The Importance of Grasslands
The Black Oak Savanna site supports two types of globally rare grasslands: Tallgrass Prairie and Black Oak Savanna. Less than 3% of these habitats survive today in Ontario and throughout North America. Tallgrass ecosystems are highly effective carbon sinks. Carbon sinks are natural areas that absorb large amounts of carbon (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it through a process known as carbon sequestration. The Black Oak Savanna site has an approximate carbon sequestering power of 91.8 metric tons of CO2 per year.
Our Mission
Preserve, restore, and expand these rare grassland habitats
Educate and extend related environmental information
Provide a high-quality and diverse research site
Ecological Restoration
The bulk of our ecological restoration work centres around three main activities: Prescribed Burning, Establishing native species & Invasive species control.
One of the most important restoration techniques is the reintroduction of fire. Integral to restoration and species diversity, prescription burning is used as an acceptable tool to continue the traditional burning practices of the Michi Saagiig within the landscape. As such, prescribed burns are a key part of the Alderville Black Oak Savanna management plan and are carried out in a scientific manner each year. Fire is a key element in ecological restoration because it helps reduce invasive species which have not evolved to withstand fire while promoting native species which depend on fire to reproduce and thrive.
Education & Outreach
We strive to educate and engage others on the complexity and importance of grassland ecosystems, and foster a life-long interest in nature. Our team of ecologists offer on-site guided tours and programming. Educational activities take place in the form of guided tours, activities & games, presentations, workshops and more. To learn about the educational opportunities we offer, please visit our Plan An Experience page. We also have many resources available upon request.
Research
Scientists refer to the Alderville Black Oak Savanna as “the Jewel” of the savanna/tallgrass prairies in Ontario. Its uniqueness makes our site of special interest for research. Through nurturing these types projects, we enhance our knowledge and understanding of grassland ecosystems. The Alderville BOS is currently working with University of Guelph and McGill University on a variety of research projects.
Monitoring is a crucial component of ecological restoration; to help gauge the impact that restoration efforts are having on the land. Throughout the year our team monitors plant communities, burn management, succession, amphibians & reptiles, bats, grassland nesting birds, and various pollinators.