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
36
m
Shrub Height
4
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
45
%
Field Cover
90
%
Nonvascular Cover
15
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
The habitat is a bouldery, calcareous, north-facing lower slope flanking Stock Creek and the Natural Tunnel geologic feature. Underlying bedrock is dolomite of the Copper Ridge Formation, the weathering of which is responsible for extensive local karst and the formation of the massive tunnel-like stream passage through a ridge. Exposed dolomitic cliffs line the slope above the plot. Soil samples collected here had exceedingly high levels of calcium (3322 ppm), magnesium (561 ppm), and total base saturation (100%) levels. The plot includes a narrow piece of the creek floodplain but lies mostly of the steep slope. This site has not been disturbed in a very long time and supports a mature, uneven-aged, mixed mesophytic forest with scattered trees up to 90-100 cm DBH. Overstory species include Tilia americana var. heterophylla, Liriodendron tulipifera, Aesculus flava, Acer nigrum, Acer saccharum, Carya cordiformis, and Magnolia acuminata. The subcanopy is dominated by Aesculus flava and Acer nigrum. The shrub layer is sparse, with Lindera benzoin, Asimina triloba, and Hydrangea arborescens present. The herb layer is an exceedingly lush assemblage of nutrient-demanding forbs and ferns. Among the most abundant of these are Laportea canadensis, Impatiens pallida, Hydrophyllum canadense, Caulophyllum thalictroides, Podophyllum peltatum, Diplazium pycnocarpon, Viola canadensis, Polymnia canadensis, and Asarum canadense. Mosses cover boulders, fallen logs, and the trunks of many trees. This stand is an exceptionally beautiful and representative example of the Southern Appalachian Limestone Rich Cove Forest community type.