Oaks as a group are emblematic of Iowa, and there is no better place in the state to experience oaks than in Madison County. Pammel Park is home to many of Iowa’s oak species, and even boasts the oldest individual oak in Iowa! Area C of the exhibition teaches visitors about the ecological role of oaks in Madison County, highlighting oaks as a key feature in a variety of landcovers—from woodlands to oak savanna to wetland.
Lessons to include:
- Intro to types of oak-centric landcover in Madison County; oak savanna, woodlands/forest, etc.
- Getting to know our Copes grey tree frogs, Rexy and Eddie.
- Connection to human history; logging industry, MCC Center itself.
- How to identify trees from various features, e.g., bark, leaves, shape, rings.
- What else tree rings teach us.
- Definition and fire maintenance of oak savanna.
- Location of and information about the oldest tree in Iowa.
There is no better place in the state to experience oak woodland ecosystems than Madison County. Pammel Park is home to many of Iowa’s oak species and even holds the oldest known white oak tree.
The front side of the woodland ecosystem exhibit will feature interactive rollers representing common tree species found in Madison County. Each roller will highlight a characteristic such as bark ID, leaf ID, or fruit/nut.
