Natural Heritage

Hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium) maple-leaved viburnum (V. acerifolium) and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) are common in the understory. A rich variety of herbs are present. Characteristic species include wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens), starflower (Trientalis borealis), groundpines (Lycopodium spp.) and goldthread (Coptis groenlandica).

Wetland areas include running streams, permanent and vernal ponds, and wooded swamps. Many sedges, ferns, mosses, and water-loving herbs grow here. In the swamp forests, red ample (Acer rubrum), hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) are common. In the swamp on the east side of the road, sphagnum mosses are abundant. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), mountain holly (Nemopanthus macronata), and numerous locally rare and scarce plant species are also found. Equally noteworthy is the abundance and diversity of amphibians, uncommon nesting birds associated with the ponds, and unusual aquatic insects, including fairy shrimp.