovels, wheelbarrows and stretchers. In the 1960s, the construction of a highway began. Imagine, before, to get from the village of Krasnogorsky to Tsarevokokshaysk, truck drivers took vouchers for three days. And in places where it was impossible to drive (through swamps, sands) there were tractors that pulled these stuck cars. And so, now the Old Kazan tract has completely lost its significance and is already overgrown with young growth.

Yushut River
From the stone quarry we descend to the mouth of the Yushut. Here, up along its bank, a velvety-green plain continues, which, on the opposite bank, is bordered by fragrant thickets of riverine willows and the hills of the Iletsky coast. This is a beautiful and convenient place for meetings and competitions. Fast and nimble Yushut attracts athletes not only with its beauty, but also with a good natural training ground for water competitions.
A large number of mineral springs flow into the Yushut River. Their water is cool and tastes good. They say: if you go down to the stream and quickly rinse your face with this water three times, then the headache will go away, the vitality and mood will increase.

floodplain oak forests
And now let's look at the floodplain oak forest - oaks are 100-200 years old. Oak is a short word, but not at all simple. And its meaning is still debated. Some believe that this word "means" dark because of the dark color of the oak heartwood. And also because the color of bog (long under water) oak is dark gray or even black. Others argue that "oak" means "mighty, strong." After all, and, indeed, durable oak is a tree for all trees.

Ilet River
Slowly, the beautiful Ilet, sung in Mari legends and songs, carries its waters, meandering and winding through the forests. The water in it is transparent, like a tear, cold as ice, but does not freeze even in severe frosts. This is the largest river flowing through the park. Ilet originates in the Paranginsky district, flows in a south-westerly direction and 10 km above the city of Volzhsk flows into the river. Volga. Feeding on many underground springs, the Ilet river carries rather cold waters highly saturated with calcium salts, thanks to which it does not freeze in winter. This river is very popular with water tourists. Kayaking is very interesting and attracts both beginners and experienced travelers. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, it was a working river, along which ship timber was rafted. Now the need for alloying has disappeared, but still on the Ileti and its tributaries you can find dilapidated dams and a lot of sunken logs. Here you can swim in the river, organize a picnic. There are tables equipped with a fire pit.

stone quarry
Behind the forest giants, on a hillock, a country road, running up like a snake, and disappearing into the dense forest of young coniferous growth, disappeared. In the 60s, a stone quarry and a working settlement were located on the site of these landings. It housed a shop and offices of the rafting site, as well as a quarry management.
Stone was mined in the quarry for the construction of the Yoshkar-Ola-Volzhsk highway. Many individual developers have used crushed stone for laying foundations in the construction of houses. The nearest collective farms, state farms and organizations used local raw materials to improve country roads, village streets and other works. The enterprise that was born developed, gained power, and became a leader. But it was merged with another, larger enterprise, but located too far away, and the quarry became unprofitable, neglected and stalled.

The forest restores the strength and health of a person. And the route in the park passes through the forest. Here you will see amazing plants and, if you are lucky, wild animals; hear the music of the forest: the singing of birds, the rustle of leaves, the murmur of a stream. Here is the kingdom of wild nature. Together with the guide you will learn many legends about these plants and animals.
Sometimes you really want to take a break from the bustle of the city, find yourself in an ecologically clean environment, feel an inextricable connection with nature. You have a unique opportunity to realize your desires on the route to give yourself an unforgettable pleasure from the walk.

Horse tour "According to the legends of the Mari region"
A route for lovers of real outdoor activities. The proposed route passes through the picturesque places of the national park "Mari Chodra" and provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the rich and diverse nature, historical past and the economy of the national park "Mari Chodra". Along the route, you can observe the change of landforms and landscapes, crater funnels and lakes, visit historical monuments. The sites do not need special physical training, good health, psychological readiness for camping conditions and overnight stays in a tent and love for horses are enough.

