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
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Field Height
1
m
Field Cover
50
%
Nonvascular Cover
50
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
A disturbed but nevertheless diverse and extensive wet prairie / prairie fen community. The stand includes populations of several rare plants, including only the second record in Virginia for Carex sterilis. A return visit later in the growing season is warranted to observe the aestival aspect of the vegetation. This community extends eastward nearly to Folly Mills Creek, where it terminates in a narrow band of alluvial forest. The condition of the vegetation generally deteriorates toward the interior, however, and the low cover of Poa pratensis in the plot apparently belies its dominance over much of the fen. Spiranthes lucida has been observed at the far edge. Hundreds of hoof impressions in the soil indicate heavy trampling by livestock. Vegetation should be closely monitored to determine whether this disturbance is causing deleterious impacts, although the site owner, Robert Mueller, believes that his domesticated stock mimic the erstwhile natural activities of Pleistocene megafuana. The extent of this community is estimated at ca. 0.8 ha.
Grazing and trampling by horses have been severe and have created hundreds of hoof impressions in the soil surface. This activity constitutes a significant threat to the long-term vitality of this community.
