3rd Annual Conservation Banquet tickets are now available!!
Savannah Habitat Restoration Project
The Mountaineer Chapter launched a savanna restoration project to create valuable open-land habitat on 7 acres of forested land. With less than 3% of the Chapter’s 1,000+ acres classified as open habitat, this project aimed to enhance conditions for wildlife by reintroducing a rare and ecologically important landscape type: the oak savanna.
Savannas provide:
Increased insect availability for birds and bats
Grazing vegetation and mast for deer, bear, and turkey
Critical brood habitat for wild turkeys and ruffed grouse
A unique, aesthetically pleasing environment for hikers and hunters
Construction & Restoration Highlights
Reopened and improved 0.6 miles of access/logging roads
Installed a culvert and built a new gated entrance
Removed select trees to create open canopy savanna
Used old skid roads to improve slope and access safety
Seeded roadsides and cleared areas with native grasses and legumes
Delayed mowing to preserve insect populations for wildlife feeding
Volunteer members contributed time, labor, equipment, and materials. Total construction and restoration cost: $12,464.71
Benefits of the Project
Created rare open savanna habitat, benefiting adjoining Monongahela National Forest lands
Improved habitat for wild turkey, ruffed grouse, songbirds, bats, and black bear
Increased mast production from preserved black cherry, apple, and hickory trees
Created access for future habitat improvement work
Resulted in a visually striking and ecologically functional site
Funding Acknowledgement
This project was made possible by a $10,300 Endowment Grant from the Izaak Walton League of America, with the remainder covered by Chapter funds and in-kind contributions from members.
The Mountaineer Chapter extends its sincere thanks to the IWLA Endowment Board for their generous support.
View the Full Report
To see the complete restoration process, construction photos, and financial details, view the official report:
View Full Savanna Project Report.