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
100
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
50
%
Field Cover
35
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This ravine slope captures a unique combination of vegetation that occurred only in small patches where shell is exposed. Q. muhlenbergii, Ostrya virginiana, Cercis canadensis, and Acer barbatum signal the base rich soil. Plot placement was difficult because the community is fairly restricted and quickly grades to Quercus alba/Ericad upland, Quercus alba/Kalmia latifolia slope, or Coastal Plain Basic Seepage Swamp. A small plot size was selected to maintain homogeneity. A few wetland plants are present in the plot and can be attributed to the Basic Seepage Swamp that defines the lower edge of the plot.
Directions: Plot is on the northwest slope of the ravine that runs SW from the York River Cliffs. Hickory Hill is to the SE of the ravine.