Bus and walking tour "Journey through the Maple Mountains"
"Maple Hills" - a wonderful land, with its fabulous nature, beautiful blue lakes and springs, mighty oaks and slender maples, is located in the center of the Mari Chodra National Park. The swift river Ilet washes the foot of the Klenovaya Mountain, and from its top there is an amazing view of the forests stretching for many kilometers around.
Numerous vacationers, tourists and just nature lovers come every year to visit picturesque places, enjoy the aroma of blooming lilies of the valley, taste the purest mineral water, just breathe fresh air, take a break from the city bustle and monotony.
The ecological route, laid along the Maple Mountain, leaves an indelible impression of the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
During the tour you will visit the Museum of Nature, the observation deck "Shungaldan", a karst failure, the mineral spring "Green Key", the Ilet River, the "Pugachev Oak", Lake Mushan-Er.

The Museum of Nature of the National Park "Mariy Chodra" is located in the Klenogorsk forestry in the village of Ilet.
The museum stands provide information about the history of the creation of the Mari Chodra National Park, its flora and fauna, natural monuments, and archaeological finds. The layout of the karst failure is interesting, which are mostly found in the vicinity of Maple Mountain. Everything is beautiful, impressive, informative, interesting.
Now we will climb to the observation deck "Shungaldan", which in translation from the Mari language means "a steep clay bank of a river with a fast current". "Shungaldan" opened with a steep 50-meter cliff. This observation deck offers a wide scope for viewing, a beautiful panorama of the Kerebelak Upland. On the other side is the protected area of the national park "Mariy Chodra", its visit is strictly prohibited. A protected area in national parks is created to preserve and study nature in its original form.
Karst sinkholes are an interesting natural phenomenon. Traveling along the "Maple Mountain" and, especially, along the top of the mountain, one often comes across large and small pits that have a characteristic appearance: almost regular circle and sloping slopes - funnel-shaped. Karst sinkholes are formed as a result of the dissolution of water-soluble soil rocks by groundwater underground with the formation of underground voids and subsequent failure. Karst sinkholes are large, several tens of hectares in size. Over time, they fill with water and form large lakes. Lakes of karst origin are Yalchik, Mushan-Er, Konan-Er, Glukhoe and others.

Mineral spring "Green key"- this is the largest of 200 mineral springs in the Maple Mountain area. Water rises from the bottom of a two-meter funnel and flows out from under the base of the Klenovaya Mountain, and, having united in a single stream, rushes into the Ilet River. The source does not freeze in winter and has a constant water temperature of + 6.50 degrees throughout the year. The composition of the water in the source is sulphate-calcium, it has extensive indications for therapeutic use.

Oak Pugachev
A giant oak stands proudly at the top of Maple Mountain. According to legend, he “remembers” how the voivode himself rested under his crown - the peasant protector Emelyan Pugachev, who left besieged Kazan with his troops in 1774. The giant spread its mighty "arms" wide - branches. Tall, thick-set hero, beauty and pride of the Russian forest. In 1969, "Pugachev's Oak" was declared a valuable forest object.

Lake Mushan-Yer
This is a favorite vacation spot for residents and guests of the Republic of Mari El. The lake settled on the northeastern slope of Maple Mountain. The northern shore of the lake is a steep descent with several terraces. Along the shores of the lake there are tourist camps equipped with "forest furniture" and places for making fires. The shores are covered with pine forests, sometimes turning into pine-birch forests. This gives the forest beauty and attractiveness.

Trips to Mari Chodra are carried out by the travel company "Family Chemodan"

General information about the park

The Mari Chodra National Park is located on the territories of the Morkinsky, Zvenigovsky and Volzhsky districts in the Republic of Mari El, which is a subject of the Russian Federation. The area of the park is 366 square kilometers. It was created in 1985 in order to protect rare species of plants from extinction, of which there are more than 100 here. Photos of the Mari Chodra National Park can be seen in the article.

There are about 15 tourist routes in the park. The main attractions of the national park "Mariy Chodra" are lakes, for example, Yalchik, Glukhoe, Kichier, as well as the Ilet and Yushut rivers. One of the places frequently visited by tourists can be called Pugachev's Oak. Tourism in the park plays an important economic role for the republics of Mari El, Tatarstan and Chuvashia.

The state organization Federal State Budgetary Institution "Mariy Chodra National Park" controls and carries out tourism and security activities in the park. The property of this organization is a number of natural objects and complexes located in the Middle Volga region.

