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Re: Oak barren?

Scott,  I would recommend reading "Miracle Under The Oaks" by William K.
Stevens.  It is the recounting of how Steve Packard's group got started
restoring bur oak savannas around Chicago.  In their case, there was a lot
of non-native European buckthorn choking out the native understory.  Once it
was removed, they burned and a lot of native, suppressed savanna species
showed up.  They also did a lot of reconnaissance all around the Chicago
area looking for plants that only appeared around old oaks.  Their story
might help you formulate a strategy for your site.

Suzanne Tuttle

----- Original Message -----
From: <slenhart@texas.net>
To: <prairie@mallorn.com>
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2000 10:12 AM
Subject: Oak barren?


> Hi folks, I'm trying to determine what qualifies as an "oak barren" or
"oak
> savanna".  For instance, in SW Missouri I've got a low area, possibly 1/4
acre,
> in a sand/shale rolling pasture.  An immense black oak (pre-settlement??)
> anchors the site, surrounded by various cherry, dogwood, hackberry, osage
> orange, elm, and other trees.  Within this "grove", there is very little
> undergrowth, just leaves and occasional wild rye.  One end of the low area
is
> always wet - standing water.  The surrounding acrage is destined for
conversion
> from fescue to prairie.
>
> How would you recommend handling this area?  At least one source suggested
> cutting the smaller trees, and burning through the grove to see what
showed
> up.  Another suggested cutting everything and planting through.
>
> Thanks for any
> suggestions.
>
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