November 2000
General
The Gaudineer Scenic Area lies near the crest of Shavers Mountain immediately north of Gaudineer Knob, a 4309 ft (1314 m) asl prominence on this range. The Scenic Area elevation is a little below 4050 ft (1235 m) and was the site of several of our inventories as well as that of Adams and Stephenson (1989) , who studied the possible decline of the old growth Red Spruce.
Bedrock in the area is highly variable, particularly with respect to elevation. It includes erosion resistant Pennsylvanian Pottsville Group rocks (Kanawha, New River and Pocahontas Formations) , which occupy the high ridges in the form of coarse and frequently conglomeratic sandstones. The lower-lying Mississippian Bluestone and Hinton Formations are dominated by weaker "red, green and medium gray shales and sandstones" (Cardwell et al, 1968). In the case of the Hinton, thin beds of limestone may occur as well. Aspects in the Scenic Area are generally east and southeast, with some southwest also.
Although our investigations in the area were brief, they revealed several important features bearing on the floristics and stability relations of species. The Scenic Area is notable as one of the few remnants of old growth Red Spruce in the Central Appalachians (Braun, 1950; Core, 1966). The Scenic Area is generally regarded as a unit in terms of soils and flora. However, we find that both may vary widely within its extent, which, according to Adams and Stephenson, covers about 50 ha (124 acres). This variation is clearly to a large degree a consequence of the geology. For example, much of the southern part is dominated by coarse conglomeratic sandstone, presumably Pottsville. These rocks yield stony, sandy and very acid soils capped by mor-like unincorporated organic matter, especially under the Spruce which is concentrated on them. Also according to Adams and Stephenson, the finer mineral component of these soils has of the order of 60% sand. By contrast, the northern part of the Scenic Area appears to be underlain by far weaker rocks that are seldom exposed, and which yield deep clay and silt loams that in places have well developed A horizons in which organic matter is incorporated. It is possible that some of the conglomeratic sandstone, which is in the form of large flat-topped, angular blocks lying on the surface, has arrived at its location by motion down-slope, and the same may be true of the stony and sandy soils derived from it.
North of the Scenic Area, at least along a trail that leads northeast down-slope (here referred to as the "Camp Trail") , there is a continuation of the weak bedrock and well-developed soils. It is possible that this material represents the Bluestone or even the Hinton Formation, although the latter is unlikely at the elevations traversed by us. In any case, the area contrasts greatly with the conglomeratic sandstone area in forest type represented. The canopy is dominated by mesic deciduous species consisting of nutrient-demanding trees such as White Ash and Basswood with only scattered Spruce saplings, and there is a corresponding diverse mesic herb flora
Gaudineer Knob exhibits extremes in both topography and flora. According to Cardwell et al (1968) , the summit is divided by the contact of the Kanawha and New River Formations, and the most conspicuous exposed rock is a coarse sandstone with very angular grains. The canopy consists of virtually pure Red Spruce and there is a depauperate herb flora.
Of considerable interest also is the extensive wetland along Glade Run, which lies a few miles north of the Gaudineer Scenic Area. Additionally, the area presents opportunities to study the simultaneous effects of variations in rock type and elevation on the flora of the adjacent scarp that overlooks the Greenbrier Valley.
The Gaudineer Scenic Area vicinity may also be compared informatively with forests along Blister Run and slopes adjacent to the Run and Shaver's Fork (see our section on these areas). Although these areas lie at 300 feet (122 m) or more lower in elevation than the Scenic Area, their floras possess a more boreal character. Generally also soils appear considerably less fertile than the most fertile ones of the Scenic Area. Similarly the dominance of Spruce on Gaudineer Knob may be as much a consequence of aspect and the relatively sterile sandstones and derived soils as the small additional increment of elevation.
Here we present the results of six inventories, including four in the Gaudineer Scenic Area, one along the Camp Trail and a brief foray to the Gaudineer Knob summit. Our inventories previous to that of 6-29-00 were conducted in the absence of a knowledge of the different terrain and soil types in the Scenic area and along the Camp Trail. Consequently, certain species listed are not specifically related to substrate. This problem is for the most part resolved by our inventories of 6-29-00.
Gaudineer Scenic Area
Source walk: 8-10-97 and 8-3-97
The following is a report of a brief inventory initiated on the sunny late morning of 8-10-97 in the upper part of the Scenic Area just east of forest road 27.Also included are some independent observations of species made by R. Hunsucker on 8-3-97.As is conventional in this work, only common names are given for familiar woody species, while both common and scientific names of less familiar species are given on first mention, but, with some exceptions, only common names thereafter.
