Diverse topography is the dominant feature at Rocky Run Oak Savanna.  Undulating terrain is found on a south-facing slope overlooking Rocky Run Creek.  As part of the Rocky Run State Fishery Area, a parking area is located off of Hwy 22, south of Wyocena.

A narrow access lane opens up to an old agricultural field that is being restored to prairie.  Beyond this, the site grades into oak savanna.  As you proceed west the gentle slope of the land gives way to steeper topographical changes including two sheer-walled sandstone canyons.  The prairie was not much to write home about.  During my first visit, it had recently been burned and there was little to see.  Upon my return, it was basically invasive alley.  Butter-and-eggs, orange hawkweed, and yellow sweet clover dominated with the occasional common milkweed mixed in.  The savanna had been burned as well and this is where I spent the bulk of my time.  Violets and wood anemone were the dominant species in the spring here.  At the bottom of the slope, the ground became much wetter and marsh marigold was everywhere.  With the recent burns, I held off on a deeper exploration, though I certainly plan to do so.

Oak Savanna

Wood Anemone

Violet

Milkweed Bug on Milkweed

Old Ag Field -> Prairie

Oak Savanna

More of my photos (and full-res) from Rocky Run Oak Savanna can be viewed here.

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