Deer Exclosures
Oakland Township Parks and Recreation
248.651.7810
Some wildlife species may change the nature of the habitats they rely upon. For example, white-tailed deer browsing in prairie sites appears to have an adverse effect on the native forbs such as butterfly weed, flowering spurge, Culver’s root and wild Lupine. The reduction in these species will in turn have a negative impact on butterfly populations.
To explore the effects deer have upon the prairie, deer exclosures have been placed at prairie sites along the Paint Creek Trail. The exclosures are designed to keep deer out of a small fenced area. When vegetation within the exclosure is compared to that outside the exclosure, the effects of their browsing may be seen. The effects of deer browsing may begin to be obvious as soon as one season after the establishment of the exclosure.