Little Laurel Run
Location
County: Rockingham
Forest: George Washington National Forest, George Washington–Jefferson National Forests
View a searchable map for the Little Laurel Run RNA.
Related Reports and Publications
- Rawinski, T. J. F., G.P.; Judge, F.V. (1994). Forest vegetation of the Ramsey’s Draft and Little Laurel Run Research Natural Areas, Virginia: Baseline ecological monitoring and classification. Richmond, VA, Virginia Department of Conservation and Heritage, Division of Natural Heritage.
Ecological and Physical Description
Along Little Laurel Run, a tributary of Dry Creek, headwaters at 3300 feet dropping to 2400 feet. Cove slopes rise sharply to 3500 elevation. Typical Southern Appalachian forest type, comprised of oaks, cove, white pine, hemlock, yellow pine, hardwood forests. No evidence of cutting; coves show little evidence of having been burned, but effects of previous fires are apparent on the steep slopes. All chestnut has been blight-killed; eradication of blister rust (Ribes). Light grazing near the lower end are discontinued leaving conditions natural and undisturbed.
Some areas of shallow stony soil, rock slides, steep slopes and cliffs. Other areas include duff and humus layers on the hemlock and pine forest floor are deep and the soil black and rich as is common in stands of this character. Cove forest soil is rich, moist, and deep, the best on the area.
The stream fluctuates considerably but numerous pools furnish sanctuary for the trout during the dry season.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain laurel | Common Shrub Species | |||
| Ruffed grouse | Common Mammal Species | |||
| Squirrel | Common Mammal Species | |||
| Bear | Common Mammal Species | |||
| Deer | Common Mammal Species |