Savanna and Wetland Restoration

The goal of this project is to work with the USFWS to improve multiple habitat types, specifically oak savanna and wetland habitats, based on pre-European settlement conditions. From this enhancement project numerous species that are dependent on these habitats, for both feeding and breeding areas, will benefit including: a variety of waterfowl and shorebird species, Red-headed Woodpeckers, state threatened Blanding's Turtles, Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkey, and many more. Savannas are a globally imperiled ecosystem mainly due to the loss of large grazers on the landscape, fire suppression, and the direct conversion of land into agriculture and/or development. While there has been a great loss in wetlands, the greatest concern is the loss of their functionality from the spread of invasive species, such as the hybrid cattail. This project will create the infrastructure needed to enclose macrofauna to mimic the natural disturbances of the landscape to enhance and maintain these habitats.