Perhaps this is one of the favorite places of tourists who come to relax on the territory of the national park "Mariy Chodra". On the shores of the lake there are several recreation centers that provide rental services for boats, bicycles and other equipment. According to tourists, there is a beautiful sandy beach with a magnificent view of the shores of the lake, and the recreation centers are quite well-groomed, there are shops. Tourists also speak positively about the food, which is varied and tasty.

Lake Yalchik is one of the largest natural reservoirs in the park. It consists of two small lakes connected by a bridge. In the summer, when the region is hot, this bridge often dries up, completely separating one lake from another. Perch, pike and other species of fish are found in the waters of Yalchik, so for lovers of fishing, a visit to one of the recreation centers on the shore of Yalchik will be a good choice.

Ilet River

This is one of the popular tourist places of the Mari Chodra National Park. The river has a length of more than 200 km, most of it is located in the park. The river itself is not wide (several tens of meters), the banks of the upper Ilet are steep, and the banks of the middle and lower reaches are gentle, sandy beaches are often found on them. Surrounded by mixed forests.

The Ilet River is famous for the fact that outdoor enthusiasts come to it in order to raft along it, mainly in kayaks and catamarans. The flow of the river is calm at a speed of 3-6 km/h, so it is well suited for beginner kayakers. There are several routes for rafting on the river, their length varies from 20 to 90 km.

Oak Pugachev

Perhaps, rest in the park "Mariy Chodra" cannot be imagined without excursions to the Maple Mountain, where it grows. The peculiarity of the oak is its size and age, so the diameter and height of the tree are 1.59 m and 26 m, respectively, and the age, according to modern estimates, is over 400 years. A stone was placed near this giant, on which there is an inscription testifying to the events that took place in the second half of the 18th century on Maple Hill.

According to one of the legends, Emelyan Pugachev himself climbed this oak before making a trip to Kazan. According to another legend, the leader of the uprising climbed a tree after the defeat near Kazan to watch it burn in flames. In any case, it is reliably known that Pugachev's detachments were in the summer of 1774 in the forests near Maple Mountain.

As for Pugachev's Oak himself, he could have witnessed the uprising, but Pugachev could not climb it, because at that time the tree was still too small. It is believed that Emelyan Pugachev, if he climbed a tree, it was another oak, which was even larger than the existing one. It dried up a long time ago and was cut down in the 40s of the XX century.

Currently, excursions to the Pugachev's Oak are carried out both in summer by bicycles and cars, and in winter - on skis.

National Park "Mari Chodra" - "Mari Forest"

Address: 425090 Republic of Mari El, Zvenigovsky district, pos. Krasnogorsky - train Moscow-Yoshkar-Ola and the highway Moscow - Yoshkar-Ola - Kazan.

The Mari Chodra National Park, in the Morkinsky Morkinsky, Zvenigovsky and Volzhsky districts of the Mari El Republic was established in 1995. Its area is 36.6 thousand hectares

The park is located in the basin of the Ilet River, the left tributary of the Volga River, not far from the border with Tatarstan - 30 km from the city of Volzhsk and 60 km from the city of Yoshkar-Ola.

Mari Chodra is famous for its rivers (tributaries of the Ilet River) Yushut, Petyalka, Uba, Voncha, as well as numerous picturesque lakes. Many lakes contain fango.

Karst lake Tot-Er

Lake Yalchik

Other lakes: Kichier, Melnichnoye, Teterkino, Mushan-Er, Konan-Er, Shut-Er, Kuzh-Er, Ergezh-Er (Round), Kugu-Er, etc.

Mari Chodra National Park — Photo

Boiling Square and Green Key r. Ilet

An ice-free mineral spring on the Yushut River

maple mountain

At the foot of Maple Mountain Hydrosulphuric Lake Shungaltan

Lake Dolgoye Kuzh-Er

Teal Whistle - Anas crecca

Lake Okunevo

The park includes part of the Mariysko-Vyatka rampart, highlands (mountains Klenovaya, Kerebelakskaya, etc.) and serves as a resting place for residents of Chuvashia, Tatarstan and Mari El.

The vegetation cover is sub-taiga coniferous-deciduous forests.