Source Walk: 4-1-00Our traverse extended directly down slope from the parking lot, ignoring foot paths After perhaps one fifth mile (0.32 km) we turned north and then returned via a forest path. Large Red Spruce, many in excess of two feet (60 cm)dbh, dominate the canopy but Yellow Birch, Beech and Red Maple, in that order of abundance, occupy most of the area.Scattered large White Ash, smaller Cucumber and Fraser Magnolias and a few small Black Cherry and Sugar Maple saplings were also seen. Striped Maple is the most common understory species, but Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum) and Smooth Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) are also present. Devils's Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa) , a southern species, was seen at the parking lot. Shrubs,include Mountain Holly(Ilex montana) , Hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium) ,Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) a little Southern Mountain Cranberry (Vaccinium erythrocarpum) ,Red Elderberry (Sambucus pubens) and Thornless Blackberry (Rubus canadensis), and are, for the most part, northern or high elevation species. Some trees, especially the largest, showed fire scars.
Successively noted as we moved down slope were Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) at the parking lot, numerous Red Spruce saplings in tree fall gaps, dark organic soil clinging to rootwads and exposed white sand subsoil at the upooted trees,the general dominance of Intermediate Shield Fern (Dryopteris intermedia), the abundance of White Wood Sorrel (Oxalis montana) at tree bases , Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) in more open areas, scattered deer-browsed Blackberries (possibly Rubus canadensis), Xerula furfuracea, an edible fungus of northern distribution, Mountain Holly, Dicranum and Hypnum mosses and the liverwort Bazzania trilobata. We then reached a strong seep or spring in and around which grew the following: an abundant large-leaved Mnium moss, likely Mnium punctatum (based on charcteristics and habitat), also abundant Shining Clubmosss (Lycopodium lucidulum), Alpine Enchanters Nightshade (Circaea alpina) in full bloom, Drooping Wood Reed Grass (Cinna latifolia) , Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) much browsed by deer, Foam Flower (Tiarella cordfolia) , a beggar tick (Bidens sp.), Sweet-scented Bedstraw (Galium triflorum) , Northern White Violet (Viola pallens), Intermediate Shield Fern , Delicate Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum) Downy Wood Violet (V iola sororia) , Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris var vulgaris) , Hispid Buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus var hispidus) , Crooked-stem Aster (Aster prenanthoides) Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) , the alien Coltsfoot(Tussilago farfara), Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) , the sedges Carex intumescens, C. debilis and C. brunnescens, with the last-named characteristically on rocks. Leaving the seep area, we noted in order White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) , Hobblebush, the fungus Rickenella fibula in moss, Hay-scented Fern, Striped Maple, Autumn Bent Grass (Agrostis perennans) , Carex baileyi, Rock Fern (Polypodium virginianum) on rocks, Semi-rounded conglomeratic flags, Carex crinita in a moist spot, Upright Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta ), stunted and unhealthy-looking Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis) , the alien variety of Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) on a foot path crossing, Two-leaved Tooth-wort (Dentaria diphylla) , Alternate-leaved Dogwood ,Roundleaf Violet (Viola rotundifolia)and a trace of Broadleaf Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), which is generallay confined to good soils. Here we were struck again by the general abundance of White Wood Sorrel at tree bases, frequently with Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) , then noted the conifer root parasitic fungus Phaeolus schweinitzii and nearby a species of Lactarius. At this point we encountered a large uprooted tree with a large rootwad to which adhered a layer of black organic soil with embedded rocks and exposing a white sandy subsoil. Within and at base of this rootwad we observed the only Red Elderberry plants of the traverse. Not far down slope these were followed by Purple-leaved Willowherb (Epilobium coloratum) and a Fraser Magnolia (Magnolia fraseri) sapling. Here also we examined a very rotted down bole perhaps 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. This bole was found to be a veritable sponge with the same consistancy and as much water could be squeesed out. Thus the water stored in such dead wood must indeed be great in quantity and serve as a continuous source of air and soil humidity. Continuing down slope we noted abundant False Haircap Moss (Atrichum sp) , White Ash, Cucumber Magnolia, the liverwort Nowellia curvifolia on a down bole, and on a dead spruce, another liverwort Neckera pennata, a northern species not common farther south. Here also we noted the familiar wood staining fungus Chlorociboria aeruginascens that on the exterior of the wood is black and in the interior green.These were followed by Amanita fulva and the white Cheese Polypore (Tyromyces chioneus). Here also, as at Blister Run Swamp, we encountered a swarm of the Housefly-like fly that landed on one but that didn't bite and was only mildly annoying.
