Oak Openings

Oak Openings is a special place. Like many things in nature, it's difficult to understand the significance of this unique ecoregion without first getting a feel for its natural history. In simplest terms, Oak Openings is a globally rare matrix of habitats that occur within a belt of sand that extends from northeastern Henry County to Southeastern Michigan. The sand was laid down long ago in Glacial Lake Warren, an ancient lake that preceeded Lake Erie. Underneath this sand, which can measure up to 40 feet in depth, is a layer of relatively impermeable clay. Couple this soil profile with a flat to gently undulating landscape and high water table, and you have - OAK OPENINGS.

The habitat types that occur within this unique landscape include wet prairies, oak woodlands, oak savanna, and sand barrens just to name a few. The native plant communities that occupy these habitats are comprised of some of the rarest species in the state. In addition to plants, Oak Openings harbors a retinue of rare reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies, including the federally endangered karner blue butterfly.

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