On a hill there are areas of oak forests with an admixture of maple, linden, and spruce; in the valleys mixed forests of spruce, pine, linden, oak, maple, aspen, elm and floodplain oak forests.

There are pine forests with an admixture of aspen, birch, and spruce. Some small areas are occupied by eutrophic grass marshes.

birch mane

Old Kazan (Galitsky) tract

Pugachev fields

Lake Mud - floodplain of the river Ilet

Deaf Lake - a landmark of the national park "Mari Chodra"

Flora represents taiga, forest-steppe and steppe species. About 50 plants are rare for the Mari El flora.

Common to the life of animals of the protected area are elk, squirrel, chipmunk, hare, least weasel, ermine, European polecat, marten; among the mammalian inhabitants are the (reacclimatized) beaver and the otter.

Inhabitants, grouse birds (Tetraonidae) include black grouse, capercaillie, hazel grouse; birds of prey - buzzard, goshawk, kite; sometimes a golden eagle appears. On floodplain lakes - mallard and European teal.

On the reservoirs, the habitation of the goldeneye is possible - a typical forest duck, arranging nests in hollows.

Mistletoe - Turdidae

Fieldfare Thrush - Turdus pilaris

Linnet - Cannabina cannabina

Bullfinch - Pyrrhula

Waxwing - Bombycilla

Seasonal concentrations of birds are small. In autumn, diving ducks temporarily stop on the lakes.

And in the spring, the flight over the flooded rivers is more lively. In autumn and winter, bullfinch, waxwing, and sometimes nutcracker migrate.

Posted Wed, 07/07/2010 - 21:02 by Cap

(Mouth of Yushut - Confluence of Yushut and Ileti)

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MARI CHODRA

The National Park "Mari Chodra" was established by the Decree of the Government of the RSFSR No. 400 dated September 13, 1985 on the territory of the Republic of Mari El. Subordinate to the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Mari El. The name Mari Chodra - translated from the Mari - MARI FOREST.

The national park is located in the southeast of the Republic of Mari El, in its most economically developed part, on the territory of three administrative districts: Morkinsky, Zvenigovsky, Volzhsky. There are 5 settlements on the territory of the park, where about 15 thousand people live.

The area of the national park is 36.6 thousand hectares, all lands are provided to the national park. Forest lands occupy 34.0 thousand hectares (92.9% of the park), incl. forested - 33.5 thousand hectares (91.5%). Non-forest lands occupy only 7.1% of the park, among them: hayfields, pastures, arable land - 1%, water - 2%, swamps - 1%, roads and clearings - 2%, the rest - estates and other lands. The national park is located at a distance of 60 km from the city of Yoshkar-Ola and 30 km from the city of Volzhsk. Its territory is crossed by the railway Yoshkar-Ola - Moscow and the highway of republican significance Yoshkar-Ola - Kazan.

RIVER ILET FROM THE CLIP OF SHUNGALDAN - MAPLE MOUNTAIN

Functional zoning
In 1982, the Institute "Rosgiproles" (Moscow) developed the Project for the organization of the national park (feasibility study for the organization of the state natural park "Mariy Chodra"). According to design decisions, a differentiated regime for the protection and use of land has been established on the territory of the national park.
The following functional zoning is currently accepted:

Reserve regime zone - 7.6 thousand hectares (20.7% of the total area).

The zone of extensive recreational use is 14.1 thousand hectares (38.6%).

Zone of intensive recreational use - 13.9 thousand hectares (38.1%).

Other territories - 1.0 thousand hectares (2.6%). The protected zone of the national park is 93.4 thousand hectares.

HYDROGEN SULFIDE LAKE SHUNGALTAN AT THE FOOT MAPLE MOUNTAIN

PHYSICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS OF THE PARK Mariy Chodra

The park is located in the southeastern part of the Mari ASSR, in river basin Ilet- the left tributary of the Volga, and is included in the strip of mixed forests of the forest zone.

The structure of the MASSR surface was studied by B. F. Dobrynin (1933), and later by V. N. Smirnov (1957). 3 main geomorphological regions were identified: the elevated northeastern, sandy lowland of the left bank of the Trans-Volga region, the region of the high right bank of the Volga. The geomorphology of the first region was influenced by the Mariysko-Vyatka swell, in the southern tip of which the national park Mariy-Chodra is located.

