Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve

Oak Savanna and Prairie Swales Before the Bison Arrive

Where:Cedar Creek Ecosystem Reserve, East Bethel, MN
Fish Lake Nature Trail parking lot (east side of Fish Lake)

When: SaturdayMay26^th,2018(10:00AM to 12:30 PM)

Leader: Barb Delaney, Professional Plant Ecologist and Botanist

This hike is a unique opportunity to observe the “before” scene of a first-time bison introduction at Cedar Creek Reserve. Barb will describe plant micro-habitats within the bison enclosure area before the beasts arrive! In the 1980s at Cedar Creek and Allison Savanna SNA, Barb Delaney made lists of plants occurring in the rare, wet swale habitats in the oak savannas. These swales are unusual on the Anoka Sandplain for harboring diverse assemblages of plants and some rare species. Most wet swales were lost or altered by human activities. What she observed here, was that water level fluctuations from year to year appeared to be a key disturbance that allowed many species to live together in a small zone. Some plants tolerated submersion in wet years; others species rebounded in dry years.

Bison will add another kind of disturbance. How will plant populations respond? Barb will identify some plant species that she is curious about. This is a gorgeous area so you will enjoy the hike and the beautiful spring display in the savanna. We will walk by the red-headed woodpecker recovery project area. You will see them!

Rain or shine! We will be walking mostly on the uplands but we will cross some squishy areas.  Wear waterproof boots if you like to poke around in the wet places.

Directions: Meet at Fish Lake Nature Trail parking lot. East side of Fish Lake (From Co. Rd. 26, go north on Durant St., follow signs. We will have a ¼ mile walk to and from the gate plus our hike in the savanna. Barb will be there for social time 9:30-10am and afterwards.

Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. To register, send an email to: Ken Arndt <ken.arndt@mnrinc.us>