Great rivers flow through the territory of Russia, known all over the world: Volga, Yenisei, Lena, Ob, Irtysh. Russia is also rich in small rivers, the length of which is less than 50 km. The Pekhorka River, a tributary of the Moskva River, belongs to small flowing water bodies.
Where is the Pekhorka River?
Pekhorka originates one and a half kilometers north of the city of Balashikha, Moscow Region. The source of the Pekhorka river is found at the confluence with the Akulovsky water canal in the territory of the Losiny Ostrov national park, the extreme side of the Meshchera massifs. The length of the river is 42 km.
From the source to the Moskva River, where the Pekhorka River flows, flowing from north to south. Only at the mouth the river directs its course to the east - to the connection with the Moscow River.
Specially Protected Area
The floodplain of the Pekhorka River has a great historical and cultural value. Archaeological excavations allow us to conclude that the Slavic tribal unions of the Vyatichi and Krivichi settled here in the middle of the first century AD. Excavations of burial mounds in a pine forest in the coastal zone proved that in the 10th century there was an ancient Slavic settlement here. Territory of the Pekhorka basinbegan to develop actively in the 14-15 centuries, with the formation of the Moscow principality. The rich settlement of the Akatov boyars found at the crossing of the Pekhorka and Gorenka rivers dates back to this period.
The banks of the Pekhorka River are touched by such especially valuable historical and cultural monuments as the estates of Gorenki, Pekhra-Yakovlevskoye, Nikolskoye, Milet; churches in the villages of Nikolsko-Trubetskoye, Pekhra-Pokrovskoye, Zhilino and other monuments of Russian antiquity. Taking into account all the richness of the flora and fauna of the Pekhorka basin, in 1998 it was decided to create specially protected natural areas "Pekhorka".
Pekhorka flora
In the Pekhorka basin there is an original nature. The water system of the river with its ponds and dams is unusual. In the 15th-16th centuries, a man-made system of ponds was created, which expanded in the 18th century during the construction of a factory in Balashikha. Large expanses of water and the coastal line are full of vegetation. The plants of the Pekhorka River are also diverse. The river flows mainly through the zone of mixed forests: birch, alder, willow, maple, pine.
In the vast meadows grows cooper grass, dvukistnik, heather, female kochedyzhnik, oak speedwell, European poisonous hoof. A yellow egg-pod floats on the surface, black kugi leaves appear above the surface.
Animal world of Pekhorka
The fauna of the Pekhorka basin is very diverse. Animals of the Pekhorka River live both in the water and on the coastal territory. The most famous inhabitants of the near-water expanses are the muskrat and the beaver. Waterfowl:the common mallard and the diver live in these places all year round, since the river does not freeze due to the discharge of warm water into it from the aeration station. Pekhorka attracts fishermen with an abundance of crayfish and freshwater fish: crucian carp, carp, perch, pike, chub, bleak.
The beauty of Pekhorka
There are many protected estates and parks along the banks of the Pekhorka River, which are of historical and cultural value. The Pekhra-Yakovlevskoye estate is an example of park architecture of the 18th century. For about two centuries this place belonged to the Golitsyn family. The unique architectural and park composition of Pekhry-Yakovlevskaya is a monument of federal significance. Currently, this place is also attractive due to the fact that a modern ski complex operates here.
The Kraskovo estate in the village of the same name in the Lyuberetsky district of the Moscow region is interesting for its history. Many famous nobles owned this land: the Krasnovs, the Miloslavskys, the Orlovs, the Golitsyn-Trubetskoys, the Obolenskys. The estate captivates with its nature. A beautiful park with ponds connected to Pekhorka was laid out on the estate. Part of the park is now being developed into a residential complex.
There are still many estates along the banks of the river that can amaze with their beauty. These places are definitely worth visiting at least once.
Using Pekhorka
For hundreds of years, Pekhorka has been attracting people with its wide floodplains, beautiful landscapes, and favorable geographical position. Here lies the hearth of Slavic culture. Archaeologists prove the existence of large settlements along the middle reaches of the river already in the 12th-14th centuries. Not far from the Pekhra-Yakovlevskaya estate, a settlement was found, presumably the first center of the Moscow principality. In the 18-19 centuries, dams were built on the banks of the Pekhorka and water mills were erected, some of which have survived to this day.
Currently, the use of the Pekhorka River by man is very diverse. The banks of Pekhorka are densely populated.
With a length of no more than 42 km, Pekhorka flows through dozens of small settlements, including Moscow. A significant part of the coastline is occupied by industrial enterprises, warehouses, garages, bathhouses that discharge sewage into rivers. One of the largest fur farms in the country is located near Pekhorka, which explains the accumulation of ravens on the banks of the river. The aeration station discharges some of the sewage water into the river, which prevents it from freezing.
The ski complex near the Pekhra-Yakovlevskaya estate also touches the coast of Pekhorka.
The floodplain of the Pekhorka River is crossed by numerous bridges, which serve as high-capacity federal roads. Currently, the waters of Pekhorka and its coastal territory are being actively used, which greatly affects the nature of the river.
