Mountaineer Chapter
Savannah Project

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

1. Created rare open savanna habitat, benefiting adjoining Monongahela National Forest lands

2. Improved habitat for wild turkey, ruffed grouse, songbirds, bats, and black bear

3. Increased mast production from preserved black cherry, apple, and hickory trees

4. Created access for future habitat improvement work

5. 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.