Reas Run
Location
Ecological and Physical Description
The principal feature of the RNA is a series of mature stands of Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana). The pines originated naturally following abandonment of agricultural land in the approximate period 1915-1920. Succession to hardwoods is well underway with red maple (Acer rubrum) generally dominating the sapling stratum. The hardwood stand is without exceptional qualities, but it does provide a buffer zone for the mature pines and could provide useful information on tension zone relationships between the two types.
Average annual precipitation is 39 inches (99.06 cm).
The closest station is at Parkersburg, WV, 20 miles (32.2 km) from the RNA.
Local topography consists of low, but fairly steep ridges and hills. Predominant soils are Upshur silty clay loams. Bedrock is shale and resistant sandstone. The area has not been glaciated.
Reas Run is an intermittent stream within the RNA that flows into the Ohio River.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitis sp. | Grape | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Amelanchier arborea | downy serviceberry | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Viburnum acerifolium | arrow-wood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Smilax rotundifolia | Common Shrub Species | |||
| Oxydendrum arboreum | sourwood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Lindera benzoin | spicebush | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Cornus florida | flowering dogwood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Sanicula sp. | Sanicle | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Geum sp. | avens | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Urtica dioica | stinging nettle | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Chimaphila umbellata | pipsissewa | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Potentilla canadensis | running five-fingers | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Polystichum acrostichoides | Christmas-fern | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Lycopodium digitatum | southern ground-cedar | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odocoileus virginianus | White-tailed deer | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Bonasa umbellus | Ruffed grouse | Common Bird Species |