Reed Brake
Location
County: Bibb County
Forest: Talladega National Forest, National Forests in Alabama
District: Oakmulgee Ranger District
Click here to view a searchable map for the Reed Brake RNA.
Related Reports and Publications
- Beckett, S.W. 1980. An ecological study of the Reed Brake Research Natural Area, Alabama. Ms. Thesis, Auburn University, Auburn, AL. 131 pp.
- Beckett, S. and Golden 1982. Forest vegetation and vascular flora of Reed Brake Research Natural Area, Alabama. Castanea 47(4): 368-392.
- Patterson, S. H. and M. K. Armstrong. 1984. Big Sandy, West Elliotts Creek, and Reed Brake Roadless Areas, Alabama. U. S. Geological Survey Professional Paper: 17–20.
Ecological and Physical Description
70% longleaf pine–scrub oak (SAF type 71) and red oak – white oak – hickory (SAF type 52). Pockets of old-growth cane 40–50 acres in extent. Some ravines support classic mesic hardwoods, including American Beech, Bigleaf Magnolia, and water oaks, with occasional Longleaf and Shortleaf Pine.
The mean annual precipitation is 55 inches.
The nearest weather station is at Centreville. The length of the record is 59 years.
The RNA is in the Clayhills Region of the Hilly Coastal Plain Province. Parent materials are bedded sands, clays and gravels of the Tuscaloosa Formation of the upper Cretaceous. Soils are usually of theBoswell, Luverne and related series.
The entire RNA is dissected by steep drainageways that are usually dry, leading west to southwest from the main north – south ridge to Mayfield Creek. The area lies in the South Fork Sandy Creek watershed.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinus palustris | Longleaf pine | Plant Communities | ||
| Quercus marilandica | Blackjack oak | Plant Communities | ||
| Q. stellata | Post oak | Plant Communities | ||
| Q. falcata | Southern red oak | Plant Communities | ||
| Carya tomentosa | Mockernut hickory | Plant Communities | ||
| Q. alba | White oak | Plant Communities | ||
| Q. prinus | Swamp chestnut oak | Plant Communities | ||
| Arundinaria sp. | Cane | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odocoileus virginianus | White-tailed deer | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Meleagris gallopavo | Wild turkey | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Procyon lotor | Raccoon | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Sciurus carolinensis | Eastern gray squirrel | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Leuconotopicus borealis | Red–cockaded woodpecker | Common Bird Species | ✔ | Two active nests of the Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) were noted on the site. Rudbeckia mollis is a species of special concern. |