As the early settlers traveled northwest through Ohio, they hacked their way through dense forests. They then became mired in the Great Black Swamp, but in an area south and west of Toledo, they were surprised by what they saw.
Tall, majestic oaks spaced wide enough for a wagon to be driven between them stood on sand hills. A lush mixture of wild flowers and tall prairie grasses grew under the oaks and west of these oaks grew a sea of shoulder-high prairie grass. This area where the eastern forests met the western prairie became known as “the Oak Openings”.
Eons ago Glacial lakes, preceding Lake Erie, left behind rolling beach ridges, windblown sand dunes and depressions where wildflowers and sedges grow. The dryness of the ridges and dunes helped to sustain periodic wild fires which promoted the growth of the tall oaks. As the land was settled, the towering oaks were cut down; swampy areas were drained; and fires were suppressed. A dense shrubby growth shaded out the prairie grasses and wild flowers.
Metro Parks of Toledo acquired a portion of the 130 square area and it is being restored and managed as a daytime recreational area. The park and the surrounding area is one of the Midwest’s most ecologically important areas.
There are more rare species found in the Oak Openings region than in any other area of similar size in the state of Ohio. The Nature Conservancy has been buying land adjacent to the park since 1972. It has established a preserve design and is actively acquiring small parcels of land as they come on the market. Their preserve, named Kitty Todd in honor of an early conservationist, comprises more than 400 acres.
The Conservancy is working to restore the original community of black oaks and wet prairie. They use prescribed burning to curb the growth of woody plants and encourage the spread of prairie grasses and wild flowers. Volunteers dig out some woody plants, like the invasive buckthorn. The area is mowed periodically. They are beginning to see rewards for their hard work. Lupine, grass pink orchids, and Junegrass continue to spread throughout the preserve.
The rare Karner blue butterfly uses only lupines as a host for its eggs. It has been absent from the Oak Openings area since 1988. As the lupines return, there are plans to restore the Karner Blue. Volunteers and staff from the Nature Conservancy also encourage area residents to preserve natural vegetation and incorporate native species in their landscaping. Through the Oak Openings Land Registry Program, private landowners can help insure the long-term survival of rare species by registering to voluntarily protect natural features on their property. The landowner receives a plaque recognizing their commitment and management advice when needed.
Bill and Connie Poole, Oak Openings residents in Lucas County state, “ We weren’t aware of the significance of the vegetation on our property until we were contacted by The Nature Conservancy. The Land Registry Program has really elevated our appreciation of rare species.” Volunteers involved in The Oak Openings Native Plant Project, initiated by the Nature Conservancy, collect seeds from native plants and share them with participating local nurseries to market to local residents.
These plants are better adapted to the climate and soil, more resistant to disease and pests, and play vital roles in the natural ecology of animals, especially birds and insects. One Saturday each month, a congenial group of volunteers meet at the Kitty Todd Preserve and work diligently on stewardship tasks. These include cleaning up trash, building fences, weeding, monitoring rare species, burning brush, and collecting native plant seeds.
Dr. Susan Carty, a biologist from Heidelberg College is one of several volunteers from Tiffin. She takes a group of students to learn about preserving plant and animal diversity first hand by participating in a work day. Some volunteers are on hand each Saturday work day and others participate occasionally. If you would be interested in volunteering, the next work day is May 17th, starting at 10 AM. Work is followed by a nature walk, and ends around 2 or 3 PM. The work is pulling weeds and planting seeds. June 21st is the next workday. Interested readers can contact Jennifer Hillmer, Volunteer Coordinator, at C614) 717-2770 in Columbus, or Susan Carty, 448-8711 in Tiffin, for directions to the work site.
-- Mary