South Branch Beech Grove
Location
Potential Research Topics:
Topics for study include areas with beech, beech bark disease vulnerability, rare plants, amphibians, bryophytes, and insects.
Ecological and Physical Description
The 226-acre (91 hectares) South Branch Beech Grove RNA features a mature upland forest of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia) bordering the edge of the National Forest. Pockets of large, mature beech (50 to 80 years old) are interspersed with areas in which pole-sized hardwoods predominate. The slow-growing, shade-tolerant beech reaches the northwestern edge of its range here. South Branch Beech Grove RNA is an excellent candidate to analyze old-growth northern mesic forest nested within a matrix of managed mature forest and second-growth forest. The RNA contains numerous rare and unique plant species and important habitat for the state-threatened red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus).
Annual precipitation averages 33 inches (84 cm), 64% of which falls between April and September. Average seasonal snowfall is 65 inches (164 cm).
Lakewood 3 NE (station no. 474523) about 18 mi (24 km) northeast of the RNA.
Bedrock includes igneous, metamorphic, and volcanic rock that is greater than 100 feet from the land surface. Geomorphologic processes include till deposition.
The majority of the soil falls into the Tilleda series. The Tilleda series consists of deep, well drained soils formed in loamy glacial till on ground moraines of late Wisconsinan age. These soils have moderate permeability. A smaller area of Padus soil is also present within the RNA. The Padus series consists of very deep well-drained soils, which are moderately deep to stratified sandy outwash.
The RNA is located within the South Branch Oconto River watershed and will help protect the water quality within the area.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viburnum acerifolium) | maple-leaved viburnum | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Corylus cornuta | beaked hazelnut | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Lonicera canadensis | American fly honeysuckle | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Acer spicatum | mountain maple | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Maianthemum canadense | Canada mayflower | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Clintonia borealis | bluebead lily | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Aralia nudicaulis | wild sarsaparilla | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Streptopus lanceolatus | rosy twisted stalk | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Caulophyllum thalictroides | blue cohosh | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Anemone acutiloba and A. americana | hepaticas | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buteo lineatus | red-shouldered hawk | Common Fauna |