Our traverse then reached another small seep, which was marked by Carex scabrata. Nearby were Mountain Maple, Mountain Aster (Aster acuminatus), abundant Intermediate Shield Fern, a little Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) and the bracket fungus Fomintopsis pinicola. Moving on, we heard distant calls of the Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) noted the fungus Paxillus atrotomentosus, characteristically for this northern species, on a Red Spruce stump, and conspicuous fire scars on a number of the largest trees.
Our attention was next attracted by many small Indian Turnip (Aresaema triphyllum) seedlings, but not a plant over several inches in height was seen here- or indeed anywhere, on our traverse. It is possible that seeds were delivered to this inhospitable spot in the scat of an animal, encouraged to sprout by the abundant moisture, but could not cope with the high acidity.
We now reached a foot path which was subsequently followed up slope on our return. At this juncture we became aware of several small Beech trees which showed leaf curl and accompanying scale insects on their bark. However this was unusual, since Beech in this forest appeared generally healthy. Moving along the path, we noted growing by its side Riparian Wild Rye (Elymus riparius) and we again heard the distant song of the Hermit Thrush. Subsequently, quite near the trail, we passed a tall straight White Ash near 30 inches (76 cm) dbh and not far beyond a near 40 inch (1 meter) dbh Yellow Birch with a prominent basal fire scar. Continuing onward, we saw our sole plant of Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea) as well as our first Indian Cucumberroot (Medeola virginiana). These were followed by Common Greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) in virtually the only display of a woody vines in this forest, and shortly by Nodding Fescue (Festuca obtusa). The latter faithfully registered the elevation by the retarded development of its seeds, which corresponded to those seen more than a month earlier in the Shenandoah Valley. Also favored by conditions along the path was a lush stand of White Grass (Leersia virginica), while the fungus Polyporus elegans caught our eyes on nearby dead wood. Momentarily we were also fortunate enough to see a very large, perhaps 3 inch (7.6 cm), ichneuman. This spectacular insect had a black abdomen and thorax , yellow legs and a white, centimeter- broad muscle at the end of its abdomen, with which it was driving its ovipositer into a tree at eye level. While a photograph was made, time did not permit further observation, and unfortunately, through oversight , neither the species nor the condition of the tree was determined. However, an identification from the photograph was hazarded by Dr. Richard Hoffman of The Virginia Museum of Natural History and revealed the insect to be Megarhyssa atrata.
Approaching the parking lot, our final observations included Curtis Goldenrod (Solidago curtisii) , Mountain Oatgrass (Danthonia compressa), , the fungus Gloeophyllum seprarium on the base of a Red Spruce and a fresh pile of Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) feathers, presumably plucked by a hawk or owl.
Additional species identified on 8-3-97 by R. Hunsucker are as follows:
Native vascular plants
Tree Clubmoss (Lycopodium obscurum)
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Forest Bluegrass (Poa alsodes)
Fowl Manna Grass (Glyceria striata)
Manna grass (G. melicaria)
Sedge (Carex laxiflora)
Sedge(C. gracillima)
Ramp (Allium tricoccum) - a few
Hooked Crowfoot (Ranunculus recurvatus)
Allegheny Crowfoot(R. allegheniensis)
Tall Meadowrue (Thalictrum pubescens) - a few
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)
Lettuce Saxifrage (Saxifraga micranthidifolia)
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) -a few
Beech Drops (Epifagus virginiana)
White Avens (Geum canadense)
Hairy Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza clatoni)
Pallid Jewelweed (Impatiens pallida)
Oswego Tea (Monarda didyma) -edge of small stream
Feild Basil (Satureja vulgaris) -trails and openings
Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum)
Great Chickweed (Stellaria pubera)
Gall-of -the- Earth (Prenanthes sp.)
Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus)
Mottled Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum)
Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus)
Calico Aster (Aster lateriflorus)
Alien vascular plants
Tall Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria officianalis or A. petiolata)
Cress (Barbarea sp.)
Mouse -ear Chickweed (Cerastium viscosum)
Ox-eye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)
Great Plantain (Plantago major)
These were generally found along paths, in openings or disturbed areas.
