High concentrations of temporary and seasonal wetlands create favorable conditions for duck nesting and migration. Though the till soil is very fertile, agricultural success is subject to annual climatic fluctuations. Though small, it is a distinctive level IV ecoregion. Originally formed by the undercutting of Cretaceous sandstones by the ancestral Red River, the escarpment was later steepened by glacial scouring. The vista today, of wooded hills with small farms tucked into valleys, is reminiscent of pastoral sections of New England.
Streams flowing off the escarpment have high gradients and a cobble substrate.
Steep, dissected escarpment. High gradient perennial streams. Geology Surficial Material and Bedrock Glacial till over Tertiary sandstone and shale. On steep slopes, woodland retained for woodland grazing and wildlife habitat. In flatter areas, cleared areas used for small grain, sunflowers and flax.