Upstream is popular day-use area. Floodplain forest there has increasing cover of Microstegium over years of observation.;Small island with a back channel flowing at sample date. Island is high enough not to flood regularly, but there is some flotsam accumulation. Community is a deciduous floodplain forest dominated by medium - size sycamore and sugar maple. Shrubs and saplings are sparse. Herb layer has high cover by lousewort.
Representativeness
Almost entire small island with a relatively young stand of sycamore - sugar maple forest, similar to other floodplain plots along Shavers Fork River. Similar forest w/ larger trees, but more trampled, is upstream.