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Introduction
Here we report on our walks along a segment of the upper North River, a branch of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. This segment of the River flows southeast in a deep valley on the southeast slope of Shenandoah Mountain and lies within our proposed Ernie Dickerman Wilderness. This valley is quite constricted in its upper reaches, but broadens greatly at the proposed Wilderness boundary at Forest Road 96. Elevations within the area of our inventories vary from 2100 feet (640 m) to 2480 feet (746 m) asl over a distance of about 4 miles (6 km) The elevation and configuration of this valley, particularly its broad opening toward the southeast, have important implications for the nature of the flora.
Our work is based on thirteen inventory traverses, as well as observations around our camp that were conducted from 8-24-01 to 5-24-02.
Source Walks : 8-24-01, 9-12-01 and 9-13-01
Our first inventory, in the vicinity of Camp Todd, began at 10:00 AM on 8- 24- 01. The flora here, which was briefly described in our section on the ascent of Hardscrabble Knob, included a mature canopy of Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), White Pine (Pinus strobus), Adelgid - infested Canada Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), American Basswood (Tilia americana), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Northern Red and White Oaks (Quercus rubra and Q. alba ), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Black Birch (Betula lenta) and a very little Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis).
A soil temperature determination (T-229) was made on the flat at the usual depth of 5 inches (13 cm) under mature White Pine and Sugar Maple. A temperature of 19.0 deg C was obtained. A soil sample (no 1) was also collected here at the conventional depth of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in a silt/sand loam with considerable organic matter. A pH value of 4.7 was obtained for this sample.
Flora in the immediate vicinity of this sample consisted of Coral Berry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus ), abundant seedlings of White Ash and Sugar Maple, Common Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), seedlings of White Pine, blooming White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), abundant White Grass (Leersia virginica), Deer-tongue Grass (Panicum clandestinum), American Basswood. Black Locust saplings, Woodland Strawberry, (Fragaria vesca), a seedling of the pignut hickory Carya glabra, the creeping five-leaf Potentilla canadensis, an unidentified violet (Viola sp), Delicate Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum), Hog Peanut (Amphicarpa bracteata), an unidentified Atrichum moss, seedlings and saplings of Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum) and the sedge Carex gracilescens.
In an adjacent area were Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens), the forest grass Brachyelytrum erectum, Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), mature White Ash, vigorous Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis), Northern Red Oak, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans). A few mosquitoes (Culicidae) and numerous biting "punkies" (Ceratopogonidae) were in evidence here.
Next recorded were Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis), which was common in openings, Tall Agrimony (Agrimonia gryposepala), a few Red Maple, blooming White Wood Aster (Aster divaricatus) and Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) with Partridge Berry.
A brief survey, including soil temperature and pH, was now done at the base of Springhouse Ridge, on the Valley's west side, and where the trail ascends the Ridge. The soil temperature (T-230) was found to be 18.5 deg C at the usual depth of 5 inches, while the pH (soil sample no 2) at 2-3 inches depth was 4.6.
The plant community here included Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Hairy Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza claytoni), Dutchman's Pipe Vine (Aristolochia macrophylla), Hog Peanut, Adelgid-infested Hemlock and, nearby, a single, partly dead Yellow Birch.
A brief survey was also done in another part of the flood plain a few hundred feet to the northeast of the first area inventoried. Found here were Sweet-scented Bedstraw (Galium triflorum), abundant Partridge Berry, the broad-leaved forest sedge Carex platyphylla, Big-leaf Aster (Aster macrophyllus), a mature White Oak, a little Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), abundant seedlings of Red Maple, Curtis Goldenrod (Solidago curtisii) and Downy Many Knees (Polygonatum pubescens).
The inventory was now terminated as a result of a thunderstorm.
Our next inventory was conducted on the flood plain during the morning of 9-12- 01 and beginning about 1/4 mile (0.4 km) southeast of Camp Todd. From there a traverse was made up-valley toward Camp Todd, covering both sides of the road. The inventory began in a grove of mature trees that included Sugar Maple, White Pine, White Ash, American Basswood, Northern Red and White Oaks, Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica), Hemlock, Tuliptree and Red Maple. The understory consisted of Striped Maple and a little Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and shrubs noted were Witch Hazel, a little Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin) and in an opening, Black Raspberry. Vines included Virginia Creeper, a little Poison Ivy and Dutchman's Pipe Vine. Carolina Wrens (Tryothorus ludovicianus) and Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) were also observed.
Noted successively as we moved up-valley east of the road were White Grass, the alien grass Microstegium vimineum, mostly in openings, abundant Curtis Goldenrod, Black Gum, the sedge Carex gracilescens, White Snakeroot, Blue Wood Aster (Aster cordifolius), European Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris var vulgaris), Autumn Bent Grass (Agrostis perennans), Sweet-scented Bedstraw, Calico Aster (Aster lateriflorus), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), Canada Brome Grass (Bromus pubescens), Smooth Rockcress (Arabis laevigata), Nodding Fescue (Festuca obtusa), the panic grass Panicum latifolium, Blunt-lobe Hepatica (Hepatica americana), White Ash, Hog Peanut, Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus ),Woodland Muhly (Muhlenbergia sylvatica), Slender - flowered Muhly (M. tenuiflora), Upright Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta), Common Greenbrier, Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora), Saw Brier (Smilax glauca), White Wood Aster, Black Locust, Christmas Fern and the sedge Carex swanii.
Continuing, we saw Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula), Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata), the creeping five-leaf Potentilla canadensis, White-haired Panic Grass (Panicum villosissimum), Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana), unbrowsed Hemlock saplings, Spiked Lobelia (Lobelia spicata) in seed, likely Carex laxiflora, Delicate Fern Moss, abundant Sugar Maple seedlings, the fungi Lactarius volemus (edible) and an unidentified Lactarius, Virginia Avens (Geum virginianum), common Partridge Berry, usually under Hemlock or White Pine, a Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Hairy Sweet Cicely with a tiny brown spider adhering to its seeds, a little Black Cohosh (generally uncommon in the area), Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium virginianum), a patch of New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis), the grass Brachyelytrum erectum, Black Snakeroot (Sanicula canadensis) and more Dutchman's Pipe Vine.
We now crossed to the west side of the road, where, also, we initiated our collection of bryophytes for later identification under the microscope by R. Hunsucker. In what follows liverworts are distinguished by the symbol (Li), while the mosses constitute the rest.
Bryophyte sample #1 was collected from the bark of several Black Birch, Sugar Maple and a 20 inch (0.5 m) White Oak. The following species were identified:
Amblysregium varium, Anomodon attenuatus, Anomodon rostratus, Campylium chrysophylum, Fissidens osmundioides, Frullania brittoniae (Li), Leucodon brachpus var brachypus, Platygyrium repens, Schwetschkeopsis fabronia, Ulota crispa
After recording a 17 inch (0.43 m) dbh Yellow Birch, bryophyte sample #2 was collected from sandstone in the vicinity. Found were the Following:
Brachythecium curtum, Brachythecium oxycladon, Brachy thecium rutabulum, Grimmia pilifera,Hedwigia ciliata, Homomallium adnatum, Orthotrichum stellatum, Porella platyphylla (Li), Schwetschkeopsis fabronia, Thuidium delicatulum
Conspicuous a little up-valley were Witch Hazel and unidentified species of the fungi Russula and Cortinarius.
