Conrad Savanna Nature Preserve Department of Natural Resources – Division of Nature Preserves

Trained applicators applying herbicide to the target species while taking great care to avoid damaging off-target species.

Black Cherries and Sassafras saplings showing the effects of herbicides.

Newton County, 313 acres
Conrad Savanna Nature Preserve is dominated by Black Oaks which are widely spaced with a covering of herbaceous vegetation associated with dry prairies. The wildflower species include Hairy Puccoon, Goat’s Rue, Blunt-leaved Milkweed, Leadplant, and New Jersey Tea. The graminoid component is dominated by Pennsylvania Sedge, Little Bluestem, Junegrass and Porcupine Grass.

Eco Logic has helped the Indiana Division of Nature Preserves manage aggressive tree species, such as Black Cherry, Sassafras and Black Oak which were not being sufficiently controlled with prescribed burning. These native tree species were jeopardizing the natural openness that is characteristic of the savanna and is necessary for a diverse mix of herbaceous vegetation to survive.

We have implemented a wide range of treatment methods on different projects at Conrad Savanna. These include mechanical mowing followed by water based herbicide applications on re-sprouts, basal bark applications, and cut stump methods (utilizing hand tools like brushcutters and chainsaws).