Yellowstone Savanna State Natural Area

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Yellowstone Savanna contains a restorable oak savanna and a small dry prairie situated along the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake. Although the understory has lost some native species due to grazing, tilling, and lack of fire, the oak structure remains very good. Large bur oaks are scattered throughout the ravine with red oak, white oak and hickory. Present in the understory is the rare great Indian-plantain (Arnoglossum reniforme). As one moves upslope from the ravine, a continuum or transition is evident as the moderately closed canopy slowly opens and provides a park-like appearance with large oaks and other savanna indicator species. With the presence of large oaks and other savanna species, restoration and management practices, such as prescribed burning and interseeding with native plants, will ensure a more rapid restoration of the savanna's important components. Yellowstone Savanna is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002.