Oak Savanna Prairie

The oak savanna on the river bluffs near 36th Street in Minneapolis. Habitat restoration volunteers are hard at work.

Photo by Gabe Ormsby © 2005 Friends of the Mississippi River

Photo by Gabe Ormsby © 2005 Friends of the Mississippi River

Site submitted by: Steve Lee

Location

River Mile 849.20 — Right Descending Bank

Significance

Hiking
History
Ecology

Description

From the parking area between 36th and 37th you can go to a branch of the Winchell Trail, and a number of informal trails that pass down through restored prairie areas and sometimes steep cliffs to the river. Access to this trail can also be had at 38th, 42nd, and 43rd. The Oak Savanna type of plant community was once among the most common in Minnesota. Now there are only 5 acres of Oak Savanna left in Minneapolis. The "Mesic Oak Savanna" was hurt by suppression of wild fires (this allowed buckthorn and other non-native plants to take root), and further damaged by the many unauthorized trails in the area that created erosion and gullies. It is hoped that management of the remnant prairie will restore it.

Content © 2005 Friends of the Mississippi River and each item's authors.
The Mississippi River Field Guide is provided by Friends of the Mississippi River.
www.fmr.org