Sleepy Creek dam has altered the flood / sediment regime on Meadow Branch (4 mi upstream). Part of Meadow Branch floodplain in roadless area of Sleepy Creek WMA. Microstegium infestations nearby. Trail within 50m of plot.;Herbaceous backwater slough with some woody vegetation at toeslope (receives seepage) and in floodplain (receives overflow in high water / rain events). Floodplain and upland forest overhang and partly shade the stand. Mosses are confined to hummocks. Upland edges are about 20 above wetland. Some signs of overland flow (bank erosion) present.
Representativeness
Plot was placed to sample wetland backwater slough in floodplain of Meadow Branch. This is the largest of several small wooded / herbaceous (mostly Leersia oryzoides) communities along Meadow Branch seen today.