Peeking through the trees you might catch a glimpse of an elk. That is the emblem of Kampinos National Park. We are standing before the Dyrekcja Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego. This is the directorate of Kampinos National Park. It works to protect this vital natural area. The park sits on the northwest outskirts of Warsaw. It is Poland’s second-largest national park. It is also the only national park in the Masovian Voivodeship.
The idea for the park started in the 1920s. The first forest reserves opened in the 1930s. These included Granica, Sieraków, and Zamczysko. Today these reserves are larger and strictly protected. Kampinos National Park was created in 1959. It originally covered 407 square kilometers. The park protects the ancient Kampinos Forest. In 2000, UNESCO added the area to its list of biosphere reserves. The park now covers 385.44 square kilometers.
The Dyrekcja Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego is located in Izabelin. This village developed in the early 20th century. It was initially a settlement for officers and craftsmen. The village is named after Izabela Zielińska. She owned the surrounding forests. She divided and sold plots for construction. After the park’s creation in 1959, Izabelin became its headquarters. The directorate was first located on Krasińskiego Street. Later it moved to its current location on Tetmajera Street.
The Kampinos National Park directorate includes offices and workshops. It also has a library and an Education Center. There is lodging and an auditorium. Near the directorate is the “Kampinówka” inn.
The Education Center offers diverse activities. These are for various age groups. They include thematic classes and workshops. The center has several attractions. There is a permanent exhibition called “Nature and History of the Kampinos Forest”. A plastic map of the park is on display. There is a temporary exhibition hall and an educational room. A conference room and tourist information point are available. The library has a reading room. Lodging is available in a hostel. There is an educational path to the Forest Botanical Garden. A recreation area with a grill and playground is present. The permanent exhibition shows the park’s natural environments. These include mixed forests and wetlands. Typical plants and animals are featured.
The Dyrekcja Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego works to preserve this unique area. The park is known for its diverse landscapes. These include inland dunes and swamplands. Forests and meadows create a rich environment. This supports many plant and animal species. The park’s forests are becoming more natural. Species like elk, beaver, and lynx have been reintroduced. The elk is the park’s heraldic animal.
The park has many traces of the past. These areas saw uprisings and wars. The Dyrekcja Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego helps protect these historical sites. The park offers many trails for visitors. These include walking and cycling paths. Educational trails introduce attractive areas.
Before you leave, consider the importance of this park. The Dyrekcja Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego plays a vital role. It protects a unique natural and historical area near Warsaw.