The Mari-Vyatka swell begins in the Kirov region, runs in the meridional direction along the Mari ASSR and ends in the Tatar Republic. It received the greatest development in the Mari ASSR. Its length here is about 130 km, the width is up to 40 km, the maximum height is 284 m above sea level. seas. The river valleys cutting through the rampart are deeply incised and in some places resemble mountain gorges. This area ( Mountain Reserve) B. F. Dobrynin refers to low-mountain areas. To the south, the rampart goes down and breaks up into separate wide uplands - Kerebelakskaya, Klenogorsk etc. The latter is located approximately in the center of the park.

A more modern and detailed physical-geographical zoning preserved the areas established by Dobrynin and singled out 6 physical-geographical regions in them. The territory of the natural park is included in the Ilet high-plain southern taiga region with the development of modern karst.

The rocks of the Kazanian stage - limestones, dolomites, marls, sandstones, gray clays and gypsum - are characterized by greater porosity and resistance to erosion processes than the layers of the Tatarian stage. Therefore, the Kazanian stage creates a more dissected relief, with steep slopes and karst formations (failure forms of relief), which is especially typical for the uplifts of the Mariysko-Vyatka swell: stone mountain, Katai-mountains, B. and M. Karman-Kuryk, maple mountain and etc.

By the Quaternary period, the main features of the relief were the same as now. The leading role in the formation of the relief of the eastern part of the republic belonged to the Mari-Vyatka shaft. As we approach R. Ilet the shaft is divided into tent-shaped hills, the southernmost of them - Maple Mountain.

On Maple Mountain there is a natural monument - Klenogorskaya Dubrava!

COMPLEX OF NON-FREEZING MINERAL SPRINGS ON THE YUSHUT RIVER - VALLEY OF GEYSERS

Lakes give a special picturesque landscape. In the forest-covered valley of the Ileti, there are many floodplain oxbow lakes of various sizes and shapes. All lakes of failed origin, forest, with the exception of Kozhla-Solinskiy. Among them there are also rich in therapeutic mud. Larger and more accessible lakes - Yalchik , Kichier- already have on their shores health resorts. On Yalchik (length1600 m, width 250-900, depth up to32 m) there is a rest house, sports and recreational and pioneer camps. More than 300 people rest in them. Known for his treatment sanatorium "Klenovaya Gora"".

On the lake Kichier, nearly equal to Yalchik, but with a shallow part overgrown in the east, there are two sanatoriums.

Mariy Chodra - OAK PUGACHEV ON THE OLD KAZAN TRACT

Lake Glukhoe, Conanier(beside Oak Pugachev), Mushander, Long (Kuzh-er) and smaller and more remote ones are being developed by unorganized tourists. Kozhla-Solinskoye Lake located in the village of Krasnogorsky. The administrative center of the park is located on the shore of the lake.

The water of forest karst lakes is highly transparent, except for peat lakes. It was especially famous for this lake Yalchik. But, unfortunately, the overload of the lake by vacationers, free visitors, fishermen has recently led to an increase in the turbidity of the water.

The soil cover of the park is diverse due to differences in relief and underlying rocks. Soil survey of the entire territory of the park was not carried out. Zonal soddy-podzolic soils predominate. In some areas, the carbonate content of bedrocks led to the formation of intrazonal soils. Mariy-Chodra is included in the Shoro-Iletsky and partially in the Zvenigovsky soil regions. The dominant position is occupied by sandy and sandy loamy slightly and medium podzolic soils on ancient alluvial sands. They line, with the exception of floodplains, the Ileti valley and its tributaries. Insignificant areas among sandy and sandy loamy soils in closed depressions are peat-bog soils.

SEMIOZERKA - VALLEY OF SEVEN LAKES NEAR KLENOVA MOUNTAIN

Closer to the feet of the Kerebelak and Klenogorsk uplands, soddy-weakly and medium podzolic sandy and sandy loamy soils formed on thin ancient alluvial sands underlain by Permian clays and loams. On the gentle slopes of the uplands, weakly and medium podzolic sandy and loamy soils are developed. On steeper slopes, there are soddy-calcareous podzolized loams on Permian carbonate deposits.

