Source:  Photograph courtesy of Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University  

Some very specialized animals are also part of the area, including the rare Lark Sparrow and several species of butterflies such as the Frosted Elfin, Persius Dusky Wing and the federally endangered Karner Blue butterfly.

Source:  Photograph courtesy of Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University  

These were called "oak openings" by the early settlers, since they consisted of tallgrass prairie with scattered trees, usually oaks or hickories.  When grown out in "the open", the trees would take on an open branching pattern, as the ones below show.

Source:  Photograph courtesy of Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University  

Today, many of these landscapes are in irrigated corn.  A few oaks remain as a testament to the presettlement vegetation.

Source:  Photograph courtesy of Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University  

Source: Unknown

Source:  Photograph courtesy of Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University  

Source:  Photograph courtesy of Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University  

The distinctive leaves of oak trees make recognizing them very easy. Oaks, like the pin oak shown here, are highly competitive on sandy, dry soils. Many oaks also have the ability to resprout after fire, quickly re-establishing their dominance on sandy, fire-susceptible landscapes.

Source:  Photograph courtesy of Randy Schaetzl, Professor of Geography - Michigan State University  

This material has been compiled for educational use only, and may not be reproduced without permission.  One copy may be printed for personal use.  Please contact Randall Schaetzl (soils@msu.edu) for more information or permissions.