Fungi
Ganoderma applanatum-on dead hardwoods
Scleroderma citrina-on stumps
Trametes versicolor-on dead hardwoods
Crepidotus applanatus-on rotting hardwoods
Pluteus cervinus
P.flavofuligineus-on rotting wood
Pholiota mutabilis-rotting hardwood
Fomes fomentarius-on dead hardwood
Daedaliopsis confragosa-on rotting bole
Marasmus rotula-on rotting hardwood
Mycena leaiana-on rotting hardwood
Entoloma sp.-on rotting hardwood and humus
Tricholomopsis platyphylla-plentiful on rotting hardwood
Lactarius sp.- in soil and bryophytes
Amanita flavoconia-on soil
Laccaria laccata-on soil
Bryophytes
Nowellia curvifolia
Thuidium delicatulum
Hylocomium splendens
Bazzania trilobata
Animals
Black-capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus)
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Raven (Corvis corax)
Brown Creeper (Certhia familiaris)
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
A number of these have northern and/or montane breeding ranges
Source Walk: 6-29-00
Bryophytes from the Scenic Area identified by R. Hunsucker with assistance from Dr Marie Hicks with the liverworts:
Amblystegium serpens on bark of large Yellow Birch.
Anomodon attenuatus on tree bases.
Aulocomnium heterostichum on humus, rotten down boles.
Bazzania trilobata liverwort on humus, rocks and tree bases.
Blepharostoma trichophyllum liverwort intermingled with mosses on soil over sandstone, on down boles and tree bases.
Brachythecium acuminatum on bark of small Sugar Maple.
Brachythecium oxycladon on bark of Beech snag, down boles and bases of trees.
Brachythecium spp
Brotherella recurvans bases of large Red Spruce and Beech.
Bryum sp- on rotten down boles.
Campylium sp on rotten down boles.
Cephalozia bicuspidate liverwort on moist soil along brook.
Cephalozia connivens liverwort on moist soil over rocks.
Chiloscyphus cuspidatus liverwort on wet rocks and gravely soil along springbrook.
Dicranella heteromalla on soil along trail in open woods.
Dicranum montanum on Yellow Birch bark.
Dicranum scoparium on humus, soil, bases of trees.
Dicranum viride on Beech snag.
Frullania asagrayana liverwort on bases of trees.
Frullania eboracensis liverwort on bark of small Sugar Maple.
Hedwigia ciliata on sandstone.
Hypnum curvifolium on Beech snag, down boles.
Hypnum fertile on rotten down boles.
Hypnum imponens on rotten down boles, stumps.
Hypnum pallescens on rocks, down boles, tree bases.
Isopterygium distichaceum on moist humic soil.
Jamesoniella autumnalis liverwort on sandstone.
Lejeunea flava liverwort on bark of large Yellow Birch.
Lepidozia reptans liverwort on soil, moist down boles.
Leucobryum glaucum on soil, rotting wood.
Leucodon brachypus var andrewsianus.
Metzgeria furcata liverwort on bark of large Yellow Birch.
Mnium affine var ciliare on wet humus, soil.
Mnium cuspidatum on moist soil.
Mnium punctatum var punctatum on wet rocks and soil in brook.
Neckera pennata on trunks of Red Maple, small Sugar Maple.
Orthotrichum cf stellatum on small Sugar Maple.
Platygyrium repens on down boles, Beech snag.
Polytrichum juniperinum on soil in full sun.
Polytrichum sp.
Porella platyphylla liverwort on tree trunk.
Ptilidium pulcherrimum liverwort on Beech snags and down boles.
Pylaisiella selwynii on small Sugar Maple.
Scapania undulata liverwort on rocks, gravelly soil in brook.
Tetraphis pellucida
Thuidium delicatulum on soil, bases of trees, down boles.
Tortella humilis on soil by tree.
Ulota crispa on tree bark.
Our inventory of 6-29-00 in the Scenic Area's old growth was conducted chiefly to clarify questions regarding certain mesic species such as White Ash and the nature of soil types in the vicinity of the loop trail as encountered on 8-10-97. Our traverse of 6-29-00 was begun after awakening to the calls of Veeries (Catharus fuscescens) and Hermit Thrushes. Although the sun was intermittently visible at first, the sky soon cleared; however it remained cool.
Gaudineer Scenic Area 6-29-00
Red Spruce seedling on down bole
Gaudineer Scenic Area 6-29-00
Old growth soil profile, dark A horizon in rich mesic forest. Click to enlarge.
Our traverse began at the parking lot and initially followed the southeast section of the loop trail, then completed the circuit to the north. As previously noted, the southeast section is characterized by large blocks of conglomeratic sandstone and soils derived from it. Although a mor type soil is developed in places, it is largely confined to the vicinity of Spruce, since leaves of deciduous trees such as Yellow Birch decay rapidly and do not accumulate in organic layers. This presumably is the type of terrain on which Adams and Stephenson (1989) conducted their investigation, and, while austere, according to these authors had a substantial number of Spruce that exceeded 2 ft (0.6 m) dbh. Our own investigations along this traverse disclosed these soils to be very hard and difficult to penetrate beneath the mor layer. Although we did not determine pH for this soil type, Adams and Stephenson report values well below 4.0.
