Waukesha Field Station: Site 1 Spring 2023 - Tallgrass Oak Savanna

Tallgrass prairie and oak savanna in Wisconsin, USA. We are standing atop a rise, overlooking a restored tallgrass prairie and oak savanna. Prairie restoration began in 1970. The bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) trees that you see produce a corky, fire-resistant bark that allows them to tolerate the fire events that are needed to sustain the prairie ecosystem. The largest of the trees is over 200 years old. Prairie ecosystems are diversity hotspots, can exist in dry habitats, and are important carbon sinks. Prarie ecosystems are some of the most endangered in the world, with only about 1% of native prairie remaining in WI.
Viewing Tips: After starting the video, click on the gear icon “⚙️” in the lower right corner of your screen. Set the video quality to 2160s (4k) for the highest resolution. Under the settings, you may also adjust playback speed or turn on closed captions. Use your mouse to toggle the screen to change the view. If viewing on mobile, click on the VR icon ‘🥽’ on the lower right side or under the video settings to view in stereoscopic mode.
The Virtual Field's 360 Degree Video Project Series allows viewers to develop their own powers of observation by studying the environments of the earth.
Each 5-min 360-degree video is filmed by staff or researchers at field stations, marine laboratories or protected areas around the globe. Each site is recorded during one year at the summer and winter solstices and spring and fall equinoxes to allow students to study seasonal variation. Video guides teach students to observe, question, measure and summarize results.
The Virtual Field (www.thevirtualfield.com) is a coalition of 50+ field stations and marine laboratories around the globe creating virtual teaching materials that introduce students to field research and observation. Projects are funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and is a collaborative project of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.