The Nature Conservancy in Indiana - JWN

Directions

From the intersection of US 35 and CR 200 S, travel east on CR 200 S approximately 4.5 miles to the preserve located on the north side of the road. There is a small pull-off for two cars to park.

Note: there is no existing trail on the preserve at this time.

Ober Sand Savanna in Starke County is a beatiful preserve that features an exceptionally high quality black oak sand savanna and a diverse mix of wildflowers and grasses.

Ober Sand Savanna

The 90-acre Ober Sand Savanna was acquired by The Nature Conservancy in 1988 and dedicated as a state nature preserve in 1989. Since that time, the Conservancy has worked to protect and restore the unique landscape of barrens and prairie communities.

Set among rolling sand hills and ridges, this globally endangered natural community is home for the state-threatened yellow wild indigo, cream wild indigo and globally endangered fame-flower. In the early spring, wild lupine covers the ground with its purplish blue flowers like a blanket.

There are also numerous species of butterflies and insects found fluttering among the flowers. Spring queen bumble bees, eastern tailed-blue butterflies, dusted skipper and the rare Persius duskywing are just a few examples of some flying friends that can be seen at Ober Sand Savanna.

What the Conservancy is Doing to Preserve Ober Sand Savanna

The Nature Conservancy of Indiana's first goal for Ober Sand Savanna was to protect and restore patches of distinct natural community types and protecting viable populations of important plant and animal species.

One way the Conservancy has worked towards this goal is by eradicating invasive and exotic species found at the site. Staff is also working to reduce the woody understory and increase open gaps in of the canopy of the black oak barrens. Both staff and volunteers have used manual removal methods and prescribed fire to maintain the landscape.