Current and Past LIP Projects
Polk County

Englewood Oak Savanna

Project and Site Description:
When Standing Cedars was formally acquired as a conservancy, one small piece of south/west facing slope stood out on the Engelwood property. It was obvious to many that this area was different from that of surrounding wooded land. Sporadic openings in the tree canopy showed proof of its former glory. This area became known as "the goat prairie'. Although this area doesn't really fit the mold for being a true goat prairie the name (as well as generalization about the ecosystem) has stayed. The focus recently was to expand and restore the goat prairie. Looking at potentials for funding, the conservancy knew that this site was unique and still contained struggling natives, some of which are threatened. This would be a project that could be used as a showcase to educate others about oak savanna and prairie ecosystems as well as providing encouragement to do more restoration on a larger scale.

They explored funding through many sources and were successful at receiving consideration from the WDNR's Landowner Incentive Program and several others. At their December meeting, the board of Standing Cedars decided to prioritize our savanna project and gave the blessing to the land manger to do whatever it takes to accomplish the goals for restoring the "Goat prairie." Conditions in February and early March of 2008 were ideal so they began the process of clearing and burning the large volumes of invasive trees that have been controlling most of the 15 acres of dry prairie/savanna that had once been dominant here. They utilized hired contractors and volunteers to cut, treat, remove, and burn large volumes of woody debris from the site. In total, nearly 500 hours were spent removing invasive trees and shrubs from the project area. Prior to the start of the project trees such as Aspen, Birch, Cedar, and Ironwood had nearly engulfed the whole site with only a few patches (less than 50'x50') void of trees. Currently, only scattered oak remain and some areas (up to an acre) contain no trees. With these efforts they have been able to provide for an easily negotiable firebreak to help facilitate prescribed fires in the future. Due to the layout of this site, they hope to be able to restore fire to the savanna easily as adjacent areas will be snow-covered in March. This area will be a shining example of what "caring for land" really means, and hopefully it will encourage others to do the same.

Standing Cedars wishes to thank all the partners on this project and they look forward to seeing the results in subsequent years.