The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma - Nickel Preserve Savanna

Nickel Savanna This vegetation type includes a suite of fire-dependent plant communities dominated by shortleaf pine and a few species of fire-tolerant oaks including post oak, blackjack oak, and white oak. Some hickory (Carya spp.) also may be present. Tree canopy is variable, but is more open than forest. In some areas, it may resemble prairie with scattered trees. Ridges and south- & west-facing slopes tend to have less canopy cover, lower stem densities, and more ground cover. Understories may consist of sprouts, woody vines, and shrubs such as tree sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum). Ground cover tends to be well developed, consisting of dominant grasses such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), as well as a diverse array of forbs such as fewleaf sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis), smooth aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus), American feverfew (Parthenium integrifolium), pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida), and royal catchfly (Silene regia). Vegetation structure and composition varies greatly depending on recent fire history. This vegetation type has virtually disappeared from areas where fire has been excluded for

Nested Elements

Bachman's sparrow, Aimophila aestivalis (G3) habitat restricted
Royal catchfly, Silene regia (G3G4) declining
Northern metalmark, Calephelis borealis (G3G4) disjunct
Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata)-little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) woodland (G4)
Ozark chinquapin, Castanea pumila var ozarkensis (G5T3) declining
Little bluestem, (Schizachyrium scoparium) - indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) herbaceous association (G5)
Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius (G5) declining
Prairie warbler, Dendroica discolor (G5) declining
Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora pinus (G5) declining
Eastern wood pewee, Contopus virens (G5) declining
Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla (G5) declining, habitat restricted
Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus (G5) declining
Summer tanager, Piranga rubra (G5)
Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferus (G5) area sensitive
Chuck-will's-widow, Caprimulgus carolinensis (G5) area sensitive
Western worm snake, Carphophis amoenus vermis (G5T5)
Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (G5T3) area sensitive
Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii (G5)
Elk, Cervus elaphus (G5TX)