Subsequently bryophyte sample #3 was taken from the bark of Hemlock and White Pine, Only the following were recorded:
Brotherella recurvans, Frullania brittoniae (Li),Homomallium adnatum, Platygyrium repens, Pottiaceae (unid. species)
The next sample collected (#4) was from down wood. The following were found:
Anomodon attenuatus, Anomodon rostratus, Brotherella recurvans, Brotherella tenuirostris, Dicranum scoparium, Haplohymenium triste, Hypnum curvifolium, Leucobryum glaucum, Leucodon julaceus, Porella platyphylla (Li),Schwetschkeopsis fabronia
This was followed by sample #5 from the bark of a 15 inch (0.38 m) dbh White Ash. The following were recorded:
Anomodon rostratus, Brachthecium oxycladon, Dicranella sp, Frullania brittoniae (Li), Orthotrichum stellatum, Platygyrium repens, Pohlia sp (sterile), Pottiaceae (unid. sterile), Pylaisiella selwynii, Schwetschkeopsis fabronia, Sematophyllum adnatum.
Sample #6 from the soil surface here yielded:
Anomodon attenuatus, Atrichum angustatum, Bryoandersonia illecebra, Ctenidium molluscum, Fissidens bushii, Hypnum curvifolium, Mnium cuspidatum, Platygyrium repens, Rhynchostegium serrulatum, Thuidium delicatulum
Also noted here was Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda).
A soil temperature determination (T-242) was now made and a soil sample (no 3) taken. The temperature obtained at the usual depth of 5 inches was T= 17.5 deg C, whereas the soil sample had an initial pH of 4.5 and 24 hours later 4.7.
Bryophyte sample #7 was then taken from the bark of Black Oak (Quercus velutina), with the following result:
Anomodon attenuatus, Brachythecium oxycladon, Campylium chrysophyllum, Ctenidium molluscum, Fissidens osmundioides, Frullania brittoniae (Li),Homomallium adnatum, Plagiothecium cavifolium, Platygyrium repens, Porella platyphylla (Li)
This was shortly followed by sample #8 from the base of a Hemlock. Found were:
Amblystegium serpens, Amblystegium varium, Anomodon attenuatus, Brachythecium rutabulum, Bryum capillare, Campylium chrysophyllum, Cololejeunea biddlecomiae (Li),Fissidens osmundioides, Frullania asagrayana (Li),Frullania brittoniae (Li), Haplohymenium triste, Homomallium adnatum, Hypnmum pallescens, Leskea gracilescens, Metzgeria furcata (Li),Platygyrium repens, Porella platyphylla (Li),Tortella humilis
This is an exceptionally diverse assemblage for any habitat associated with Hemlock.
Our next bryophyte sample (#9) was obtained from the soil surface beneath Sugar Maple and a large Northern Red Oak. Included were the following:
Brachythecium oxycladon, Campylium chrysophyllum, Eurhynchium hians, Fissidens adianthoides, Fissidens osmundioides, Mnium affine var ciliare,
Here we encountered a Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus), and one of the few examples of this species encountered on low areas of this flood plain. In association was a quite healthy-appearing Flowering Dogwood.
Continuing our advance up-valley, we returned to the section east of the road and entered an area of old temporary stream channels. Here, on an east - facing bank, under Sugar Maple and Hemlock, we encountered the only Great Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) seen by us in the entire Shenandoah Mountain region. It was a mature bush. Other species in the vicinity were a mature Yellow Birch, Dotted St. Johns -wort (Hypericum punctatum), the "fire weed" Erechtites hieracifolia and the sedge Carex virecens.
A little farther up-valley on a west-facing bank rich in sandstone flags and under a Northern Red Oak we found a single stunted plant of Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). A soil sample (no 4) was collected as near to this plant as possible. An initial value of pH obtained for this sample was 5.4, while 24 hours it was 5.5, or essentially the same. The sample dried rapidly, indicating a low content of organic matter and a high content of silt.
A bryophyte sample (# 10) was also collected from rocks in the vicinity, with the following result:
Brachythecium rutabulum, Bryoandersonia illecebra, Campylium chrysophyllum, Entodon compressus, Homomallium adnatum, Mnium cuspidatum, Plagiothecium cavifolium, Thuidium delicatulum
Also noted in the general vicinity were abundant Carex platyphylla, Common Speedwell (Veronica officinalis), Northern Dewberry (Rubus flagellaris), Poison Ivy, a large buttressed Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata) and the sedge Carex digitalis.
The next bryophyte sample (# 11) was taken from the base of the large Cucumbertree, which had a dbh of 28 inches (0.71 m). Species noted were the following:
Anomodon attenuatus, Entodon compressus, Fissidens adianthoides, Leskea gracilescens, Rhodobryum roseum
A nearby large down Sugar Maple base yielded bryophyte sample # 12 and the species:
Amblystegium varium, Entodon cladorrhizans, Mnium cuspidatum, Platygyrium repens, Thuidium delicatulum
Our final bryophyte sample of the series (# 13) was taken from a broken - over and re-sprouted 9 inch (0. 23 m) Red Maple and a large Northern Red Oak in a semi-opening. The following species were tallied:
Amblystegium serpens, Brotherella recurvans, Eurhynchium hians, Haplohymenium triste, Leucodon brachypus var brachypus, Mnium cuspidatum, Plagiothecium cavifolium, Platygyrium repens, Ulota hutchinsiae
Canada Mayflower occurred under Hemlock, and a family of Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) was active here.
The following are bryophyte frequencies for the foregoing 13 habitats.
8 Platygyrium repens 6 Anomodon attenuatus 5 Campylium chrysophyllum 5 Frullania brittoniae (Li) 5 Homomallium adnatum 4 Brachythecium oxycladon 4 Mnium cuspidatum 4 Porella platyphylla (Li) 4 Schwetschkeopsis fabronia 4 Thuidium delicatulum 3 Amblystegium varium 3 Anomodon rostratus 3 Brachythecium rutabulum 3 Brotherella recurvans 3 Fissidens osmundioides 3 Haplohymenium triste 3 Plagiothecium cavifolium 2 Amblystegium serpens 2 Bryoandersonia illecebra 2 Ctenidium molluscum 2 Entodon compressus 2 Eurhynchium hians 2 Fissidens adianthoides 2 Hypnum curvifolium 2 Leskea gracilescens 2 Leucodon brachypus var brachypus 2 Orthotrichum stellatum 2 Pottiaceae (unid. strile) 1 Atrichum angustatum 1 Brachythecium curtum 1 Brotherella tenuirostris 1 Bryum capillare 1 Cololejeunea biddlecomiae (Li) 1 Dicranella sp 1 Dicranum scoparium 1 Entodon cladorrhizans 1 Fissidens bushii 1 Frullania asagrayana (Li) 1 Grimmia pilifera 1 Hedwigia ciliata 1 Hypnum pallescens 1 Leucobryum glaucum 1 Metzgeria furcata (Li) 1 Mnium affine var ciliare 1 Pohlia sp (stirile) 1 Pylaisiella selwynii 1 Rhodobryum roseum 1 Rhynchostegium serrulatum 1 Sematophyllum adnatum 1 Tortella humilis 1 Ulota crispa 1 Ulota hutchinsiae In the vicinity of Camp Todd again, we arrived at the right bank of the River at the site of a substantial hole that contained numerous small fish, as well as some 6 inches (15 cm) or more in length A spot inventory of the vegetation on a gravel bar adjacent to the hole revealed the following: Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), Wrinkled-leaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa ), Cut-leaf Goldenrod (S. arguta var arguta), Blue Wood Aster, Calico Aster, Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Woodland Muhly, Crooked-stem Aster (Aster prenanthoides), Leafy Beggar-tick (Bidens frondosa), Deer-tongue Grass, Fowl Manna Grass (Glyceria striata), Twisted Sedge (Carex torta). Northern Bugleweed (Lycopus uniflorus), Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) in bloom, Arrow - leaf Tearthumb (Polygonum sagittatum), Clearweed (Pilea pumila), Downy Wood Violet (Viola sororia), Purple - stem Willowherb (Epilobium coloratum), Wood Nettle, Horse Balm (Collinsonia canadensis) and the aliens Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and Meadow Fescue (Festuca elatior ).
