Laserfiche WebLink
Photo 23. More open grassland area with scattered shrubs <br />One other area on the property could be considered as a similar habitat type. This area is <br />located between FF -1 and FF -2 and is accessible from either the farm field or a two -track <br />that runs through a portion of FF -1. While the MCLLS does not classify the area as <br />grassland (it is currently classified as floodplain forest), aerial photos show a large open <br />area stretching from the field to the bank of the Elk River. Ground-truthing showed this to <br />be an open field that was likely maintained by grazing and mowing. Red cedars and other <br />woody vegetation exist in the field, but there is evidence of brush cutting along the <br />riverbank to maintain an open view of the river. Also, on the east side tearing there <br />is an apiary that currently houses live bees. It is likely that the clear' area -was managed <br />in part to provide access to the beehives. This open space is dom' y Kentucky <br />bluegrass, and is dotted with other non-native species such as llei hoary alyssum. <br />However, native plants remain within the grassland and up o river ncludI <br />common milkweed, hoary vervain, black eyed Susans, an indigo. A la ak <br />(108.6 cm dbh) is present on the edge of the clearing, multiple green ash present <br />along the riverbank (up to 32.5 cm dbh). This area nts er opportu ty to jump- <br />start prairie/savanna restoration at the site. <br />Photo <br />crosses the open grassland area classified as floodplain forest <br />Mesic oak savanna (2.82 acres) <br />The mesic oak savanna area is located on the northwestern side of the property. It is a very <br />disturbed area bordered by the farm field to the southeast, residential development to the <br />north, and a neighboring property with a storage barn to the south. It also contains the <br />fencerow along the farm field as well as two trails, one that follows the fenceline and one <br />that bisects the savanna diagonally. The area has interesting sloping topography, owing in <br />part to the gravel pit that was once present. The savanna is dominated by smooth brome, <br />and has other invaders present, including birdsfoot trefoil, dame's rocket and leafy spurge. <br />Friends of the Mississippi W. H. Houlton Conservation Area NRMP <br />50 <br />