Savanna smiles: Arboretum to restore habitat

At the time of Wisconsin’s statehood, the uplands around Madison were covered with oak savannas. However, the periodic fires needed to maintain the orchard-like open spaces were suppressed in favor of intensive farming, home building and other development. The lack of fire allowed more trees to grow up, shading out the oaks and herbaceous plants characteristic of the savanna.

As part of its 10-year-old prairie restoration program, the Arboretum conducts controlled burns for its savanna area every one to three years. This will be one of the burn years. “If we get a clear day with wind from the north, preceded by a rainy day in the next couple of weeks, expect a burn of the area,” says Judy Kingsbury, Arboretum volunteer coordinator.

On Saturday, May 10, Arboretum volunteers and staff will help restore the savanna by removing honeysuckle and buckthorn, two invasive small tree species. The crews also will plant wildflowers, grasses and shrubs native to the savanna.

Volunteer restoration workers will meet between 9 a.m. and noon at the intersection of Arbor Drive and Monroe Street.

Meanwhile, gardeners interesting in enhancing their own natural environments can visit the Arboretum’s native plant sale, 9 a.m.-noon in the Visitor Center. More than 100 species native to Wisconsin woodlands and prairies will be offered for sale. For information about the restoration, contact Kingsbury at 262-5604, jakingsb@wisc.edu. For other information, call the Visitor Center, 263-7888.