Ryan P. O'Connor

Ryan P. O'Connor is a Conservation Scientist in Botany at the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, a part of the Michigan State University Extension.

Michael A. Kost

Michael A. Kost serves as Lead Ecologist and a Senior Conservation Scientist for Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

Joshua G. Cohen

Joshua G. Cohen is an ecologist with Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

Prairies and Savannas in Michigan
Rediscovering Our Natural Heritage

Ryan P. O'Connor

Michael A. Kost

Joshua G. Cohen

An introductory, user-friendly guide to prairie and savanna communities in Michigan: Prairies and savannas are a rare and unique part of Michigan's natural heritage. Once occupying a significant portion of Lower Michigan's landscape, these dynamic and varied communities have nearly vanished, along with numerous species that rely on the habitats they provide. Now less than 1 percent of the original prairie and savanna acreage remains in Michigan, and the little that remains is threatened by habitat destruction, invasive species, and rapidly closing canopies. Prairies and Savannas in Michigan gives a complete understanding of these dynamic systems, the plants and animals they support, the ecological processes that sustain them, and current eff orts to restore these valuable pieces of Michigan's natural heritage.

Intended for general readers, Prairies and Savannas in Michigan clearly describes the variety of natural habitats and itemizes noteworthy species found in each. The book fills a unique niche for practicing and armchair ecologists alike, and it provides a much needed educational overview for citizens living in a state with such unique and diverse — though rapidly disappearing — habitats. This is the only work in print that focuses on prairie and savanna communities.

CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Introduction and Purpose
Historical Overview of Prairies and Savannas
Wildlife and Plants
Prairie and Savanna Classification in Michigan
Threats and Conservation
Appendix 1. Rare and Declining Animal Species Found in Prairies and Savannas
Appendix 2. Rare and Declining Plant Species
Appendix 3. Recommended Reading
Appendix 4. Organizations and Agencies Involved with Prairie and Savanna Conservation in Michigan
Glossary
Bibliography