Birds recorded in the vicinity were American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) and a drumming Ruffed Grouse (Bonassa umbellus).
We now moved southeast down-valley to a point approximately 0.6 mile (1 km) northwest of the first bridge. The elevation here is approximately 2150 feet (656 m) asl, and the environment is one of old fields reverting to forest and patches of forest.
Here we entered a shady but open forest with a canopy consisting largely of Hemlock, White Pine and White Oak. We then initiated a new series of bryophyte samples, but under our same numbering system. The first sample, #14, was collected from charred wood and bore the following species:
Amblystgium varium, Mnium punctatum var punctatum, Platygyrium repens
Bryophyte sample # 15 was then collected from the soil surface, and the following obtained:
Amblystegium serpens, brachythecium rutabulum, Dicranella sp, Mnium cuspidatum, Pohlia sp, Pottiaceae (unid. sterile)
It was noted that while ground cover was sparse, Partridge Berry, Carex platyphylla and Christmas Fern were quite common.
Bryophyte sample # 16 was now taken from stumps and roots of White Pine. It contained the Following:
Brachythecium rutabulum, Dicranella heteromalla, Hypnum curvifolium, Hypnum pallescens, Isopterygium elegans, Mnium hornum, Platygyrium repens
As we progressed up-valley, the following species of vascular plants were tallied. Common Greenbrier, Black Birch, Sugar Maple, Interrupted Fern, Brachyelytrum erectum, White Wood Aster, Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea ), Plume Lily (Smilacina racemosa). Slender-flowered Muhly, Wild Liquorice (Galium circaezans), Saw Brier, a single shrub of Upland Low Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum), Variable Panic Grass (Panicum commutatum), Intermediate Shield Fern (Dryopteris intermedia), Mealy Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata), a small patch of the liverwort Bazzania trilobata, Black Gum, an unidentified violet (Viola sp), Indian Turnip (Arisaema triphyllum), New York Fern, Red Maple, a little Coral Berry and Round-leaf Violet (Viola rotundifolia) under Hemlock. Here also, a Red - shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) was heard calling.
Although conditions were too dry for the appearance of many fungi, the following were collected and identified by R. Hunsucker:
Suillus americanus-edible; associated with White Pine (Phillips, 1991).
Suillus granulatus-edible; also associated with White Pine.
Austroboletus gracilis-associated with and Hemlock.
Lactarius piperatus-common in deciduous woods.We now moved farther down-valley to a location about 0.1 mile (0.16 km) northwest of the first bridge and set up camp. The elevation here is near 2120 feet (647 m) asl. The evening was cool and pleasant, but no night birds were heard.
The morning of 9 - 13-01 dawned bright and quiet with a heavy dew, after a rather balmy night. Ravens (Corvus corax) called impressively and a variety of woodpeckers pecked and drummed loudly. Crows were also heard.
The forest here is quite open and old fields are more conspicuous than at our last inventory site, Trees are of uneven age, with scattered large spreading, open-grown examples, especially of White Oak among younger growth.
Among the most common trees were White Pine, White Oak and Red Maple. The ground flora around camp included Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi ), large patches of Tree Moss (Climacium americanum) in association with Partridge Berry, the alien Indian Strawberry (Duchsnea indica) and the creeping five-leaf Potentilla canadensis. The deciduous spinulose shield fern Dropteris carthusiana was also common here. Other species noted were Christmas Fern, Common Speedwell, Cutleaf Grapefern (Botrychium dissectum), abundant White Snakeroot, lush patches of Hog Peanut, the alien grass Microstegium vimineum, blackberry much browsed by White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Poison Ivy, the alien Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Saw Brier, Northern Dewberry, Sweet-scented Bedstraw,, White Grass and the Trail rush (Juncus tenuis ). Also conspicuous was the abundance of macrolichens on the light-exposed trees of the open forest (see our pending survey of lichens here).
To the east of camp we encountered Muscletree (Carpinus caroliniana), Pennsylvania Pelitory (Parietaria pensylvanica) and, in the open, a large patch of Coral Berry.
A soil temperature determination (T-243) was made and a soil sample (no 5) taken in the midst of the Coral Berry patch. The soil temperature was found to be 17,0 deg C, and the soil sample had pH values of 4.7 and 4.5 initially and 24 hours later respectively. This soil appeared to be rich in both clay and organic matter, since it formed hard lumps on drying and drying required a long time.
Additional species seen in the open in the vicinity were the alien bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus, Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense), Poke (Phytolacca americana), Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisifolia), Autumn Bent Grass, Cudweed (Gnaphalium obtusifolium) in bloom, the alien Self-heal, very common Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), the alien Field Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), Poverty Oat Grass (Danthonia spicata), Curtis Goldenrod and Hairy Bedstraw (Galium pilosum).
Here also, we found Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) dust baths and spotted a Wood Nymph (Gercyonis pegala var pegala) Butterfly.
Continuing east across the opening, we recorded Woodland Muhly, the alien Velvet Grass (Holcus lanatus), very tall Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), Field Basil (Satureja vulgaris) and American Germander (Teucrium canadense var canadense ) in bloom.
We presently arrived at a small linear wetland that extended down-valley and, at least in part, had its source in a small pond about 10 meters in diameter. From the large trees on its bank and lack of any sign of excavated material, the pond appeared to be natural and likely marked a sinkhole. Water from this pond had a temperature (T-244) of 16.0 deg C and a pH of 6.8, a value consistent with limestone influence in this generally acidic terrain.
Most of the wetland is in the open and consists of a springbrook that flows down -valley and, within a few hundred feet is absorbed in a meadow, Wetland hebaceous species were dominated by the alien grass Microstegium vimineum, but there were many native herbs as well. A soil sample (no 6) that consisted of a black organic mud, had an initial pH of 6.1, but 24 hours later this had increased to 6.8. This sample appeared to be rich in clay as well as organic matter.
Other herbs identified in the wetland were Larger Water Starwort (Callitriche heterophylla), Marsh Purslane (Ludwigia palustris ) *, Rice Cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides) *, Carex frankii*, Water Smartweed (Polygonum punctatum) *, Arrow-leaf Tearthumb, Clearweed*, Carex lurida*, Fowl Manna Grass*, Scirpus polyphyllus, Pennsylvania Bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica), Clayton's Bedstraw (Galium tinctorium), Carex vulpinoidea*, Small-flowered St. John's Wort (Hypericum mutilum), Field Mint (Mentha arvensis var canadensis) *, Northern Bugleweed*, Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) *, Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) *, Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus) *, Hooked Crowfoot (Ranunculus recurvatus), Purple-leaved Willow Herb*, Honewort (Cryptotaenia canadensis) *, Common Monkey Flower (Mimulus ringens) *, the "fireweed" Erechtites hieracifolia, the tickseed Bidens connata*, and Mad - dog Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) *.
In the above listing an asterisk indicates the species also occurs in the Folly Mills Calcareous Wetland (Hunsucker and Mueller, 1998).
On the bank adjacent to the springbrook we observed Black Haw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium), Intermediate Shield Fern, Downy Wood Violet and the acidiphile sedge Crex intumescens.
A Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) called nearby.
Bryophyte sample # 17 was now collected from soil over rock in the wetland. Observed were the following:
Amblystegium serpens, Amblystegium varium, Brachythecium rutabulum, Bryum capillare, Hedwigia ciliata (on dry patch)
Sample # 18 from wet rocks at the wetland edge was collected next, but yielded only the species
Amblystegium varium, Brachythecium rutabulum
The following (sample # 19) were then tallied from a wet down bole in the pond:
Amblystegium serpens, Hypnum curvifolium, Mnium cuspidatum, Philonotus muhlenbergii, Platygyrium repens
The genra Amblystegium, Brachythecium and Philonotus are frequent in wet habitats (Crum and Anderson, 1981).
