Visit a native Oak Savannah near Gary, Indiana!

Just got back from a road trip with a stop at the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks.  It was really interesting to lay eyes on a native oak savannah, which I am loosely basing my property design on.  The park service uses fire every 6 years to maintain the landscape. Only 2% of the original savannas in the area still exist.  The Tolleston trails and Miller Woods are great examples if you would like to see them for yourself.  Not my pic, but it gives you the idea…

Are the Oak Savanas burnt out?

Those are right in my backyard. The area really is interesting in that in the course of a few miles you can transition from heavy industrial, to pristine nature, and back to heavy industrial. Every year the park service does some sort of burning, so I'm guessing that means they do 1/6th of the property each year.

John C Daley wrote:Are the Oak Savanas burnt out?

Yes, they burn to control the understory.  I graze mine.

Looks about right for our area if the cedar is controlled.   Mind you there'd be a lot more prickly pear cactus in the understory.  Perfect balance of shade and open sky for my tastes.