Gaudineer Scenic Area 6-29-00
Fragaria vesca var. alba
Photo by D. Simkins
After these general observations, we successively encountered the following: White Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca var alba) with characteristic white but flavorful fruit, Yellow-rumped and Magnolia Warblers (Dendroica coronata and D. magnolia) , an eft of the Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) , the frequent occurrence of small (one to five cm) Red Spruce seedlings on rotting down boles and on large rock surfaces, but their scarcity elsewhere; then a Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) , a Slate-colored Junco (Junco hyemalis) , followed by seedlings of Mountain Maple and a dead millipede that resembled the common Sigmoria aberrans, which emits a burnt almond odor. After noting the poison puffball Scleroderma citrinum and Rock Fern, we came to an overturned tree the rootwad of which exposed typical gray sandy soil of the conglomeratic sandstone terrain type.
As the trail bore more toward the north, we entered terrain with fewer and far different exposed rocks than the conglomeratic sandstones. Detached fragments of these rocks included "rotten" sandstone with a black (Manganese oxide ?) patina surface and , on breaking, a rusty interior. The associated soil was a deep clay and / or silt loam, tan in color at depth but, as exposed in a tree fall pit, with an A horizon about a foot (0.3 m) in depth and almost black in color. This indication of well incorporated organic matter was coupled with a virtual absence of a leaf mat, a characteristic of rich mesic forests. Consistent with these features was the presence of a far different forest type from the typical Spruce dominated forest. It was here that we encountered the 30 inch (0.76 m ) dbh White Ash reported for our 1997 visit. However, in the interim it had suffered a lightning stroke that stripped perhaps a lethal amount of bark from its down-slope side. This large tree occupied a shallow gully that extended directly down slope both above and below. A soil sample (no 3) taken just upslope from this tree had an initial pH value of 4.7 and the same 19 hours later. A sample (no 4) taken downslope had an initial value of 5.8 and a 5.6 value 19 hours later. It is likely that gully reflects weaker rocks than those adjacent to it as well as rich soils at this location. Associated plants of this White Ash included Wild Ginger, Seedlings of Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin) , stunted Wood Nettle, Hairy Sweet Cicely in seed, seedlings of Sugar Maple, Wide-leaved Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum) , the usual small Indian Turnip, the sedgeCarex laxiflora, Two-leaved Toothwort, stunted and totally vegetative Hairy Disporum (Disporum lanuginosum) , Sweet-scented Bedstraw, two seedlings of White Ash and a single seedling of Northern Red Oak (the only oak of any kind seen by us in the entire region of Shaver's Mountain!). A Ύ inch (2 cm) living coiled gastropod was also seen here.
Upslope, above the trail, this rich mesic community continued to occupy the gully and here included a grove of small Sugar Maple ranging up to a foot (o.3 m) dbh; then farther up, a 38 inch (one m) veteran of the species encrusted with the lichenLobaria pulmonaria, while the edible fungus Boletus badius grew in the vicinity. Also seen here were Ramps in flower and an Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis). This community included a little blooming White Wood Sorrel, which was however far less abundant than in the Spruce forest. Also present were patches of Partridge Berry, but these were confined to the gully's upper edge, where they likely benefited from acid leaching.
Gaudineer Scenic Area 6-29-00
patterned slug
Continuing along the trail toward the north, we noted very conspicuous fruiting of an unidentified species of Hypnum moss on a down bole and a number of inch-long golden slugs of a type (species ?) that appears to be common throughout the Central Appalachians. As we neared the trail terminus we discovered a quite different slug, one inch (2.5 cm) in length, with a striking color pattern of dark brown stripes and blotches on a cream background. Here also, on the previous day, we had taken a soil sample (no 1) from a 2-3 inch depth on a trailside bank among Spruce saplings and an acidiphile ground flora. A pH value of 4.5 was found for this sample.
Additional fungi collected and identified by R. Hunsucker on this traverse were the following:
Amanita ceciliae on soil.
Amanita frostiana on soil.
Amanita porphyria on soil.
Amanita sinicoflava on soil.
Amanita vaginata on soil
Calocera cornea on decaying wood.
Claricorona pyxidata on decaying wood.
Entoloma sp on soil.
Leccinum scabrum on soil.
Pholiota sp on decaying wood.
Stropharia sp. on wood.
