In northwest Ohio, environmentalists and developers are working together to create a network of interconnected natural spaces throughout the 130-square-mile ecosystem known as the Oak Openings Region. This enormous system of oak savannas and wet prairies is home to brilliant blue lupines, black and white oaks, the elusive spotted turtle, and the endangered karner blue butterfly. Many home and business owners have agreed to leave a portion of their land wild, creating a continuous green ribbon of habitat for these plants and animals.