About Us
Located south of Rice Lake, on the eastern edge of the Oak Ridges Moraine, Alderville First Nation’s Black Oak Savanna/Tallgrass Prairie is the largest single remaining parcel of its kind in east central Ontario.
Three main types of prairie exist in North America:
- Tallgrass
- Mixed
- Short-grass
Tallgrass communities with 10-35% tree cover are called savannas. Our site is called an oak-pine savanna because those trees flourish here.
Restoration
Our goal is to return native species to land that had previously been used for crops. In 2002, we seeded a field adjacent to our site with prairie grasses and forbs, and with seedling plugs cultivated at Louke’s Greenhouse. Today it flourishes.
Education
Groups or classes can learn about this rare grassland ecosystem and get some exercise as well on 3+kms of trails. Presentations and educational activities are part of the day’s program.
Nourish the soul with beauty
Learn While Volunteering--help us plant seedlings, collect seeds, remove invasive species, and monitor the plants & animals of the site.
Annual Public Events - Click here - Events
Our books:
- To Know This Place by Ruth Clarke- field guide $14.95*
- Where Fires Dance by Alison Clark and Eric Howe $15.00*
Research
Scientists refer to the Alderville Black Oak Savanna as "the Jewel" of the savanna/tallgrass prairies in Ontario. Its uniqueness makes our site of special interest for research. We endeavour to support applied and academic research. Through nurturing these prospects, we enhance our knowledge and understanding of the grassland ecosystems here. Our own research here at the Alderville Black Oak Savanna is long-term monitoring of restoration.
Our monitoring plots:
- plant communities
- burn management
- amphibians
- reptiles
- birds
- small mammals
- insects