Saving the Oaks: Restoring Oak Savannas at Fontenelle Forest
Join Conservation Nebraska for an engaging presentation on oak woodland restoration.
Oak savannas are one of the most endangered habitat systems with less than 0.01% of it’s historical estimates remaining. Fontenelle Forest, based on topography, historical records, tree core data and plant community info; should actually be more woodland and savanna – less forest!
Since 2015, Fontenelle Forest has been working on the Save the Oaks initiative to improve oak-dominated habitats and build a more resilient system. They have expanded staff and volunteer capacity through equipment, training, supplies, research, and community outreach, and continue working to reduce invasive plants while promoting native species through techniques such as prescribed fire, thinning, seeding, and herbicide use.
They also monitor progress through vegetation and insect tracking over time, adapting stewardship plans as needed to ensure meaningful impact.
Join us to learn more about this important work and the future of oak savanna restoration!
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FxqWqO79SnGye4dXAiyujw
About the speaker: Michelle Foss, the Director of Operations at Fontenelle Forest, is a lifelong student of the systems of nature, and how all things are connected. She grew up in Ft. Collins, Colorado as the oldest of four kids, exploring the foothills, shortgrass prairie, and any water she could find on her bike and hiking as often as possible. As an adult, she has lived in all four corners of the United States, and finally earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the State University of New York at Albany. Michelle has experience volunteering in multiple types of non-profit work such as youth, education, museum, and of course, environmental organizations. At Fontenelle Forest, Michelle has helped to grow the habitat restoration program, and 13 years of prescribed fire experience. She currently oversees the land stewardship and facilities operations, and is on the senior leadership team, plus serves on several state-wide organizations as the Fontenelle Forest representative.
