Klyazminsky Nature Reserve

The federal Klyazminsky Nature Reserve was established in 1978 to protect and restore the Russian desman — a rare mammal in Russia’s Red Data Book. Total area ~21,000 ha; part lies in Kovrovsky District, Vladimir Region (~8,500 ha), the rest in Ivanovo Region. The reserve covers the Klyazma floodplain between Kovrov and the Teza mouth: marshy banks, old channels, meadows and woods. Not a park with paths but a regulated territory — read rules on the Environment Ministry and reserve sites before visiting. Desman watching needs experienced naturalists with permits; casual visitors get floodplain scenery, birds and quiet away from the Golden Ring. Best season late spring and summer when tracks are not washed out. Do not confuse with Klyazmin-Lukh Reserve in Vyazniki District — separate site, area and boundaries.