Date: 08/01/2021 – Distance: 0.9 mi – Elapsed Time: 0.75 hr – Ascent: 10 ft – Descent: 7 ft – Difficulty: Easy
Daughmer Prairie Savannah State Nature Preserve a few miles southwest of Bucyrus, Ohio, is a fairly large tract which is one of the only remaining portions of the vast Sandusky Plains, which once spanned over 200,000 acres. Several rare prairie species survive here, and this savannah contains one of the best stands of large Burr Oak trees over 200 years old, which seems to be the only type of tree growing here. These oak trees are impressive and I felt like I was in the presence of ancient giants.
Sign at the entrance along Marion-Melmore Road.
Parking lot.
Historical Marker describing the Sandusky Plains.
Entrance to the mowed trail through the savannah.
Lots of tall grasses and wildflowers here.
The Burr Oak trees are massive here and over 200 years old.
My trekking poles for comparison.
The trees tower overhead like ancient giants.
There are quite a few of these Burr Oaks, in fact, they are the only trees growing here.
There are several of these informational kiosks scattered throughout, but be careful lifting the protective lids. I had a swarm of wasps come after me from under one of them. This one highlights the Smooth Green Snake which, can be found here.
Tall grasses.
A young Burr Oak.
Info about the Burr Oaks.
I just kept saying, “wow, this place is amazing.”
Allegheny Mound Ants are here as well.
Info about the ants.
The photos don’t really do it justice.
A pano.
I believe this may be a Gray Dogwood.
Info about the Preserve. See the wasp on the bottom edge? When I closed the lid, they came after me. I had to run.
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