Again, in the immediate vicinity of our camp, we were impressed by the general abundance in the forest of Dryopteris carthusiana, Ebony Spleenwort and Partridge Berry, while in the open we recorded the aliens Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare) and Smooth Crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum).
Butterflies were common in the open and included Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele), Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax), Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) and Pearl Crescent (Phyclodes tharos).
In what follows we report on the results of a traverse to the south of camp by R. Hunsucker. Species identified by him were Cucumbertree, Sassafras, Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum), the "fireweed" Erchtites hieracifolia, Wild Carrot (Daucus carota ), Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Upland Low Blueberry, Wild Geranium, White Vervain (Verbena urticifolia), Bushy Panic Grass (Panicum dichotomum), the alien "bittersweet" Solanum dulcamara, Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Allegheny Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis), Hemlock, May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum), the pignut Carya glabra, Carex laxiflora, Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata), Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea quadrisulcata), Common Beggar Tick (Bidens vulgata), Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera), Common Many Knees (Polygonatum biflorum), Downy Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens) and the rare orchid Corallorhiza maculata.
On this traverse bryophyte sample # 20 was collected from rotting down boles of White Pine, and which resulted in the following species:
Bazzania trilobata, Hypnum curvifolium, Leucobryum glaucum, Nowellia curvifolia
Also collected on the same traverse from soil was sample # 21, which contained:
Atrichum angustatum, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum curvifolium, Leucobryum glaucum, Pleurozium schreberi, Polytrichum ohioense, Thuiddium delicatulum
Fungi collected from soil on the same traverse were
Amanita virosa
Amanita fulva
Collybia butyracea-common on fallen pine needles
Collybia dryophylla
Chrysomphalina chrysophylla-on rotting White Pine
The following are bryophyte frequencies for the foregoing eight habitats
4 Brachytheciumrutabulum 4 Hypnum curvifolium 3 Amblystegium serpens 3 Amblystegium varium 3 Platygyrium repens 2 Leucobryum glaucum 2 Mnium cuspidatum 1 Atrichum angustatum 1 Bazzania trilobata (Li) 1 Bryum capillare 1 Dicranella heteromalla 1 Dicranella sp 1 Dicranum scoparium 1 Hedwigia ciliata 1 Hypnum pallescens 1 Isopterygium elegans 1 Mnium hornum 1 Mnium punctatum var punctatum 1 Nowellia curvifolia (Li) 1 Philonotus muhlenbergii 1 Pleurozium schreberi 1 Pohlia sp 1 Polytrichum ohioense 1 Pottiaceae (unid. sterile) 1 Thuidium delicatulum On this day a late afternoon foray was made to the west of the road in the vicinity of camp. As we advanced west to the stream bank we successively noted Anthracnose-killed Flowering Dogwood, Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hystrix), a small patch of Cliff Stonecrop (Sedum glaucophyllum), large White Pine, Slender -flowered Muhly, Summer Grape (Vitis aestivalis), abundant Christmas Fern, Great Chickweed (Stellaria pubera), Tuliptree, a patch of Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) in an opening, Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia ) not yet in bloom, Sycamore (Platinus occidentalis), the grass Panicum latifolium, abundant Partridge Berry, Witch Hazel, Hairy Sweet Cicely and Woodland Muhly. We here reached the steep bank of the North River where Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) was in bloom. As we made our return to camp, we noted Cut-leaf Grapefern, Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and the fungus Spongipellis unicolor on dead, down Northern Red Oak.
In the late afternoon in camp, dragonflies were actively foraging for gnats and other small insects, even taking up positions on the heads of humans, and from there making sorties about the face. Long-horned wood borers flew about as did sulfur butterflies. Later identified by R. Hunsucker were the Southern Pine Sawyer (Monochamus titillator) and the Locust Borer (Megacyllene robiniae), with the latter being found on goldenrod.
Of interest on this part of the flood plain, as distinguished from that farther up -stream, was the apparent absence of markedly boreal species such Yellow Birch and Canada Mayflower, except for the single find of Corallorhiza maculata (However, see a later inventory for an exception!). This feature is likely a consequence of the open character of the Valley, which allows cold subsiding air to be rapidly dissipated.
9-12-01: North River, hole in river (see text).
(Click to enlarge.)
9-12-01: North River, Muhlenbergia tenuiflora.
9-13-01: North River, sinkhole with higher water.
Source walks: 9-26-01, 9-27-01 and 9-28-01
For these inventories our base camp was again located at the site 0.1 mile northwest of the first bridge. Four inventory traverses were made from here. The first of these on the morning of 9-26-01 extended south from camp on the east side of the road. On the morning of 9-27-01 a traverse was made up-valley from camp, again to the east of the road. This traverse terminated about 0.5 mile northwest of the camp where we had conducted an inventory on 9-13-01. In the afternoon a second inventory was initiated at the point at which the road intersects the base of the mountain slope a about a half mile above the previous inventory. This traverse extended roughly west across the flood plain, crossed one channel of the stream and terminated at the second channel to the west. A return by a slightly different route intersected a springbrook in the upland between the two channels. On 9-28-01 a short traverse was made to the west of the road and immediately south of the first bridge.
The 9-26-01 traverse began at near 10:00 AM under cool, windy and partly cloudy conditions. Blue Jays and a Red-shouldered Hawk were heard.
A soil temperature determination (T-265) was now made at the same site as was T - 243 on 9-13-01. The value obtained, T= 14.0 deg C, was three degrees cooler than on that date.
A soil sample (no 7) was then taken from an open meadow, perhaps 100 feet (30 m) south of the termination of the circum-neutral Springbrook. just east of camp. This soil appeared to be a silt loam, rich in organic matter. It had an initial pH value of 4.9, and 24 hours later one of 4.7. It appears that any bases contributed to this meadow by absorption of the springbrook were overwhelmed by the prevalent acid terrain subject to further acid leaching.
Now, moving south, several small Virginia Juniper (Juniperus virginiana) punctuate the increasingly wooded meadow. There were lush clumps of shrubs and herbs that included the tallest Coral Berry (~ 1.5 m) and thorny blackberries (~ 3 m) ever seen by this reporter. Associated were Common Speedwell, an unidentified violet, abundant Horse Nettle, Field Thistle (Cirrsium discolor) and Deer - tongue Grass. A pH determination (no 8) of the soil here yielded an initial value of 5.1, but 24 hours later this had decreased to 4.8.
After first adding Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) to our tally, we entered the forest in which the Corallorhiza maculata had been found. The canopy was dominated by large, if young, White Pine and perhaps older White Oak, some of which, by their spreading crowns, had clearly matured in a more open environment. Partridge Berry appeared to be particularly abundant, and patches of Tree Moss and Hog Peanut were common. Fungi noted were Phellinius robimiae on Black Locust, Cantharellus cinnabarinus and Clitocybe clavipes. In places the moss Pleurozium schreberi formed large mats. Here also, we saw the first White Ash, Hay-scented Fern, a few seedlings of Black Cohosh and stunted Horse Balm.
We soon reached a springbrook that discharged into the North River at a small angle and which had been dammed by Beaver (Castor canadensis). Here, on a large White Oak stump grew the fungi Daedaleopsis ambigua and Polyporus squamosus, while the adjacent soil bore Chroogomphus vinicolor (Miller, 1979). also present on the bank were a large Sugar Maple and the native bittersweet Celastrus scandens. In the springbrook itself we found the sedges Scirpus pollyphyllus and Carex scabrata.
