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million acres of oak savanna remain. Oak savannas disappeared for several reasons: they <br />were cleared and plowed; they were pastured so heavily that the native plant community was <br />exterminated; fire and grazing were both eliminated form savannas, and they were invaded <br />by dense shrubs and trees. <br />Theme statement <br />Theme 1: People searching for opportunities have always recognized the unique resources of <br />Sherburne County. <br />Subtheme 1.1. People from all over the world chose to make Sherburne County their home; <br />their values shape our communities today. <br />Theme 2: Being on the edge where three ecological land types meet enabled easy <br />transportation and access to natural resources and economic resources. <br />Subtheme 2.3. Trails, roads, and rails developed in the corridor along the edge of the <br />Mississippi River, prairie, pine forest, and deciduous forest. <br />Subtheme 2.4. Sherburne County's edge landscape included plentiful lakes, wetlands, and <br />abundant wildlife that have been key to the areas' history and development. <br />Subtheme 2.5. Located on the edge of the Anoka Sandplain, the soils of Sherburne County <br />were generally sandy and drought -prone, with poor fertility and agricultural productivity. <br />Contemporary visitor relevance <br />l . There was relatively high interest in oak savanna history among teachers and members, <br />and natural history scored high among all groups. <br />2. Members expressed a relatively high interest in unguided trail walks, and hiking and <br />walking were valued leisure time activities for the Intercept Survey respondents. <br />3. All audiences were interested in people who have helped build the community, and the <br />Cox donation will have significant impact on the county, so they should enjoy finding out <br />more about the Cox family. <br />4. Conservation was ranked as one of the top county stories by several stakeholder <br />interviewees and audience representatives. <br />Desired Learner Outcomes: <br />1. Some visitors will describe what an oak savanna is. (cognitive) <br />2. Some visitors will explain how this oak savanna was preserved and what the role the Cox <br />conservation plan played in its preservation. (cognitive) <br />3. Some visitors will recall who donated the savanna and who the current cooperators are. <br />(cognitive) <br />4. Some visitors will formulate a hiking plan based on the features they most want to see. <br />(cognitive) <br />Visitor Experience <br />Panel 1: The Legacy of Bill and Margaret Cox <br />Visitors will view a photograph of Bill and Margaret Cox and their farmyard, if available. <br />They will read text and story about the Cox management and donation of the property. They <br />will view a conservation plan map and read the strategies put in place to conserve the <br />property after Bill and Margaret bought it. <br />Sherburne County Historical Society Heritage Center Interpretive Plan, April 21, 2005, page 92 <br />