The Cape
Location
Ecological and Physical Description
Soils of colluvial origin have formed in the area due to the steep slopes, and these soils support a rich mesic northern hardwood forest. This area is dominated by yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and red spruce (Picea rubens) larger than 24 in (62 cm) in diameter. There are no other known undisturbed examples of this community type in Vermont. Hairy Wood-mint (Blephila hirsuta), a Vermont threatened species, is locally common along beaver meadows. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolia) is on the Vermont watch list and infrequently found in the area.
Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 38 inches (96.5 cm). Mean annual runoff is 25 inches (63.5 cm), leaving l3 inches (33 cm) for evapotranspiration. Annual snowfall ranges from 55 inches to 65 inches (140-165 cm).
The nearest weather station is an automated station at Chittenden, Vermont which has been collecting precipitation data for 45 years. The Chittenden station is approximately 5 miles (8 km) south-southeast of the RNA at approximately 1100 feet (335 m) elevation. The next closest station is an automated station in Rutland, Vermont, which has been collecting climatic data (primarily temperature and precipitation) for 75 years. The Rutland station is approximately 10 miles ( 16 km) south of the RNA at approximately 600 feet (183 m) elevation. The next closest weather station is located in Burlington, Vermont, which has been collecting a full range of climatic data for over 100 years. The Burlington station is approximately 48 miles (77 km) north-northwest of the RNA at approximately 340 feet (104 m) elevation. Data from these stations can be obtained by calling the Northeastern Regional Climate Center in Ithaca, New York, at 607-255-1751.
The northern hardwood community of The Cape grows on Wisconsin till of variable depth. Bedrock outcrops include Cambrian metamorphic rock of the Camel's Hump group and perhaps a small amount of Forestdale marble. Soils fall mostly in the Rawsonville series (Typic Haplorthods), with lesser amounts of Amenia soils (Aquic Eutrochrept). Both of these soils tend to be stony and colluvial, with a moderately high nutrient status. In the northwestern corner of the RNA, Tunbridge soils, also Typic Haplorthods, have a thinner Bh horizon and lower nutrient status than the Rawsonville soils.
Baker Brook is a first-order, high-gradient, cold water stream dominated by boulder-rubble and gravel substrate. It flows through a flat narrow valley to Furnace Brook, Otter Creek, and ultimately Lake Champlain.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viburnum alnifolium | Hobble-bush | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Sambucus pubens | red-berried elder | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Osmorhiza claytonii | Bland sweet cicely | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Athyrium thelypteroides | silvery glade-fern | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Aster acuminatus | aster | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Impatiens pallida | yellow jewelweed | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Dryopteris intermedia | fancy wood-fern | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Caulophyllum thalictroides | blue cohosh | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Hydrophyllum virginianum | eastern waterleaf | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Allium tricoccum | wild leek | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Oxalis acetosella | northern wood-sorrel | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Laportea canadensis | nettle | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ursus americanus | Black bear | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Erethizon dorsatum) | north American porcupine | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Tamiasciurus hudsonicus | red squirrel | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Seiurus aurocapillus | Ovenbird | Common Bird Species | ||
| Vireo olivaceus | red-eyed vireo | Common Bird Species | ||
| Dendroica caerulescens | black-throated blue warbler | Common Bird Species | ||
| Dendroica virens | black-throated green warbler | Common Bird Species | ||
| Hylocichla mustelina) | wood thrush | Common Bird Species |