A soil sample (no 9) was taken from the bed of the springbrook under flowing water. It had an initial pH of 5.0, but after 24 hours this had decreased to 4.7. A water sample of the springbrook had a pH of 4.9.
As we moved south along the west side of the springbrook, we noted in succession the fungus Pluteus cervinus (the "Deer Mushroom"), a small Spice Bush, Woodland Muhly, Slender-flowered Muhly, Upright Yellow Wood Sorrel, an unidentified mountain mint (Pycnanthemum sp), Indian Turnip, a little Wild Hydrangea, Wild Sage (Salvia lyrata), the panic grass Panicum boscii, seedlings of Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), the alien Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia), Pennsylvania Bittercress, Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis), Black Oak, American Water-pennywort (Hydrocotyle americana), a little Columbine, Panicled Hawkweed (Hieracium paniculatum), Round-leaf Violet, Wild Liquorice (Galium circaezans), White Lettuce (Prenanthes altissima) and the fungus Lycoperdon perlatum (edible puffball).
As we reached the upper end of the Beaver pond we noted that it contained a dense growth of an unidentified burreed (Sparganium sp) and an alga of the genus Spyrogyra. Nearby an Eastern Phoebe (Syornis phoebe) exhibited its diagnostic tail-bobbing.
We now returned up -stream to our point of origin, but on a route closer to the road. We then saw our first Ground Berry (Rubus hispidus), followed by Purple-stem Aster (Aster puniceus) ; then in the forest near the first bridge, Carex gracilescens and Marginal Shield Fern (Dryopteris marginalis).
This day, also, around camp, we noted the abundance of Muscletree, the heavy cover of bryophytes on some down boles, Downy Rattlesnake Plantain, Round -leaved Pyrola (Pyrola rotundifolia), Intermediate Shield Fern, the alien Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) and Goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri var bushianum).
At about 10:00 AM of 9-27-01 a traverse was begun up-valley from camp and east of the road. Successively noted near the beginning of our traverse were large White Pine with an understory of Red Maple saplings, a single small plant of the acidiphile tick-trefoil Desmodium nudiflorum, and the one of only two members of the genus seen in the region. A spot inventory then disclosed an unidentified basswood (Tilia sp), the pignut hickory Carya glabra, Northern Red oak, White Ash, White Oak, Black Gum, large, sturdy Striped Maple and Round-leaved Pyrola. Continuing, we saw Flowering Dogwood, abundant Partridge Berry, a single shrub of Mountain Fetterbush, (Pieris floribunda), and the only example of the genus seen. These were followed by common occurrence of patches of the moss Pleurozium schreberi, Spiked Lobelia, Upland Low Blueberry, Deer Berry and Wild Sage. Then, at the edge of an old clearcut dominated by saplings, we observed a Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and, among a tangle of slash, a large Poke plant.
We now entered a section of dark forest dominated by young Hemlock and White Pine, with a few scattered Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida). Also present here was the fungus Gerronema chrysophylla, a species characteristic of conifer down wood. Enlivening our experience were several Hairy Woodpeckers (Picoides villosus) and White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). Other faunal signs were heaps of cone scales at the bases of White Pine, indicating feeding by, in all probability, squirrels.
Advancing up - valley again, we saw European Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris var vulgaris), a little Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) and cushions of the moss Leucobryum. We then entered a dense stand of White Pine saplings, beneath which grew Intermediate Shield Fern and Partridge Berry. Continuing, we noted Blue Jays, a Tufted Titmouse (Parus bicolor), Black Birch, White-breasted Nuthatch and Common Greenbrier heavily browsed by Deer. These were followed by Northern Bugleweed, more patches of Pleurozium schreberi with Indian Strawberry, unidentified species of Russula and Lactarius fungi, Woodland Muhly and patches of Tree Moss.
A soil sample (no 10) was taken from as shallow a depth as possible immeditely beneath the Tree Moss. It had an initial pH of 4.7, but 24 hours later this had decreased to 4.4.
Next observed on our traverse were a considerable number of ten inch (0.25 m) dbh Hemlock, a little Sweet-scented Bedstraw, Christmas Fern, Black Birch, the grass Panicum boscii and Hog Peanut.
We now reached the road at about 0.7 mile (1.1 km) above the first bridge. We crossed the road and proceeded up an old woods road that was barred by a "Kelley Hump". We noted that the soil here was a deep sandy loam, with few rocks and probably had been the site of a precious crop field during the settler period. We followed the blocked woods road into a very shady forest with a canopy dominated by mature but not old Hemlock and White Pine, and with little shrubby or herbaceous vegetation. A 28 inch (0.71 m) dbh White Pine was among the larger trees.-
We soon reached a channel of the North River in the vicinity of which we recorded Red and Sugar Maples, scattered Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana), Indian Pipe and Partridge Berry. The liverwort Nowellia curvifolia was present on down boles and an unidentified species of Frullania on Hemlock. Isolated shrubs of the alien Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) were also observed.
A bryophyte sample (# 22) was here taken from the bark of White Pine and Hemlock, with the following result:
Brotherella recurvans, Frullania asagrayana (Li), Frullania brittoniae (Li),Hypnum curvifolium
After noting the presence of White Ash saplings, bryophyte sample # 23 was collected from the bark of a pignut hickory at the forest edge. The following species were observed:
Anomodon attenuatus, Campylium chrysophyllum, Cololejeunea biddlecomiae (Li),Frullania brittoniae (Li),Leucodon julaceus, Neckera pennata, Rhynchostegium serrulatum
The common occurrence of an unidentified species of Atrichum moss on soil in the vicinity was also noted.
Other species subsequently observed in the general area were Pileated Woodpecker, Spotted Wintergreen, Rattlesnake Fern, Blunt-lobe Hepatica, Poison Ivy on White Pine, Ox-eye (Heliopsis helianthoides), American Dog Violet (Viola conspersa), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and the fungi Phaeolus schweinitzii (parasitic on White Pine) and an unidentified species of Coprinus. Our traverse was then terminated.
At about 1:00 PM on 9-27-01 we began a traverse at about a mile north of camp, where the road intersects the base of the mountain slope We at first traversed a short distance up-valley at a small angle with the mountain side and through a forest with large, but likely not old White Pine and smaller Hemlock and Tuliptree. Like many others in this valley, this forest had very sparse shrub and ground floras.
After assuming a more westerly course, bryophyte sample # 24 was taken from the bark of Tuliptree, with the following result:
Anomodon attenuatus Campylium chrysophyllum, Ctenidium molluscum, Frullania asagrayana (Li), Frullania brittoniae (Li),Mnium affine, Platygyrium repens, Pylaisiella selwynii, Thuidium delicatulum
Advancing up-valley we noted Black Oak, Christmas Fern and seedlings of White Ash. Our next bryophyte sample (# 25) was collected from the bark of Sugar Maple. It contained the following:
Anomodon attenuatus, Campylium chrysophyllum, Frullania brittoniae (Li), Haplohymenium triste, Leucodon julaceus, Metzgeria furcata (Li),Mnium affine,.Plaagiothecium cavifolium, Platygyrium repens, Porella platyphylla (Li)
Next observed were Blunt-lobe Hepatica, an unidentified orchid of the genus Habenaria, Cancerroot (Conopholis americana), Common Greenbrier, Partridge Berry, White Oak, Black Birch, Cucumbertree, Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens), Carex platyphylla less than normally glaucus, Rattlesnake Fern, Variable Panic Grass, a single shrub of Mountain Laurel, Pitch Pine and Four-leaved Yam (Dioscorea quaternata). The thinness of the leaf mat was conspicuous here.
