Loudoun County, Virginia, is in a transitional zone, and our property represents a rich mix of northern and southern trees. The primary forest community type on the property is the mixed mesophytic forest, with tulip poplar, a variety of oaks, and maples and hickory types numbering among the dominant tree species. Common understory species include slippery elm, beech, dogwood, and redbud. The typical shrub layer includes spice bush, blackberry, with some mountain laurel.
Bottomland is inhabited by typical wetland species such as sycamore and buttonbush.
Wildflowers identified include naked leaved pink trefoil and velvet leaf. Miss. The goal of this survey is to identify major habitat types on the 900 acre property, and then to record the plant varieties within these habitat types. The student researchers documented trees, shrubs, flowers, and ferns. As part of the botanical identification process, a map is being prepared to chart the precise extent and location of each habitat. The program provides students with experience in biological field methods, while documenting the ecological features of the land surrounding the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship.