Necedah Oak-Pine Forest is described as featuring an almost-closed forest, but more closely resembles a savanna.  Located approximately 5 miles southeast of Necedah Oak-Pine Savanna, this site can be reached by taking Speedway Road east 3/4 mile from STH 80.  The site is found at the intersection of Speedway Road and 10th Avenue, both gravel roads, and parking is simply on the roadside.  Traffic is low-volume here, but be on the lookout for a decent amount of ATV traffic.

Right from the start, I will say that I need to revisit this site.  Upon my arrival, it was quite apparent that this natural area had recently been subject to a prescribed burn.  The groundlayer was largelyabsent, with only scattered sedges above the burnt crust of soil and the occasional bird’s-foot violet and false solomon’s seal.  Downed tree limbs, scorched trunks, and cut stumps were abundant as well.  The highlight of this trip was the lovely and cooperative singing Baltimore oriole that provided a bright sight and beautiful melody on this otherwise incessantly gray day.  I hope to return here in the future and I hope this natural area will show the fruits of the restoration labor.

Savanna

Savanna

Savanna

Savanna

Savanna

Savanna

Baltimore Oriole

More of my photos (and full-res) from Necedah Oak-Pine Forest can be viewed here.

400 more blog posts to go!  Well, actually a few more than that remain; counting SNA’s delisted since I started and a few SNA’s to be designated, the current total is 687, though hopefully, that will increase!

If you would like to help support this project, please consider a donation.  There are many SNA’s yet to visit and even more to revisit and I ultimately plan to put this together in the form of a book.  Thank you!

Additional Information

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