Intensive Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, see http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/nh_plotform_instructions.pdf
Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Stem Observation Area
100
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Shrub Height
4
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
30
%
Shrub Cover
60
%
Field Cover
80
%
Nonvascular Cover
40
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot captures finest portion of woodland seep, just upslope from southern boundary of Buffalo Mountain NAP. Parnassia grandifolia is now in full flowering glory. A careful attempt was made to minimize disturbance, but considerable trampling was unavoidable. Except for Prunella vulgaris, this seep is pristine, free from invasion by exotics, and in outstanding condition. Invasion by Spiraea japonica just downslope (adjacent to boundary) should continue to be monitored diligently. Canopy cover over plot may be lower than that over most of seep, which may explain abundance of Parnassia. Site remains characteristically wet at or just below soil surface despite prolonged drought earlier in growing season. Some carices may have been lumped or missed altogether; a revisit should take place earlier in the
growing season. Several shrub clumps exhibit some damage or have leaning stems, suggesting past wind disturbance to canopy, but this appears to have been minor.
From flagged Pinus strobus (38 cm dbh): 2.9 m @ 179 deg to corner 1.