BACKGROUND
The Horticultural Department applied for, and was awarded, a generous grant from the Missouri Prairie Foundation to purchase seed and trees for the establishment of a savanna in the northeast section of Warson Park. The proposed area for our project is an 8000 sq. ft. area bordering a woodchip nature trail (The Sassafras Trail) running through a woodland corridor with established, mature trees, shrubs and wildflowers. This area has been intensely managed and restored by park staff over the last four years and is ripe for expansion.
Our 2018 Park Master Plan makes it a priority to reduce mowed turf areas, thereby decreasing storm water run-off and increasing plant and animal diversity. This project will expand the woodland corridor into the surrounding turf, creating a mesic savanna edge to the woodlands that will result in a sizeable reduction of turf acreage requiring mowing. Our woodland corridor attracts abundant wildlife including fox, coyote, deer, possum, raccoon, bats and birds. We see our savanna project as offering an attractive amenity to a growing number of park-goers and providing an educational asset for park-based educational and community programs.
The Horticultural Department applied for, and was awarded, a generous grant from the Missouri Prairie Foundation to purchase seed and trees for the establishment of a savanna in the northeast section of Warson Park. The proposed area for our project is an 8000 sq. ft. area bordering a woodchip nature trail (The Sassafras Trail) running through a woodland corridor with established, mature trees, shrubs and wildflowers. This area has been intensely managed and restored by park staff over the last four years and is ripe for expansion.
Our 2018 Park Master Plan makes it a priority to reduce mowed turf areas, thereby decreasing storm water run-off and increasing plant and animal diversity. This project will expand the woodland corridor into the surrounding turf, creating a mesic savanna edge to the woodlands that will result in a sizeable reduction of turf acreage requiring mowing. Our woodland corridor attracts abundant wildlife including fox, coyote, deer, possum, raccoon, bats and birds. We see our savanna project as offering an attractive amenity to a growing number of park-goers and providing an educational asset for park-based educational and community programs.
TIMELINE
March 2025
March 2025
- Meet with Planting Shade students for a site visit and final project planning
- Order trees
- Flag savanna perimeter and communicate with mowing contractors
- Plant trees with Planting Shade students
- Mulch trees and water trees
- Install deer protection caging with Planting Shade students
- Continue tree watering
- Begin and complete site preparation for the removal of remaining turf area
- Procure Seed from Pure Air Natives
- Finalize site preparation
- Sow seed by hand with Planting Shade students
- Spring - Summer 2026
- Water trees as needed
- Periodically cut to control weed competition
- Hand weed and/or spot-spray periodically for invasive perenial plants
- Monitor species diversity and habitat quality
- Evaluate success of seeding and overall tree health and identify needed adjustments
- Conduct our first public walking tour of the savanna
- Perform follow up maintenance work
- Commence quarterly walking tours for the public and school groups
TIMELINE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
March-April 2025
Savanna site and site preparation pictures.
March-April 2025
Savanna site and site preparation pictures.
May 2025
Planting Shade Volunteers from Ladue Horton-Watkins High School preparing the savanna trail edge and planting the savanna trees purchased with grant money from The Missouri Prairie Foundation. The trees planted included Chickasaw Plums, mockernut hickories, (shagbark hickories, and bur oaks.
Planting Shade Volunteers from Ladue Horton-Watkins High School preparing the savanna trail edge and planting the savanna trees purchased with grant money from The Missouri Prairie Foundation. The trees planted included Chickasaw Plums, mockernut hickories, (shagbark hickories, and bur oaks.
August 15
Horticulturist Brian Azcona gives a brief status report on the savanna's progress and plans for the fall.
Horticulturist Brian Azcona gives a brief status report on the savanna's progress and plans for the fall.
October 30
The turf in the area designated for the savanna has been eliminated and is ready for removal and seeding.
The turf in the area designated for the savanna has been eliminated and is ready for removal and seeding.
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Olivette Parks & Recreation Creating community through people, parks & programs! T:314.991.1249
1200 N. Warson Rd. Olivette, MO 63132 |