Camp and Camp Trail
Source Walks: 6-28-00 and 6-29-00
Our camp was established at the trailhead on Forest Road 27. This trail, referred to as the "Camp Trail", extends northeast approximately along the Randolph Pocahontas County line. The trailhead lies about 100 m northeast of the Scenic Area parking lot. The weather, on our arrival , was characterized by intermittent rain and cool temperatures.
An interesting observation made on our way along FR 27 was of Mountain Laurel ( Kalmia latifolia) in a state of full flower at an elevation similar to that at camp, whereas this plant's blooms had already been faded weeks earlier at a higher elevation on Shenandoah Mountain in the Valley and Ridge to the east.
The terrain in the vicinity of our camp appeared to consist of two types , conglomeratic sandstone to the west and weak, likely shale-dominated rock to the east on a flat spur top. The canopy on both terrain types near our camp appeared to be dominated by Red Spruce as well as the same deciduous species as are present in the Scenic Area. Red Spruce saplings and large seedlings were abundant and vigorous appearing, but small seedlings that reflect current reproduction, were hard to find and virtually confined to down bole "nurse trees". An attempt was also made to find White Ash and/or its seedlings, but without success. Extraordinarily abundant here was Shining Clubmoss as well as blooming Partridge Berry and very vigorous appearing Sweet-scented Bedstraw. Leaders of Red Spruce in the open showed new growth increments of up to a foot (0.3 m) or more, but those in the understory exhibited much less.
A sample was taken immediately east of Camp from a depth of 2-3 inches in tan, clay rich soil beneath a two inch mor layer. This sample (no 2) had pH= 4.5, a value consistent with the generally acidiphile flora. It is likely that acid leaching was effective enough on this flat spur top to yield a flora not much different from that which developed on conglomeratic sandstone terrain.Fauna noted on our arrival and frequently thereafter included Veery, Hermit Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) and Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens). An additional feature of the entire vicinity was the paucity of lepidoptera , which are such a conspicuous part of the fauna of forests at lower elevations (One fritillary butterfly was seen.). The same may in fact be said of insects in general to the point that we had mixed emotions regarding even the virtual absence of biting flies and mosquitoes!
In the evening, under partial clearing, we walked down FR 27 toward the north and noted the large size and generally superior form of the bordering Red Spruce as well as its abundant and vigorous-appearing saplings. Accompanying it were large Black Cherry of equally superior form. It appeared that Yellow Birch, Red Maple and Beech also did very well on the roadside, which appeared to be in conglomeratic sandstone terrain. In one place there was a large patch of blooming Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) and , not far beyond, a Smooth Serviceberry with almost ripe fruit. Additionally, in many places on the open road bank there were patches of the same White Woodland Strawberry we were to see in the Scenic Area, but here with much larger fruit
Not far down the road from our camp there was a substantial but temporary springbrook with its flow swollen by the rain. A sample of its water yielded a pH of 4.6. It is difficult to attribute the acidity of this sample to the rocks from which it flowed however, since, through oversight, we failed to sample the rainwater as well!.
During the afternoon of 6-29-00 we traversed a section of the 'Camp Trail' beginning at camp. Certain features near camp, on the flat spur top, such as the most conspicuous vegetation and soil pH, have already been discussed. Now we noted a number of large fallen trees with rootwads exposed in a blowdown , which offered a greater opportunity to observe the subsoil. This proved to be a tan clay-rich material, possibly mudstone, with a few layers of what appeared to be siltstone.
Moving along the trail, the following species and terrain features were successively observed: Medeola, abundant Shining Clubmoss, an isolated patch of Tree Clubmoss ; then four Slate-colored Juncos, much disturbed and flying at us and our dog, who chased them through the low growth. These were followed by a Black-capped Chickadee, the same patterned slug we had seen in the Scenic Area, the acidiphile and moisture-loving sedge Carex intumescens, a chocolate-colored soil or mudstone, the fungus Ustulina deusta and the liverwort Nowellia curvifolia on a foot-diameter down bole.
At about 1/5 mile (0,3 km) east of camp the trail turns northeast on a gentle slope with a northwest aspect. Not far beyond this turn, near the remains of an old building, we saw a number of curious, hitherto unobserved by us, almost perfect "fairy rings" of Shining Clubmoss. Thse circles, which could not be related to any definite feature, were of the order of a meter in diameter.
We soon began to notice large isolated trees, particularly of Red Spruce and Black Cherry, of excellent form, indicating their attainment of maturity in a closed canopy setting. However, these old growth giants stood in a matrix of largely Striped Maple up to six inches ( 0.15 m) dbh, which formed a sub-canopy.