Bryophyte sample # 26 was now taken from a decaying Tuliptree. Only the following were found:
Brachythecium rutabulum, Campylium chrysophyllum, Fissidens osmundioides, Pylaisiella selwynii
However, another sample (# 27) from a a living Tuliptree contained a richer assemblage:
Anomodon attenuatus, Brotherella recurvans, Campylium chrysophyllum, Cololejeunea biddlecomiae (Li), Dicranum viride, Frullania brittoniae (Li),Haplohymenium triste, Lejeunea sp (Li), Metzgeria furcata (Li), Pylaisiella selwynii, Radula complanata (Li),Thuidium delicatulum, Tortella humilis, Taxiphyllum deplanatum
We now came to the east channel of the North River and, on crossing, entered a forest markedly different from that just traversed. Mature but young, the canopy was dominated by deciduous trees with a heavy White Pine understory and abundant Mountai Laurel in places. Perhaps the most common canopy species was Northern Red Oak, but White Oak and Tuliptree were also conspicuous and were accompanied by scattered Cucumbertree and Chestnut Oak. It seems likely that the latter occurred here by virtue of the greater relief as compared with other parts of the flood plain. Quite generally, Witch Hazel was the most common shrub.
Bryophyte sample # 28 was collected fromsandstone rock here. It bore the following:
Dicranum viride, Hedwigia ciliata, Hypnum pallescens, Platygyrium repens, Thuidium delicatulum, Ulota hutchinsiae
After noting the presence of New York Fern, a soil sample (no 11) was taken. the pH value obtained for this sample was 4.6 both initially and after 24 hours.
The next three bryophyte samples were taken from the bark of undifferentiated deciduous trees.
From # 29:
Anomodon attenuatus, Anomodon rostratus, Campylium chrysophyllum, Cololejeunea biddlecomiae (Li), Fissidens osmundioides, Frullania brittoniae (Li), Haplohymenium triste, Homomallium adnatum, Lophocolea cuspidatum (Li), Orthotrichum sp, Platygyrium repens, Porella platyphylla (Li), Ulota crispa
From # 30:
Anomodon attenuatus, Campylium chrysophyllum, Dicranum viride, Entodon cladorrhizans, Fissidens adiathoides, Mnium affine, Platygyrium repens, Thuidium delicatulum
And from # 31:
Cololejeunea biddlecomiae (Li), Frullania brittoniae (Li), Halohymenium triste, Platygyrium repens
Still advancing across the valley, we saw the grass Brachyelytrum erectum, Downy Rattlesnake Plantain, Lance-leaf Wild Liquorice (Galium lanceolatum), a little Partridge Berry, Red Maple, Scattered Mountain Laurel and Indian Cucumberrot (Medeola virginiana).
Here bryophyte sample # 32 was collected from the bark of a large Northern Red Oak. The following species were found:
Brotherella recurvans, Dicranell sp (no sporophyte), Dicranum viride, Frullania brittoniae (Li), Pylaisiella selwynii, Ulota crispa
After recording White Basswood (Tilia heterophylla) we arrived at the west channel of the North River, where we found Black Locust and Black Birch.
Our last bryophyte sample (# 33) was here collected from soil near the stream embankment. Found were:
Atrichum undulatum, Colopogeia muelleriana (Li), Dicranella heteromalla, Hypnum curvifolium, Hypnum pallescens, Leucobryum glaucum, Thuidium delicatulum
Also on the embankment we found a single small shrub of Buffalonut ( Pyrularia pubera), Flowering Dogwood, Carex gracillima, while in the stream bed grew Carex scabrata., as well as Twisted Sedge (Carex torta).
We now began our return toward the east on a somewhat different route than on which we had advanced. We soon encountered a rather deeply incised springbrook, which revealed the rather substantial relief of this inter-stream area, and likely explains the presence of Chestnut Oak. The springbrook was in its upper reaches marked by a large patch of Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea).
As we followed the springbrook down-stream to where the water was clearly flowing, we noted Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium americanum) as well as a number of other herbs we did not inventory.
Again arriving at the east channel of the River, we recorded the fungi Hygrophorus aurantiaca on soil and Coltricia perennis on soil at the edge of burned wood. These were accompanied by Stiff Yellow Flax (Linum medium) on the rocky stream bank. At this point we terminated our traverse.
The following are bryophyte frequencies in the foregoing 12 habitats.
8 Frullania brittoniae (Li) 7 Campylium chrysophyllum 6 Anomodon attenuatus 6 Platygyrium repens 5 Thuidium delicatulum 4 Cololejeunea biddlecomiae (Li) 4 Dicranum viride 4 Haplohymenium triste 4 Pylaisiella selwynnii 3 Brotherella recurvans 3 Mnium affine 2 Fissidens osmundioides 2 Frullania asagrayana (Li) 2 Hypnum curvifolium 2 Hypnum pallescens 2 Leucodon julaceus 2 Metzgeria furcata (Li) 2 Porella platyphylla (Li) 2 Ulota crispa 1 Anomodon rostratus 1 Atrichum undulatum 1 Brachythecium rutabulum 1 Calypogeia muelleriana (Li) 1 Ctenidium molluscum 1 Dicranella heteromalla 1 Dicranella sp 1 Entodon cladorrhizans 1 Fissidens adianthoides 1 Hedwigia ciliata 1 Homomalium adnatum 1 Leucobryum glaucum 1 Lejeunea sp 1 Lophocolea cuspidata (Li) 1 Neckera pennata 1 Orthotrichum sp 1 Plagiothecium cavifolium 1 Radula complanata (Li) 1 Rhynchostegium serrulatum 1 Taxiphyllum deplanatum 1 Tortella humilis 1 Ulota hutchinsiae The striking difference between the forest east of the River (largely White Pine and Hemlock) and the largely deciduous forest on the inter-stream area, may have several explanations. It may relate to different land uses during the settler period, or to cutting or fire history, with one favoring conifers, the other deciduous species. That the conifers once also dominated the canopy where the deciduous forest now occurs, is at least hinted at by the vigorous White Pine understory in the latter. An additional contributing factor may be the relatively high relief of the interstream area, which would tend to favor certain species such as Chestnut Oak.
Beginning at 9:30 AM on 9- 28 -01, under clear, cool conditions, a brief inventory was undertaken of the forest immediately south of the first bridge and west of the road. The elevation here is a little less than 2100 feet (640) asl.
Near the road Black Oak was a conspicuous canopy species, but associated with it were Northern Red and White Oaks and White Pine. The ground flora was very dense. Successively noted as we traversed toward the Valley's west side were Flowering Dogwood, Slender-flowered Muhly, Christmas Fern, Interrupted Fern, Hog Peanut, Common Greenbrier, the grass Brachyelytrum erectum, Canada Brome Grass, White Snakeroot and Partridge Berry. Subsequently we encountered the first Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens) seen by us in the entire Valley. This was followed by Variable Panic Grass, the pignut Carya glabra, Palmate-leaf Violet (Viola palmata), more White Pine, Upland Low Blueberry, White Wood Aster, Tall Agrimony ( Agrimonia gryposepala), Wild Geranium, Black Cohosh, Witch Hazel, Wild Liquorice, White Oak and Hairy Disporum (Disporum lanuginosum). Farther along, we saw Dog Violet (Viola conspersa), the grass Panicum boscii, a single plant of Desmodium nudiflorum, an unidentified azalea (Rhododendron sp), a Black Cherry sapling, a single shrub of Spice Bush, Hay -scented Fern, a single sapling of Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), Virginia Creeper, seedlings of Downy Serviceberry, Carex laxiflora, Fowl Mannagrass (Glyceria striata), Deer-tongue grass, Woodland Muhly, Common Many Knees (Polygonatum biflorum), the creeping five-leaf Poentilla canadensis, Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea quadrisulcata), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Blunt-lobe Hepatica, Calico Aster (Aster lateriflorus) and Common Speedwell.
