Big Eastern: The Edge of the Prairie; Ecotypes

Sand Country Ecotypes soil and hyrdrology variations support diversity

visit four typical sand country ecotypes:
Xeric Prairie
Oak Savanna
Mesic Prairie
Wetlands

The transition between the forests of eastern North America and the tall grass prairie of the midwest and central plains does not often form a distinct line in the Chicago region. The boundary is especially indistinct in areas with sandy soils. The sand prairie and black oak savanna region is really a mosaic of ecotypes--plant and animal assemblages that occupy a given area. These ecotypes reflect natural variables such as soil types, moisture availability, exposure to sunshine, and temperature conditions. The existence of these biological communities and their distribution is also a testament to the effects human activity, management and exploitation in historic and prehistoric times.

visit four typical sand country ecotypes: Xeric Prairie Oak Savanna Mesic Prairie Wetlands	The transition between the forests of eastern North America and the tall grass prairie of the midwest and central plains does not often form a distinct line in the Chicago region. The boundary is especially indistinct in areas with sandy soils. The sand prairie and black oak savanna region is really a mosaic of ecotypes--plant and animal assemblages that occupy a given area. These ecotypes reflect natural variables such as soil types, moisture availability, exposure to sunshine, and temperature conditions. The existence of these biological communities and their distribution is also a testament to the effects human activity, management and exploitation in historic and prehistoric times.