Geology and vegetation change abruptly on sandstone ridgetop above plot where there is a sterile forest of Quercus prinus and Pinus virginiana. Community represented by this plot extends downslope to the road along the river.;Steep east facing upper slope just below ridge crest. Open forest with canopy gaps. Canopy of Quercus rubra, Quercus muhlenbergii, and Juniperus virginiana over a subcanopy of Acer saccharum. Sparse to patchy herb layer with moderate diversity. Plot includes areas of rock outcrop, exposed soil, and heavy litter behind downfall. There is an old fire-scarred stump.