​W. Pearl King Prairie Savanna: A Living Remnant of Ohio's Tallgrass Heritage​

​Nestled in Madison County near Mechanicsburg, Ohio, the W. Pearl King Prairie Savanna stands as a testament to the state's rich natural history. This 20-acre preserve is one of the few remaining fragments of the once vast Darby Plains, which, prior to European settlement, spanned over 380 square miles west of Columbus. These plains were part of the Prairie Peninsula, an eastward extension of 

the Great Plains, characterized by tallgrass prairies and oak savannas. ​

​The savanna is home to a diverse array of native flora, including bur oaks and one of Ohio's largest stands of prairie dropseed grass. Its preservation offers a glimpse into the pre-settlement landscape of the region, providing valuable insights into the state's ecological past. ​

Named after William Pearl King (1891–1960), a former landowner, the site has been under the stewardship of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks since 2006. In recognition of its ecological significance, it was dedicated as a state nature preserve in 2020. ​

Visitors can find the W. Pearl King Prairie Savanna at the southwest corner of the intersection of David Brown Road, Mechanicsburg-Sanford Road, and Becker Road. A historical marker at the site commemorates its importance, serving as both an educational resource and a reminder of Ohio's natural heritage.