Yellowstone Savanna

State Natural Area (No. 363)

Location: Within Yellowstone Lake State Park, Lafayette County. T3N-R4E, Section 1. T4N-R4E, Section 36. T4N-R5E, Section 31. 220 acres.

Access: From the junction of Highways 78 and F in Blanchardville, go west on F about 8 miles, then south on Lake Road about 0.6 mile to the park office and get a map. Blue Ridge Trail, Green Valley Loop, and Savannah Loop provide access to the natural area. The prairie is located south of the road along the northeast shore of Yellowstone Lake and west of the boat rental.

Description: Yellowstone Savanna contains a restorable oak savanna and a small dry prairie situated along the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake. Although the understory has lost some native species due to grazing, tilling, and lack of fire, the oak structure remains very good. Large bur oaks are scattered throughout the ravine with red oak, white oak and hickory. Present in the understory is the rare great Indian-plantain (Arnoglossum reniforme). As one moves upslope from the ravine, a continuum or transition is evident as the moderately closed canopy slowly opens and provides a park-like appearance with large oaks and other savanna indicator species. With the presence of large oaks and other savanna species, restoration and management practices, such as prescribed burning and interseeding with native plants, will ensure a more rapid restoration of the savanna's important components. Yellowstone Savanna is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002.