Stand is located E of Mt. Defiance's base by approx. 200 m on E side of Sandy Creek just upslope of willow stand. Area is part of Mt. Defiance burned area circa 1998 & traces of fire are present in plot. Plot sampled in area that burned in the Stonewall fire. Plot may still be representative because trees present before the fire. Plot contains clusters of Quercus agrifolia with open grassy area (100 m2) in the center. Very little ground cover beneath large oaks. Parent material & soil texture vary within the plot.