Meshchyora National Park

Meshchyora National Park
Мещёра, Meshchera, Meshchora
Meshchyora National Park
Map showing the location of Meshchyora National Park
Map showing the location of Meshchyora National Park
Location of Park
LocationVladimir Oblast
Nearest cityVladimir
Coordinates55°34′N 40°15′E / 55.567°N 40.250°E / 55.567; 40.250
Area118,900 hectares (293,808 acres; 1,189 km2; 459 sq mi)
EstablishedApril 9, 1992 (1992-04-09)
Governing bodyFGBU "Meshchyora"
Websitehttp://www.park-meshera.ru/

Meshchyora National Park (Russian: Мещёра (национальный парк)) covers extensive wetlands (swamps, peat bogs, rivers and lakes) and pine/birch woodlands in the Meshchera Lowlands on the East European Plain in Vladimir Oblast, about 120 km east of Moscow. The wetland habitat provides for extremely rich biodiversity among the plants and animals.[1] The area is associated with the medieval Meshchera tribe, from which the area takes its name.[2] "Meshchyora" National Park (Мещёра) is not to be confused with "Meshchersky" (Мещёрский) National Park, which is just to the south, over the border in Ryazan Oblast. The Meshchyora NP is located entirely within the Oka River watershed. A small corner of the park touches on the border of the Moscow region. About 39% of the park territory is used and managed for agricultural purposes by local communities.[3]

  1. ^ "Official Site: Meshchyora National Park". FGBU National Park Meshchyora.
  2. ^ "Meschera".
  3. ^ "Meshschera National Park". Protected Areas Russia.