Springdale Savanna

Springdale Cemetery includes 223 acres of steep forested bluffs, tree-lined creeks, and a picturesque park like atmosphere. In the heart of Springdale Cemetery, there is a small remnant of native tallgrass oak savanna. Savanna is a transition area between the forests along the river slopes and the (former) prairies on the flatlands that cover most of the State of Illinois. 

Peoria Wilds, an organization of volunteer naturalists, maintains the Springdale Savanna and several other areas of prairie and woodland within Peoria County. Mike Rucker is the steward for the Springdale Savanna and supervises other volunteers in the maintenance of the site. The work primarily consists of removing invasive non-native shrubs and vines and conducting occasional prescribed burns. Burning is essential to maintain healthy natural prairie or savanna.

Mike will also present information about Prairie Gardens, a beautiful woodland area for families to scatter the cremains of a loved one rather than a traditional burial. Mike and the Peoria Wilds volunteers developed the woodlands area for the Prairie Gardens.

Mike says his love for Nature stems from being raised on several National Wildlife Refuges where his father was the refuge manager.