Continuing west across the flood plain, we encountered Autumn Bent Grass ( Agrostis perennans), Great Chickweed (Stellaria pubera ), Four-leaved Yam, a seedling of an unidentified Eupatorium, an unidentified Atrichum moss, European Self-heal, the alien grass Microstegium vimineum and a few plants of the first noted Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens).
Also noted was the common occurrence of cushions of an unidentified species of Leucobryum moss at the bases of White Pine, an unidentified fungus of the genus Hydnellum, Red Maple, Mealy Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata), Mountain Anemone (Anemone lancifolia or A. minima) golden Alexanders (Zizia aptera), Hemlock, Sweet White Violet, Witch Hazel, Plume Lily, Deer Berry. a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius), the fungus Collybia dryophylla, Delicate Fern Moss on soil; then Downy Rattlesnake Plantain and patches of a grass later identified as Two-flower Melic (Melica mutica), a southern species. Also present in the vicinity was a large patch of Calamagrostis porteri, New York fern, Carrion Flower, Blue Wood Aster, Variable Panic Grass, abundant Partridge Berry, seedlings of White Ash, Lady Fern and
Wrinkled -leaf Goldenrod. With this we terminated our inventory.
9-27-01: North River, Sparganium in Beaver Pond.
(Click to enlarge.)
9-27-01: North River, Climacium americanum.
(Click to enlarge.)
9-27-01: North River, Lepidopteron larva.
9-27-01: North River sinkhole. Note large Sugar Maple on bank.
(Click to enlarge.)
9-27-01: North River deciduous forest between channels of River (see text).
(Click to enlarge.)
9-27-01: North River open pine forest near sinkhole.
(Click to enlarge.)
9-28-01: North River, open forest with White Pine.
(Click to enlarge.)
Source Walks: 5-23-02 and 5-24-02
On 5-23-02 a camp was established in the vicinity of the previously mentioned sinkhole pond in the North River Valley.
A little after noon we began our inventory along the northeast side of the pond. Successively noted were Woodland Strawberry and Potentilla canadensis in bloom, while in the pond itself numerous i.5 inch (4 cm) polywogs crowded the water, Sedges included Carex intumescens mostly set several meters back from the water's edge, Carex blanda, Carex laevivaginata and Carex atlantica, Deer-tongue Grass, Golden Ragwort in bloom, Pennsylvania Bittercress, Indian Turnip, abundant Juncus effusus, the calls of Scarlet Tanager and Black-billed Cuckoo.
Continuing, we saw on adjacent higher ground, a few clumps Kentucky Bluegrass, ( Poa pratensis), Carex swanii, Carex appalachica, Carex cephalophora, Carex laxiflora, a clump of the forest "bluegrass" Poa alsodes, the wood rush Luzula echinata, Wild Pink (Silene caroliniana var pensylvanica) with white blooms, a little May Apple and the blue-eyed grass Sisyrinchium angustifolium. Heard also, was the call of an Ovenbird.
Now, moving down-stream along the east side of the springbrook, below the pond outlet, we saw Pennsylvania Wedge Grass (Sphenopholis pensylvanicum), Carex frankii, Carex lurida, Carex amphibola and a Meadow Fritillary (Bolaria toddi ammiralis ) on Golden Ragwort. Observed on the adjacent upland were the coastal "bluegrass" Poa autumnalis, Carex wildenowii, One-flowered Broomrape (Orobanche uniflora), Yellow Stargrass (Hypoxis hirsuta), both in bloom, and Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta) in seed. Also identified here was Southern Dewberry (Rubus enslenii).
Of interest also, was an opportunity to observe an additional characteristic of the deciduous spinulose shield fern Dryopteris carthusiana, namely its smooth indusia, to reinforce identification by the forms of its pinnae.
Other birds heard and / or seen were Pileated Woodpecker and yellow - rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata).
We saw earlier that as compared with Ramsey's Draft, the open nature of this Valley does not so much favor boreal species, and that these apparently have a diminished presence down-valley. However an apparent local exception to this was found just east of the pond. There, under a young but mature and small stand of planted Red Pine (Pinus resinosa), we discovered a patch, perhaps 5 meters across, of Canada Mayflower. In association were numerous seedlings of Red Maple, Partridge Berry, Potentilla canadensis, seedlings of Downy Serviceberry and cushions of Leucobryum moss. it is tempting to speculate that the Red Pine created a particularly favorable environment for this herb.
We have already referred to the abundant macrolichens on trees in the vicinity of the pond. A collection of these was made by R. Hunsucker and these were identified by Don Flenniken (Flenniken, 1999). They are listed as follows:
Allocetraria oakesiana
Cladonia coniocraea
Evernia mesomorpha -rare in West Virginia
Flavoparmelia caperata -very common
Flavopunctelia flaventior
Heterodermia obscurata
Hypogymnia physodes
Hypotrachyna livida
Leptogium dactylinum -not found in West Va. to date
Parmelia squarrosa
Parmelia sulcata
Parmelinopsis minarum
Parmotrema hypotropum
Physconia detersa
Platysmatia tuckermanii (Platismatia)
Punctelia rudecta
Punctelia subrudecta
Pyxine sorediata
Rimelia reticulata
Tuckermannopsis ciliaris
Usnea strigosa
Usnea subrudectaDuring the evening of 5-23-02 Green Frogs (Rana clamitans) and Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) were heard calling from the pond and "punkies" (Ceratopogonidae) were quite annoying, but were little in evidence at nightfall.
Our efforts on the morning of 5-24-02 began with a soil temperature determination (T-411) near camp at a site with a flat aspect and in moist soil under a large White Pine. The value obtained at the usual depth of 5 inches (13 cm) was T= 11.0 deg C.
Our next inventories were undertaken in the vicinity of Trout Run, about a mile northwest of Camp Todd. First inventoried was the North River flood plain immediately east of the road. It began with the observation of an Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) and an Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). After descending the steep bank to a lower terrace, a soil temperature (T -412) was taken on a flat aspect under a heavy oak leaf mat. A value of T= 10.5 deg C was obtained.
The forest here was mature but clearly young and the canopy was dominated by White Pine, Adelgid infested Hemlock, Northern Red, White and Chestnut Oaks, Shagbark Hickory and Red Maple, with a little Sugar Maple, Black Birch, and Cucumbertree. A single mature White Ash was seen. Seedlings of Red Maple and White Pine were very common and those of Northern Red Oak almost as common. Seedlings of Sugar Maple and White Ash had a scattered presence and those of Cucumbertree occurred in a few spots in the vicinity of mature trees. A few seedlings and saplings of Hemlock were also seen. The most abundant shrub appeared to be Mountain Laurel. but Witch Hazel was also present.
Herbs appeared to be dominated by Canada Mayflower,. Partridge Berry, Round-leaf Violet, New York Fern, Bluets (Houstonia caerulea ) in bloom and Medeola. Less common were blooming Downy Wood Violet, Christmas Fern, Golden Ragwort, also in bloom, Potentilla canadensis / simplex, Native Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris var lanceolata), White Wood Aster, Indian Turnip, Carex pensylvanica, C. laxiflora, C. platyphylla, C. digitalis, Sessile-leaved Bellwort (Uvularia sessilifolia), Mealy Bellwort, possible Halberd-leaved Violet (Viola hastata), Purple Bedstraw (Galium latifolium) and both Interrupted and Cinnamon Ferns. Still rarer plants were represented by a single example of the tick - trefoil Desmodium nudiflorum, Miterwort (Mitella diphylla), the forest "bluegrass" Poa alsodes, a few plants of Teaberry, scattered stunted Hairy Disporum, a single Rattlesnake Fern, a single blooming plant of the alien Wintercress (Barbarea vulgaris), and a few plants, also in bloom, of Gaywings (Poylgala paucifolia). Unidentified species of Leucobryum andDicranum mosses were common.