Not far beyond the foregoing there was a marked change in forest type heralded by a large multistemmed Basswood. Soil near the trunk of this tree appeared very rich in organic matter and a sample (no 5) taken from a 2-3 inch depth had an initial pH of 5.8, but 28 hours later 6.6. Here also were particularly impressive but widely spaced Black Cherry, very large White Ash bearing the mossesNeckera pennata and Anomodon attenuatus, abundant Sugar Maple and very abundant seedlings of the same, but only a few saplings of Red Spruce. Among herbs, blooming White Wood Sorrel was widely distributed but not as abundant as in the Spruce forest. Other herbs included stunted Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides ), a very little Virginia Waterleaf, also stunted , Intermediate Shield Fern, Miterwort (Mitella diphylla) and White Hellebore (Veratrum viride) in moist areas. We then also identified at least some of the basswood as American (Tilia americana) and noted the continued common occurrence of Beech, the many small Indian Turnip, the fungus Xylaria hypoxylon and Nodding Fescue.
At this point we took another soil sample (no 6) from an upturned tree mound. This soil proved to be surprisingly acidic with an initial pH of 4.5 and 28 hours later it had essentially the same value of 4.6. The exposed position of this sample several feet above the forest floor may have subjected it to intense acid leaching.
Continuing along the trail, we saw Downy Many Knees (Polygonatum pubescens) , the forest bluegrassPoa alsodes; then Drooping Wood Reedgrass, New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) , very abundant seedlings of Sugar Maple (a feature of this species characteristic of the northern forest) , more White Wood Sorrel, the manna grass Glyceria melicaria, the forest grassBrachyelytrum erectum, abundant Beech and very common Tricholomopsis platyphylla, with this fungus frequently lined up on such objects as rotting down boles.
Also apparent in this forest was the virtual absence of mosses of the genusPolytrichum and other acidiphiles, and the common occurrence of Mnium affine, Thuidium delicatulum and species of Atrichum all on soil and unidentified species of Hypnum on down boles.
Above a seepy swale occupied by White Hellebore and Glyceria melicaria, a slope bore Millet Grass (Milium effusum) and Ramps , both in flower, Great Chickweed (Stellaria pubera) , prominent White Ash, Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on a Black Cherry down bole, Beechdrops, a little Canada Mayflower and a single May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum) so stunted as to be hardly recognizable and the only plant of its species seen by us in the entire region. These were followed by the tiny fungusRickenella fibula , characteristically in a bed of mosses , here consisting of Dicranum viride and Mnium affine; then Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia) , the root-bearing and edible fungus Xerula furfuracea, Mountain Oatgrass, the sedge Carex debilis, a Ύ inch (2 cm) coiled gastropod, and, as we terminated our traverse, a toppled tree whose rootwad revealed a brown silt loam.
Additional fungi collected on this traverse and identified by R. Hunsucker are as follows:
Agrocybe acericola on rotting hardwoods.
Amanita ceciliae on soil.
Amanita flavoconia on mossy hardwood boles.
Mycena haematopus on rotting hardwood.
Pluteus flavofuligineus on rotting hardwoods.
Polyporus radicatus on soil. n soil
Collybia confluens on rotting hardwoods.
Lactarius gerardii on soil.
Marasmius rotula on dead Beech.
Margenella subincarnata- on mossy hardwood boles.
Psatherella sp. on rotting hardwoods.
Ramaria sp. on rotting hardwoods.
Russula xerampelina on soil.
Gaudineer Knob
Source Walk: 5-24-97
At 4309 ft (1314 m) asl, Gaudineer Knob is the highest point in the vicinity. Bedrock consists of Pennsylvanian New River and Kanawha Formations. The New River, which is mostly sandstone, probably forms the summit. In any case, rocks exposed there are coarse grained, almost coglomeratic, light gray sandstone. The grains in this sanstone are very angular and brightly reflect sunlight, indicating little reworking or recrystallization. The forest canopy from the base of the Knob to and including the summit, particularly on the north slope, is almost pure Red Spruce, although of immature age. An impression gained from the summit however, is one of a greater deciduous component on other slopes.
Our brief foray here consisted of a circuit through the summit forest near the picnic area during late morning and early afternoon under sunny, cool and pleasant conditions. The canopy appeared to consist of more than 95 % Red Spruce in the the range of ten inches (25 cm) dbh or less. Reproduction of Spruce seemed to be vigorous, with mainly healthy-appearing seedlings and saplings visible even in dense shade, although no attempt was made to determine the abundance of seedlings in the size range of I-5 cm, which would have represented the current reproduction. Canopy trees also appeared healthy. Observed understory consisted of Mountain Holly and Mountain Ash (Pyrus Americana) , while shrubs such as Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifoia) and Great Rhododendron ( Rhododendron maximum) appeared to be confined to treefall gaps and areas of thin canopy. A single plant of Southern Mountain Cranberry was observed growing on a large sandstone block.
