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
200
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
25
m
Shrub Height
5
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
60
%
Field Cover
30
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Because of constraints imposed by large downfall disturbance gaps, only a 200 square meter quadrat was sampled. Nevertheless, the plot is representative of the habitat and composition of less disturbed boulderfields in Turkey Run Park. Forest growth on this very rocky slope is relatively open and short, with only scattered large-diameter trees. The mesophytic species Acer saccharum and Tilia americana dominate the overstory and Staphylea trifolia dominated the shrub layer. Deeply piled boulders apparently contribute to a high frequency of blow-downs, as well as to reduced herbaceous cover.