In the Ileti floodplain, which is covered with forest within the natural park, sandy and light loamy floodplain layered soils (river floodplain), floodplain granular soils (central floodplain), silt-bog, peat-silt-gley soils (terrace floodplain) are widespread. In places where the meanders develop, where the process of destruction of the banks and the deposition of sediments of modern alluvium is actively taking place, especially at the time of the flood of spring waters, buried floodplain soils are formed. Floodplain oak forests or lime forests, aspen forests and birch forests that have replaced them, dominate here, and alder forests dominate in the terraced floodplain and the inner parts of the bends.

LAKE LONG (KUZH-ER) IS LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE PARK Mariy Chodra

VEGETATION OF THE PARK

The flora and vegetation of the park are diverse. Its territory is located on the southern border of coniferous-deciduous forests of the subtaiga zone, and in floristic terms - at the junction of the European and West Siberian provinces of the Euro-Siberian floristic region.

The flora of this limited area includes 774 species and subspecies from 363 genera of 93 families, which is more than 67% of the flora of the Mari ASSR. A number of taiga species, both European (European spruce) and Siberian (Siberian fir), are found here with elements of forest-steppes (summer oak) and steppes (feather grass).

In the communities of the national park, there is a combination of species belonging to the most diverse ecological and cenotic groups. This is especially characteristic of the vegetation of Klenovaya Gora, which is a complex of biogeocenoses of the forest zone, rare in terms of compactness, in the strip of coniferous-deciduous forests.

Pine forests grow mainly on sandy and sandy loamy soils and make up 27.7% of forests. Among them, pure green moss pine forests predominate, often with the participation of aspen, birch, and sometimes spruce. A special place belongs to sphagnum pine forests. Although their area is only about 600 hectares, they are an important component of the park's natural complex.
Spruce forests are presented in mosaic and occupy only 3.3% of the forest area. They may include pine, birch, aspen.

Oak forests are developed on the hills with the participation of linden, maple, elm, elm with an admixture of conifers. These are upland oak forests (or their derivatives). They are similar to upland forest-steppe oak forests, but differ in the presence of representatives of the European and Siberian taiga in them. Maple-spruce-linden oak forests are more common.

It is known that river valleys, due to a number of ecological features, are channels for the penetration of vegetation from neighboring zones. This is also observed in the Ileti valley. Here, mixed forests are quite widely represented (about 6.3% of the entire forest area of the park). In them, in various combinations, there are spruce and linden, oak, maple, pine, birch, aspen, elm, elm; willows, black poplar (black poplar) are common along the channel shore; in the undergrowth and grass cover - nemoral-boreal elements. Directly in the floodplain, floodplain oak forests, near-channel shrub-forb, middle floodplain linden-snotweed, terraced elm-cherry forests are developed. In the floodplains, there are occasionally small patches of post-forest meadow vegetation, steppe on the crests.

A small area (219 ha) is occupied by low-lying grass swamps, scattered mainly in the open landscape of the southern part of the park. The most famous is the Iron Swamp. Coastal-aquatic vegetation is developed along the low-lying banks of rivers, their oxbow lakes and lakes.

The flora of the park includes about 50 rare species, which is 1/4 of the list of rare and endangered species of local flora. Of the species listed in the Red Book of the USSR (1984), there is a real slipper and a red pollenhead.

Relic plants can be seen in sphagnum bogs: marsh hamarbia, Magellanic and string-rooted sedges, white gooseberry, multi-eared cotton grass, sundews. Relic species of different ages, plants of forests of the taiga type were noted: common ram, flattened and three-spike diphaziums, alpine and Parisian two-petals, one-flowered large-flowered, common sedge, common sedge; plants of broad-leaved and coniferous-broad-leaved forests: short-legged forest and pinnate, Beneken's rump, Japanese torilis; plants of interglacial steppe flora: carnation Borbash, kachim paniculata, greenish resin, Siberian bell, seven-leaf cinquefoil, common thyme, common modovnik, field wormwood, sheep fescue, feather grass.

Rare species include species located on the border of the range: in the north - laxative joster, forest apple tree, etc., in the south and southwest - red-fruited crow, kakali I spear-shaped, in the east - common heather, Germanic gorse, in the west - Bunge chickweed , Arnell's sedge, Ural tsitserbita.

