In three-day sampling and observation periods this past June and again in September, Kevin Caldwell, botanist, identified 186 species of trees, shrubs, vines, herbs, grasses, and sedges. Shay Garriock, zoologist, identified 62 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and 38 species of butterflies and moths. These numbers will likely grow significantly when moth identification is completed over the winter and the third and final inventory is taken in April or May of next year.
Results still to be analyzed from trees corings will more firmly establish the extent of both the original forest and successional forest. Community designations, e.g. Basic Oak-Hickory Forest, will be defined after the spring inventory.
Two Watch List identified plants include Mountain Pimpernel and Butternut. Only five invasive species were identified. The worst is confined to one small previously disturbed part of the forest. Control should not present a problem
As usual, the best plans for identifying species can be foiled. Two wildlife cameras had been pulled off their mounting trees by black bears that didn’t seem to want their picture taken. But, before that, a bear, a bobcat and an opossum posed for a photo.