Think Globally

Ecosystems Studies Field Laboratory
at Altona Flat Rock

Learn Locally

A soil sample from Altona Flat Rock (the entire soil thickness is represented)

Forest Ecology

     The sandstone pavement barrens are "islands" among the much larger matrix of northern hardwood forests.  With fewer than 20 similar sites in the world, these unique ecosystems offer special opportunities for students to learn  about the interrelationships between geology, hydrology, soils, plant communities, wildlife habitats and disturbance factors.  The shallow, nutrient- and moisture-deficient soil (classified as a dysic lithic borofolist soil) contributes to the fire-prone environment.

    The dominant tree species in the barrens is the stress-tolerant and fire-dependent jack pine and here it is growing near the southern extent of its natural range.  Understory plants are mostly ericaceous shrubs such as blueberry, huckleberry and sheep laurel.  Many wildlife species utilize both the barrens and the adjacent hardwood forests to meet their life requirements.

Typical sandstone pavement pine barrens.

< Acknowledgements >