Restored Savanna is Home for Black Oaks In West Pullman Park

In May, the Chicago Park District (CPD) completed a 1.5-acre savanna restoration in West Pullman Park — the only park within the district's more than 7,300 acres of land that harbors black oaks. "These oaks have been standing since before Chicago was settled," explained Mary Van Haaften, CPD natural areas manager. "They're extremely old, tall, beautiful and rare."

Black oaks are rare because they are difficult to transplant, slow to grow, and have specific soil requirements. They thrive in areas rich in native plants, which meant that the Kentucky blue grass that previously covered the ground at West Pullman needed to be replaced.

More than fifty different varieties of native plants were introduced to re-create the savanna habitat. The native flora will not only be healthier for the black oaks, but may attract a wider variety of wildlife.

West Pullman Park is located on the far southeast side, bordering Calumet City. The only other CPD savanna exists in neighboring Hurley Park in the Beverly neighborhood. The Hurley Park savanna was restored in 1994 in cooperation with the Morton Arboretum.

The West Pullman project was funded by ComEd, which has partnered with the Park District to restore natural areas and provide environmental programming throughout the city.

The restored savanna will provide a great learning opportunity for the West Pullman community, especially its schools. "Kids and adults will get to see a part of Illinois natural history that has come back to life," Van Haaften said. The savanna restoration is part of the Chicago Park District's efforts to make West Pullman Park an "active stewardship area," with ongoing projects carried out by park volunteers. — Emily Schafer