These flats contain the upland depression swamp forests that stand in up to 12 to 14 inches of water during the winter and spring but are dry during the summer and autumn. The life cycles of many species are adapted to and dependent on having access to these periodic pools. One of these, now known as the Whitehall Nature Preserve was in danger of being negatively impacted by both a planned outerbelt highway and general development. There are three bogs of significant size with water-free land strips between, used as migration paths by amphibians. The dominant canopy trees are overcup and willow oak, with a smattering of post oak on swamp fringes.
Resurrection fern grows abundantly high on the tree trunks of the overcup oak.
At this site in the southwest corner of the County, one specimen of post oak is 70-80 feet tall with a spread of 70 to 80 feet. It is the best known site in the County for the moisture loving overcup oak. The bogs are significant breeding sites for several species which inhabit the surrounding forest and fields and must migrate to the pools during their breeding season. The area is home to Marbled Salamanders, Spotted Salamanders, Upland Chorus Frogs, and Spring Peeper Frogs. Most such amphibian species, that depend on ephemeral wetland habitats to complete their life cycle, are in decline because of habitat destruction.