A floristic analysis of Ross Natural History Reservation vegetative units.

Abstract

A vegetation study was connected on 200 acres of the Ross Natural History Reservation (RNHR) from May 20 to July 24, 1978. The study included analysis of physical and vegetative characteristics of each of the 23 vegetation units identified on RNHR; past history of management practices employed, if any, in each unit were considered in the analysis. A species list was compiled for each unit, and abundance of each species was visually determined and expressed as a percentage of ground covered by the respective plant type. A map of RNHR showing vegetation units and their boundaries was prepared from field observations and aerial photographs. RNHR acreage was divided into native grassland units and abandoned cropland units. Native grassland units contained a greater number of grass species than did abandoned cropland units. Native grassland units also contained the highest number of woody species, especially in units in which management practices were deferred. Abandoned cropland units exhibited the least amount of woody species invasion. Absence of optimum light conditions beneath shrubby species appeared to have resulted in a change in ground flora from prairie grasses and forbs to species commonly found in woodland habitats.