alainakrakowiak 的最愛

After reviewing 8 previous iNaturalist observations of firs on Apple Orchard Mountain, I decided to go up and investigate for myself. Apple Orchard Mountain is the highest point in Botetourt and Bedford Counties at 4225 feet of elevation. While it is only ranked as the 40th highest peak in the Commonwealth, it ranks as the most prominent peak in Virginia, with 2825 feet of clean prominence. This high level of exposure creates a unique microclimate where wind, ice, and snow from raging winter storms gives most of the trees a gnarled “apple orchard-like” appearance.
While surveying the exposed ridge top, I measured and recorded a total of 37 trees (42 stems ranging from 0.6 to 15.2 inches diameter) of what I believe to be a reproducing population of Fraser firs. Whether this is a relict population or was originally planted by the Forest Service, my findings were inconclusive. However, the presence of numerous unplanted saplings and seedlings in the understory and vicinity of the stands combined with the suitable habitat for firs, indicates a self-sustaining reproducing population. In determining this was Fraser fir as opposed to balsam fir, I noted the toothed reflexed bracts on cone fragments found on the forest floor, which were consistent with photos of past observations at this site.
@steinm
https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=7687
https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/abies/fraseri.htm

Unplowed tallgrass prairie remnant, surrounded by agriculture. See Witsell, C. T. and Warriner, Michael D. (2013) "First Record of the Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) from the Grand
Prairie Ecoregion since 1981," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 67 , Article 43. https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1291&context=jaas

Well naturalized on upland sites, after being planted in 2011-2013 as part of a seed mix for pasture restoration using native grasses and wildflowers. Extensive stands of this species in restored (burned and seeded) pastures.

I'm returning at the end of the month to study it more and count how many reproductive individuals are at the site. Planning to survey via kayak for other populations on the stone river this month. Should be some good practice before I survey the Tennessee Clubtail.