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
400
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
23
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
45
%
Field Cover
25
%
Nonvascular Cover
1
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Young but representative example of a dry, calcareous forest dominated by Quercus muhlenbergii. Noteworthy because of its occurrence on a non-carbonate substrate and at relatively high elevation for the type. The geologic map for this site may be incorrect, as exposed bedrock here appears identical to red siltstone of the Juniata Formation. Soils here have very high pH and calcium content.
Old stumps present; trees small, many from coppice sprouts. Deer grazing noted; probably grazed by cows in past. Several Cercis canadensis snags (drought-killed?) and one Cornus florida snag (anthracnose) in plot.