Some of the oaks in this wood are estimated to be over 200 years old. Species of Burr Oak, White Oak , Red Oak and Black Oak all reside along this trail. These majestic trees are a valuable resource, but oaks are slowly disappearing from our woodlands. When oaks are harvested or die of natural causes, they’re often replaced by other faster growing tree species. Oaks produce acorns, a nourishing food for white-tailed deer, turkeys, squirrels, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and a host of other birds and mammals. Oak Regeneration, an important management tool, encourages the survival of these big beauties. Intense competition from many tree, shrub, and plant species can make this job difficult. Controlling this competition and monitoring oak seedling development are important steps in this process. Cave of the Mounds has a team of individuals who use techniques like these in an effort to regenerate the oak woodland throughout this valley.