Releve 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
400
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
34
m
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot location: slope adjacent to Cedar Creek ca. 0.75 km downstream from Lone Star Lakes City Park.
The plot documents a remnant calcareous forest bordering a tidal creek. Shell fragments exposed by downcutting of the creek account for the high calcium levels in the soil samples collected here. The forest is basically confined to a narrow strip between the creek and a large agricultural field. Very large individuals of Quercus muhlenbergii (including a 169 cm DBH near-state record), Fagus grandifolia, Celtis laevigata, and Quercus rubra suggest substantial stand age. The ground is largely leaf litter and bare soil with abundant Acer barbatum seedlings and few herbs. Periodic cattle grazing may contribute to the low herbaceous diversity.