As Hutchinson grew, it took over what was once waving prairie grasses towered by oak trees. But a small protected remnant of original oak savanna can still be found in the northwest corner of the city.

Miller Woods, a 21-acre tract, is one of the few remaining transition zones in Minnesota, marking the end of the big woods to the east and the prairie to the west.

More than 30 years ago, John and Sedona Miller donated the natural woodland to the city. Miller, who died in 2006, attached covenants to the deed that forbid the introduction of any motorized vehicles, portable toilets or any similar modern convenience into the park.

Hutchinson city forester Mark Schnobrich said only 1 percent of the United States’ oak savannas remain. “We’re just lucky to have it,” he said.

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and restore Miller Woods. Non-native species, such as buckthorn, have been removed and prairie grasses planted beneath the remaining towering oaks. Interpretative materials will be available at the parking lot off of School Road, at the park’s southeast corner, as well as at the nearby McLeod County History Museum.

Schnobrich said walking paths of patio flagstone were added at the northwest corner of the park, off Shady Ridge Road, and off Rolling Oaks Lane to the south. A wood chip access was added on the park’s north side, off Seventh Avenue Northwest.

In addition to the savanna’s oaks, prairie flowers, grasses and a butterfly garden add to the uniqueness of the area.

“We’ll see the establishment of the prairie over the next three years,” Schnobrich said.