Division of Natural Resources, Conservation Section
Initial Biodiversity Assessment: Tom Short Road / Flat Branch (east)
Survey Dates: 11 April 2002, 11 April 2006
Watershed: Catawba
Latitude: 35.0444°N
Longitude: 80.7969°W
Size: 44 acres
Soils: Iredell (IrA, IrB), Mecklenburg (MeB)
The Tom Short Road / Flat Branch (east) property is one section of a Mecklenburg Countyowned property that includes a series of small, fragmented wetlands. The property described
here is located on the east side of Tom Short Road in the Catawba River watershed. It is
bordered on the east by Ardrey Kell Road and on the north, south, and west by private
properties. The property is primarily old, abandoned fields surrounding a large mafic
depression, and is one section recognized in An Inventory of Mafic Natural Areas in the North
Carolina Piedmont (S.C. Oakley, H.E. LeGrand, and M.P. Schafale, 1995). This specific
property is also recognized as an example of Upland Depression Swamp Forest in (Providence
Flats Swamp) in Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Third
Approximation (M.P. Schafale and A.S. Weakley, 1990). This property has been divided into 2
sections for the purpose of this document and these are evident on the attached aerial map.
Section 1:
This section consists of the wooded mafic depression. It is composed of mature hardwood trees
and herbaceous ground cover typical of an upland depression swamp forest natural community
type. The woods are in fair to good condition, with a predominantly closed canopy dominated
by willow oak (Quercus phellos L.). Other dominant canopy species include sweet gum
(Liquidambar styraciflua L.), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.), and hickories (Carya
spp. Nuttall). Average diameter of canopy trees is approximately 8 inches, with a single large
willow oak measuring 44 inches in diameter. Midstory species include flowering dogwood
(Cornus florida L.), redbud (Cercis canadensis L.), black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrhart), and
many young oaks and hickories. The understory includes native herbaceous species such as
atamasco lily [Zepharanthes atamasco (L.) Herbert], southern spring beauty (Claytonia
virginiana L.), blackfoot quillwort (Isoetes melanopoda), and low spearwort (Ranunculus
pusillus Poiret). In disturbed areas, there are many species of woody vines present, including
coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens L.), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia ),
several species of greenbrier (Smilax spp.), and trumpet vine [Campsis radicans (L.) Seemann
ex Bureau]. There is also one invasive exotic vine present, Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica
Thunb.). This area is one of the largest remaining intact mafic depressions in Mecklenburg
County. It has relatively high-quality tree species associated with it, and an understory
composed of species limited to specific site conditions. In addition, it provides suitable habitat
for many vulnerable animal species typically associated with ephemeral wet areas.
Section 2:
05-01-2006
Division of Natural Resources, Conservation Section
This section is composed of the field area surrounding the forested depression. This area is
essentially abandoned agricultural fields in the early stages of succession. The grass component
consists primarily of broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus L.) and old pasture grasses, and the
woody component is represented by winged elm (Ulmus alata Michx.), eastern red cedar
(Juniperus virginiana L.), and blackberry (Rubus sp.) briars. This area is not a natural
community type, but left alone, will likely succeed into a mesic forested area surrounding the
depression.
Vertebrate species observed include several bird and mammal species. These are listed on the
animal list included in this report. Four species of butterflies were also observed during a brief
site visit.
Prepared by: Kim Coffey
Conservation Science Specialist
19 May 2006
05-01-2006