Other fauna noted here were the birds Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), Red-eyed Vireo, Black-throated Green Warbler ( Dendroica virens) and Scarlet Tanager and a Silver - spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus).
A temperature reading (T-413) was also taken of one of several springbrooks on the North River flood plain. T= 11.0 deg C was obtained.
A collection of macrolichens from sandstone rock was also made here by R. Hunsucker, and these were identified by Don Flenniken, with the following result:
Anaptychia palmulata
Lobaria quercizans
Myelochroa aurulenta
Peltigera leucophlebia-evidently a highland species
Phaeophyscia adiastola
Sticta beauvoisiiWe now moved to the upland forest west of the road and along the south side of Trout Run. The terrain here is very rocky, with so many large sandstone cobbles and rock fragments that it was difficult to insert a probe for a soil temperature determination (T-414). However, this temperature, on a small slope with an east aspect, was found to be T = 11.5 deg C.
The canopy here was dominated by White, Chestnut, Black and Northern Red Oaks, with Red Maple, Adelgid ravaged Hemlock, White Pine and Black Birch. Striped Maple was common and a shrub layer consisted of Mountain Laurel, Mountain Fetterbush, Witch Hazel and Upland Low Blueberry. The leaf mat was very heavy, with a sparse ground flora of Four-leaf Yam, Sessile-leaved Bellwort and Mountain Bellwort. However this terrain appeared to be suitable to the Ovenbird, since several were heard calling.
The following is a list of macrolichens collected along Trout Run by R. Hunsucker and identified by Don Flenniken:
Anaptychia palmulata -in moss
Cladonia coniocraea
Flavoparmelia caperata
Heterodermia obscurata
Heterodermia squamulosa
Parmelia squarrosa
Punctelia missouriensis
Punctelia rudecta
Pyxine sorediata
Rimelia reticulataAn additional set of macrolichens was collected by R. Hunsucker in a sandstone boulder opening on the upland slope south of Trout Run. These were identified by Don Flenniken with the following result:
Allocetraria oakesiana
Anaptychia palmulata
Flavoparmelia baltimorensis
Flavoparmelia caperata
Heterodermia obscurata
Heterodermia speciosa
Leptogium cyanescens -among most common species
Myelochroa aurulenta
Parmelia squarrosa
Parmelinopsis minarum
Phaeophyscia rubropulchra
Physcia millegrana
Pyxine sorediata
Ramalina americana
Rimelia reticulata
Sticta beauvoisii
Summary
We have already dwelt upon the characteristics of elevation, orientation and form that contribute the Valley's floristics. We have found that, despite many similarities to Ramsey's Draft, these characteristics probably account for some of the observed differences from the latter. While similar in elevation and proximity to high elevation slopes, the North River Valley's broad opening to the southeast does not allow the same entrapment of subsiding cold air as does the more constricted Valley of Ramsey's Draft. However, there is also a possibility that the distribution of boreal plants in the North River Valley is to a degree influenced by conditions during the settler period, when certain plants, particularly those of the lily family, may have been selectively consumed by livestock, as discussed in the last paragraph.
The area also presents the usual opportunities for other studies relative to forest stability (Mueller, 2000). For example, our observations here contributed to the determination of the stability field of Coral Berry with respect to pH and raised questions regarding that of the deciduous spinulose shield fern Dryopteris carthusiana, as well as that of Great Rhododendron. The single occurrence of the latter, perhaps unique in the entire region, appears to substantiate the dependence of the species on higher soil and air moisture levels than those that prevail here. In any case, it seems to eliminate the possibility of the lack of seed sources.
In addition to the vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens present their own challenges. It is of interest to compare the bryophyte frequencies with those of Cathedral State Park, Tea Creek and the vicinity of Reddish Knob. The substantial differences in forest type in these areas are clearly reflected in these frequencies A direct comparison of a type is provided by the common species Platygyrium repens, Anomodon attenuatus, Campylium chrysophyllum and Frullania brittoniae. In the two major frequency series from North River these four species show the highest frequencies. Of these, two species Platygyrium repens and Anomodon attenuatus, are also among the four most frequent in the vicinity of Reddish Knob. However, in the series from Tea Creek, only one, namely Anomodon attenuatus, appears among the four most frequent, while not one is found among the most frequent at Cathedral State Park. The same is also true of the small series of frequencies from North River, but this is likely a consequence of the unusual habitats, including a wetland, represented by the series. Because our systematic study of the lichens is in its initial stage, there is, unlike in the case of the bryophytes, still no basis of comparison of different areas or forest types.
As alluded to earlier, there is also another major difference between this valley and Ramsey's Draft.. The latter, perhaps because of its relative narrowness. rocky floor and catastrophic flooding, did not lend itself to agriculture during the settler period. Indeed the survival there of much old growth forest strongly supports this conclusion. By contrast, the North River Valley retains abundant evidence in the form of young forest, old fields, rock piles and other features of settler activity and residence. Sadly it is also evident in a generally depauperate flora, although there is no reason to believe that bedrock and original soils differed much in the two valleys. Indeed, nothing comparable to the circum- neutral sinkhole pond and wetland that points to some carbonate beds at North River, has been found at Ramsey's Draft. Although we found of the order of 250 species of vascular plants at North River, many of these are aliens or early successional natives associated with openings and disturbed areas. In contrast with Ramsey's Draft, where there are rich and luxuriant shrub and herb floras consisting of native forest interior species, most of the North River forest tracts have only sparse shrub and ground floras with many sensitive species missing or present only as traces. An example is the genus Desmodium, of which only three individuals were found! Other examples are Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, many lily family species and even May Apple. Most of the absentees are vulnerable to livestock grazing and browsing, while those that remain, such as Partridge Berry and the ferns, are not. A particular threat was the hogs frequently kept by the settlers., since these consumed the roots and bulbs of the perennials that dominate these floras. Thus the problem and goal at North River is one of restoration, and this can best be attained through wilderness designation.
Finally, nothing so well illustrates the importance of river valleys and flood plains in particular to the regional ecologic mosaic as the sinkhole pond and the associated flora. Such watery assets are magnets to a great variety of wildlife that can find their amenities nowhere else. However in a non-wilderness setting many of these amenities are lost because the vicinity is subject to frequent disturbance by our machine culture. Thus such areas should have high priority for inclusion in wilderness areas, as is recognized in our Ernie Dickerman proposal.
Acknowledgements
We greatly appreciate the identifications of lichens provided by Don G. Flenniken, as well as the lichen workshop led by him, and which aided in initiating our lichen program. The role of Dorothy Simkins in co-hosting the workshop is also appreciated.
References
Borror, Donald J. and Richard E. White (1970) A Field guide to the Insects of America North of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston
Crum Howard A. and Lewis E. Anderson (1981) Mosses of Eastern North America, in two volumes. Columbia University Press, New York
Flenniken, Don G. (1999) The Macrolichens in West Virginia. Carlisle Printing, Walnut Creek, 2727 Twp. Rd., 421 Sugar Creek, Ohio 44681
Hunsucker, Robert and R. F. Mueller (1998) Folly Mills Calcareous Wetland, Augusta County, Virginia, Forests of the Central Appalachians Project, Virginians for Wilderness Web Site.
Miller, Orson K. Jr. (1979) Mushrooms of North America. E. P. Dutton, New York
Mueller, R. F. (2000) Stability Relations in Forests. Forests of the Central Appalachians Project. Virginians for Wilderness Web Site.
Phillips, Roger (1991) Mushrooms of North America. Little, Brown and Co., Boston.