Ground cover under Spruce consisted largely of a continuous bryopyte carpet, which also ascended tree bases. Dominant in many parts of this carpet was the liverwort Bazzania trilobata, but species of Hypnum, Polytrichum, Leucobryum and other mosses were also common. Intermediate Shield Fern was by far the most common herb, but patches of Mountai Oatgrass, Canada Mayflower and yellow Clintonia were also seen. Common Speedwell (Veronica officinalis) and Virginia Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) occurred along paths.
It was noted that buds of Cranberry and Mountain Holly had barely begun to swell and those of other woody species appeared to be generally more retarded than even those on the Allegheny Mountain summit at almost the same or slightly higher elevations.
Although time did not permit much observation of the Knob's fauna, we were offered a treat in the form of a Hermit Thrush perched not 25 feet (7.6 meters) from us on a low bough and characteristically cocking its tail and uttering its alarm clucks. Other animal signs included calls of Red-eyed Vireos, a distant glimpse of a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio glaucus) and a ten foot square area where bryophytes had been grubbed up by some forager, perhaps a Black Bear (Ursus americanus).
Summary
Throughout the area studied by us soils and vegetation reflect bedrock and point to the necessity of considering geology in the interpretation of the flora. This is as true for old growth forest as for all younger stands (Mueller and Mueller, 1997 ; Mueller, 1998). Our experience here is that, in ecological terms, remnant stands of old growth, as those of forests in general, cannot be treated as units, and averaging parameters such as pH, chemical element concentrations, soil sample characteristics and species abundances from different microhabitats can lead to gross errors in interpretation, particularly with respect to stability relations and the occurrence of species and communities.
Of some interest here is the apparent stunting and failure to flower of a number of herbs. This effect appears to be confined to the more nutrient demanding species that are characteristic of rich mesic forests , while acidiphile species appear to be normal. R. Hunsucker has suggested that these effects may be a consequence of the high precipitation in the area, which is known to bring in pollutants. If so, the effect appears to be largely confined to the vegetation itself rather than the soils, as these show signs of only local acidification,as in the case of sample 6 , and otherwise appear normal as to color, texture and organic matter content and in at least two cases (samples 4 and 5) have pH values compatible with a rich mesic flora. The deleterious effects of acid precipitation and high ozone concentrations on vegetative parts of plants are well known. Unfortunately time did not permit us to investigate such possibilities in more detail.
During our inventories we constantly bore in mind the results and conclusions of Adams and Stephenson (1989) regarding the decline of Red Spruce in the Central Appalachians. Since their growth ring data indicate at least a recent decline, we sought other evidence for comparison. If a decline is occurring at present we should find a diminution in the numbers of small (1 5 cm) seedlings. While we have no base line data to compare ours to, we found quite generally but few of such seedlings except at certain locations as the tops of down boles and large exposed rock surfaces. While larger seedlings and saplings were abundant, and this may have acted to suppress seed germination in their vicinity, small seedlings were also generally sparse on open mineral or duff-covered soil. Consequently we conclude that Spruce decline might well be occurring at present and may result from some of the same factors that lie behind the evident lack of vigor of certain herbs.
Acknowledgements
We greatly appreciate the assistance of Dr Richard Hoffman of the Virginia Natural History Museum and Dr Marie Hicks of Moab, Utah in species identification.
References
Adams, Harold S. and Steven L. Stephenson (1989) Old-growth Red Spruce Communities in the Mid-Appalachians
Vegetatio 85, 45-56.
Braun, E. Lucy (1950) Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America, Macmillan Pub. Co. Inc., New York.
Cardwell, Dudley H., Robert B. Erwin, Herbert P. Woodward and Charles W, Lotz, compilers (1968) Geologic Map of West Virginia, slightly revised 1986, West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Core, E. L. (1966) Vegetation of West Virginia, McClain Pub. Co., Parsons, West Virginia.
Mueller, R. F. (1998) Exploring Natures Multidimensional Space, the Forest Example. Forests of the Central Appalachians Project, Virginians for Wilderness Web Page.
Mueller, R. F. and Gus Mueller (1997) Geology in Reserve Design, an Example from the Folded Appalachians. Wild Earth 7, (2) , 62-66.