McCune Sand Prairie

Description

McCune Sand Prairie Land and Water Reserve was established primarily to protect and restore sand prairie and sand forest communities that provide habitat for threatened and endangered species. Grade C sand prairie and Grade D sand prairie (dry and dry-mesic) occur over much of the site in a complex mosaic with Grade D dry-mesic sand forest. Characteristic plants of the sand prairies include sand lovegrass, little bluestem, big bluestem, prickly pear cactus, and fragrant sumac. Black oaks are characteristic of the sand forest and are present in a variety of age classes, including large individuals. Bur oak and white oak are also present in the sand forests, and eastern red cedar is a common species throughout the site. Six reptile species have been identified on the site, including two Species of Greatest Conservation Need.