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
33
m
Shrub Height
5
m
Field Height
7
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
15
%
Field Cover
90
%
Nonvascular Cover
15
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot captures a medium-age, rich mesophytic hardwood forest with a mixed overstory of Acer saccharum, Tilia americana, Carya cordiformis, and Liriodendron tulipifera; a sparse shrub layer; and a lush herb layer dominated by Cystopteris bulbifera and nutrient-demanding forbs. The site is a steep lower slope with extensive, somewhat unstable limestone boulder talus mostly covered by litter and bryophtyes. A small cliff intersects the southwest corner of the plot. There are several well-rotted downfalls in the plot. Several dead hemlocks are still standing just north (outside) of the plot.