BLANCHARDVILLE — It might surprise people to learn that savannas were once widespread in Wisconsin.
The ecosystem, a grassland with sparse trees, about 20 per acre, was notable in Wisconsin during pre-white settlement times. Estimates put this park-like community at about 5.5 million acres.

Now, there's an effort to bring it back to life in southern Wisconsin.

"The savanna is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world," said Katie Abbott, Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area coordinator in western Dane County. "Some rare plant and animal species that are declining need this open habitat."

The term savanna historically has been used to identify plant communities similar to Wisconsin's tree-dotted grasslands.

According to John T. Curtis' "The Vegetation of Wisconsin," Carib Indians used the term to describe some of their landscapes. The word was transferred to several European languages.

Oak opening is a synonym for Wisconsin's savanna with oak trees.

As soon as natural fires were stopped by settlers, a rapid change occurred in these oak openings. Within a decade or so, the openings were filled with saplings and brush. Soon after, dense forests occupied the areas unless grazing kept the young trees at bay.

"Savannas are only represented by remnants," said Bruce Folley, Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist in Lafayette and southern Iowa counties. "What we're trying to do here is establish a savanna on about 95 acres within the 4,000-acre Yellowstone Wildlife Area near Yellowstone Lake State Park."

Several years ago, the DNR identified this Lafayette County parcel as a logical site, in part because it lies within a larger Southwest Wisconsin Grassland and Stream Conservation Area project, which encompasses land in parts of Dane, Green, Lafayette and Iowa counties.

A logging firm removed the understory and a significant number of trees at the Yellowstone site, leaving a scant forest. The state benefitted from a timber sale.

"Savannas are not easy to maintain. Once they're re-created, they don't just continue," Folley said. "We'll have to maintain the area by using grazing or fire, and then grasses should replace the annuals. Some seeding of grasses may be necessary."

Some people are interested in establishing savannas on their property and a few have, according to Folley.
Ron and Sally Niemann have begun establishing a prairie and savanna and improving their woodland on their nearby 240-acre farm.

"It's better for turkeys and deer, because it opens up the area and these animals can still use the nearby woods and fields when they need to," Ron Niemann said. "We'll graze cattle in the savanna but have more pasture grass than native grasses. We use mowing and grazing, some fire, too, to maintain the savanna."

Some game animals can be hunted on the Yellowstone property.

"Like the rest of the wildlife area, this savanna is open to hunting," Folley confirmed.

Folley said he has already begun to see a few sedges and grasses appear, probably from the seed bank in the soil, maybe carried in by animals. Annual weeds have also appeared from the same sources.

"Prescribed burns will take care of the weeds and the bark on the oaks will protect them from fire," he said just as a raft of wild turkeys flew across a shallow ravine.

Now local residents and visitors are watching to see how these changes fit together.
"Some have said 'it looks pretty nice,'" Folley said. "We'll continue to schedule tours to explain it. We had 15 to 20 people here for a session last year."

"The savanna gives a park appearance," Ron Niemann said. "Maybe it's even a genetic preference we have."
Whether you hunt turkeys or deer, look for vireos or just marvel at the natural parks these savannas mimic, they are well worth a trek 50 miles southwest of Madison.

* Landover Incentive: Private landowners who seek to manage their property to benefit rare and threatened plants and animals may be eligible for grants through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). Apply online at dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/wlip/ or call Heidi Nelson, program coordinator, at 608-267-0797 for more information.