Kates Branch lies just north of the interstate which was rerouted to avoid this wetland complex surrounded by hemlock and white pine forests. There are old fields in various stages of succession mixed with these even-aged pine stands. The opening below this plot is a wet meadow.;Forest of even-aged white pine with abundant snags in the smaller size classes. Stand is thought to be native succession on old farmland. Higher diversity in herb layer and less ground cedar than plots 295, 297, possibly due to deciduous component (Populus grandidentata) in the canopy providing more light to forest floor.
Representativeness
ELU 2230 (dry flat on sandstone plateau). White pine forest.