Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Gail has sent the following information and photos to share:

2 week event—-Green Ribbon Initiative–Ohio Metroparks
On May 5, 2018–Connie V. and I attended–
A post prescribed burn- tour of the Oak Savannah at Oak Openings Park.

Yes, I questioned why I would want to go see such a display but I will tell you, it was packed with information. Our Park Ranger was very well versed and it truly was a learning experience.

As we left the shelter and playground area we headed up into the area which was home for huge giant Oaks. Throughout this area are various paths- color coded so you know where you are going
or where you came from and what type of travel is allowed (walk, horse, bike, etc)

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The area has its natural ups (Oak Highlands)& downs and criss crossed with water features. An abandoned railroad line is one feature in this park. Working in partnership with land conservation groups, they map and identify specific plants, or animals which are present. You see painted turtles–they are hoping they will soon have a population of the blanding turtle which is endangered.

Showing the principles of the burning technique Skunk cabbage was a predominant vegetative growth. The lesson here is if you see it is a wet and mucky habitat and you would do best to steer clear or tread lightly…….

The reason for this particular burn is to kill off all the undesirable trees (Maples, Cottonwoods) which would eventually crowd out and prevent new Oaks from growing. See the vast size of this forest; truly a remarkable blessing for the Ohio Metroparks– much preserved in this unique habitat–found no where else in the continental USA–the “Oak Openings” region. It encompasses Ohio and SE Michigan.

The varied & unique geological make up of this area provides a vast diversity in habitat for a variety of plants & other living creatures.

A fern coming back after the burn

A woodpecker has selected this tree

A tree that caught fire, they put out and left it stand as it too will
provide habitat to some of the animals found in the park.

Take the time to study the Oak Opening story, visit its parks-some are being
created here in Michigan. The goal is to preserve a “green ribbon” within the Oak
Openings-creating connectivity– a natural pathway for movement within this area to
protect the plants and animals who need this unique habitat to survive.