Some plant species have become endangered as a result of the disappearance of plant communities. For example, from the swamps - the marsh dream, the pulp is single-leaved, the streamer is compressed, the Lapland willow, and from the field - the common cockle.

As a result of increased exploitation, the endangered ones include sandy cumin, pure white water lily, curly lily, Siberian iris, etc.

LAKE YALCHIK - THE LARGEST LAKE OF THE PARK AND MARY EL

ANIMAL WORLD OF THE PARK Mariy Chodra

The park is inhabited by many animals of the strip of mixed forests of the European part of Russia. This is due to the ecological and trophic diversity of habitat conditions, as well as the geographical position of the park at the junction of natural zones. The fauna of the republic is well studied (Pershakov, 1927; Formozov, 1935; Efremov, 1957, 1977; Rusov, 1977; Baldaev, 1977; Ivanov, 1983, etc.). However, a systematic study of the fauna of the national park has not yet been carried out. But if we exclude species that live in ecotopes that are not typical for the park (the forest-steppe part of the republic, the Volga valley, the Cheboksary reservoir), then it should be assumed that about 50 species of mammals, about 100 - birds and 29 species of fish live in its lands.

Among mammals, the order of rodents is the most numerous. In the forests of the park, from the squirrel family, there are squirrels and chipmunks - a recent eastern alien; from the mouse family - wood mouse, red vole, yellow-throated mouse, etc. From the order of lagomorphs, a hare is not uncommon, and a hare is occasionally found along the borders with fields.

The order of carnivores is represented by the mustelid family: weasel, ermine, forest polecat, pine marten, European and, possibly, American (released in the MASSR in 1948), minks are all relatively small. The otter noted by Yushut is especially rare. Interestingly, the mink sometimes hunts birds, in particular hazel grouse, by voice. Of the cats, apparently, the lynx comes in. Moose are common in the forests. Another representative of the artiodactyl order - the wild boar - is less common.

Specially protected species include the otter and the beaver, which was brought from the Voronezh Reserve and released into the lands of the republic in 1947. It is interesting that on the Irovka, a tributary of the Ilet, beavers were previously found, but were exterminated.

In the lands of Mariy-Chodry, especially in the Ileti floodplain, many bats live in hollows in overmature forests.

The most common birds of the passerine order, whose life is connected with forests: jay, magpie, oriole, crossbills, pika, nuthatch, titmouse, etc. This should also include birds from the woodpecker order: large and small motley woodpeckers, bile. In mixed forests with a diverse and dense undergrowth, representatives of the thrush family are common: fieldfare thrush, mistle, blackbird.

Of the forest birds that lead nocturnal and twilight life, although less common, one should name the long-eared owl, hawk owl, leggy owl and the largest of the owl family - the eagle owl. Common nightjar.

Of the grouse birds, taiga species live in the park: capercaillie (unfortunately, its numbers have sharply decreased) and hazel grouse. In clearings and young forests, a resident of the forest-steppe and broad-leaved forests - black grouse keeps.

Of the snipe family, the woodcock is common; snipe and great snipe are less common due to the limited meadow-marsh spaces.

The family of pigeons is represented by the dove, the dove and the dove. The first two live in old oak forests on Maple Mountain and feed on acorns.

Of the daytime birds of prey, the most common buzzard, goshawk, black kite. No nesting eagles found. But flights of the golden eagle - the largest eagle - are possible. Another rare feathered predator - the osprey - was noted along the river. Ilet, a little south of the park.
Until recently, gray herons lived in the park: two pairs of herons nested in huge pine trees on the banks of the Ileti. There are currently none.

Of the waterfowl nesting birds in floodplain lakes and swampy channels, the mallard duck and the common teal are common, they are less common in reservoirs of failed origin. Perhaps the habitation of the goldeneye - a typical forest duck, arranging nests in hollows.
Seasonal concentrations of birds are small. In autumn, diving ducks temporarily stop on the lakes, and in spring the flight over the overflowing rivers is more lively. In autumn and winter, bullfinch, waxwing, sometimes nutcracker, etc. migrate.