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
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Field Height
2
m
Field Cover
25
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot is located in the northeastern corner of Goodwin Islands, where the most extensive (though still quite small) patch of maritime dune grassland occurs. Unusual plot design employed to minimize bias in the inclusion of nearly bare sand vs. dense Spartina patens and to exclude Phragmites. Nevertheless a larger plot or different configuration might have been preferable, as total vegetative cover in sample is uncharacteristically low. Stand bordered on each linear side by S. alterniflora; a narrow fringe occurs on the south side along the bay (ca. 35 m from plot to edge of water), and extensive low marsh dominated by the short form of S. alterniflora occupies the marsh interior to the north.
A few culms of Phragmites have become established on open sand near plot. Shoreline erosion in recent years has reduced dune habitat for this community.
