The Ecosystem
The preserve has a diverse ecosystem that includes wetlands, oak savanna, woods, fields, bodies of water, and marsh.
Wetland. 119 of the preserve's 235 acres are designated wetlands. Below is a picture taken in May, 2017.
A nice walk is between trail markers #12 and #6 along a ridge 15-20 feet above the wetlands (see below). This north-south ridge is clearly visible in an aerial photograph of the preserve (see map).
Oak savanna. Within the circular loop of the red trail (see trail map) are the remnants of what was perhaps an oak savanna, an ecosystem that centuries ago was the most common vegetation type in the Midwest. Today it is endangered.
Oak savannas can be restored through controlled burns (oaks are fire resistant) followed by the replanting of native species, though it takes decades, even hundreds of years, to bring them back to their former glory since oaks are slow growing. There was a controlled burn in the preserve in late March, 2017. PlantWise, an ecological restoration company, did the replanting in mid-April 2017.
Healthy oak savannas are beautiful; here are ones restored in Wisconsin, seen in summer and fall.
Water and marsh. Most of Lawton Lake lies within the preserve. Below is a picture taken a bit north of marker #11 looking northward to Lawton Lake (photo 4/5/17).
Northern Woods.
One of the most serene parts of the preserve are located in the woods in the northern reaches of the land. Below is picture taken in late September, 2017.
One of the most picturesque spots in the preserve is just north of marker #5, looking north to a small unnamed pond. The pond is surrounded by cat tails and is inaccessible to people, but is a gathering place for water fowl. (pic March 2017).
The northern woods also includes Nature's Flower Pot!
Fields. The north eastern portion of the preserve includes expansive farm fields that is a feeding area for birds and deer.
