The Big Patch

This is the largest patch of prairie left at Box Hollow, measuring maybe 50 feet wide by about 75 feet long, and guarded by two large rocks placed at the entrance. The land here is owned by Penn State University, and I assume the university placed the rocks to block vehicle access to an abandoned dirt road that runs through the middle of this photo. I think the road may be partly responsible for the existence of this patch. These dirt roads are mown once in a while, and that may have helped keep down the shrubs that are taking over the prairie. The rocks make a nice landmark and picnic table.