Hayes Tower
Location
Ecological and Physical Description
This RNA contains the only representation of a high-quality pine-oak forest type within a dry ice-contact hill landtype. This site is comprised of a high-quality pine-oak ecosystem (150 acres), 130 acres of early successional forest species resulting from tornado impacts, and 110 acres of intensively managed aspen stands.
Average annual rainfall is 28 inches (71 cm), and average annual snowfall is 51 inches (129 cm).
The nearest weather station is located at Loud Dam in Iosco County, 10 miles (16 km) south of the RNA.
The RNA is comprised of rolling ridges of end moraines and glaciated topography connecting a high plateau of sandy outwash plains (to the west and south) with lower elevation ground moraines (to the east and north). Landforms and soils within the RNA are characteristic of ice-contact topography. The following soil types are found within the RNA: Sandy Mixed Frigid Entic Haplorthod and Mixed Frigid Alfic Haplorthod.
Martineau Creek and an unnamed stream flow through the south unit. The Carp River lies adjacent to the southern boundary of the north unit. An unnamed intermittent stream flows through the central area of the north unit. A high water table is a prominent feature, and ponds and standing water are common.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaccinium myrtilloides | Velvetleaf-blueberry | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Viburnum acerifolium | arrowwood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Vaccinium angustifolium) | common lowbush-blueberry | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Comptonia peregrina | sweet fern | Common Shrub Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erethizon dorsatum | North American porcupine | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Odocoileus virginianus | white-tail deer | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Ursus americanus | black bear | Common Mammal Species |