Yesterday we monitored a big Oak Savannah east of Ostrich Lane.
I do not know how that road came to be named, but I do know this is one of my favorite sites.
Cinnamon Fern
An unidentified spider
We were there to count Lyre-leaved Rockcress and Birdsfoot Violet, but the Lupine stole the show.
The woods seen behind the large Oak are unmanaged - a significant contrast to the Oak Savannah in the foreground.
Fire is the main method of management.
The Lupine and the Plains Puccoon do not always bloom together.
It is such a treat when they do.
Sand from an ancient lake underlies the Oak Savannah. It is visible in areas we call "blow outs". The edges of the blow outs are where some of the rarest plants in the state grow.
The areas between the old dunes are often wet from the high water table - hosting plants such as Cinnamon Fern, above.
I do enjoy the geology history. Fascinating how it the flora and fauna follow interesting features like that blow out.
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