Habitat
- 1. Upland Forest
- The area that is an upland forest has a closed canopy forest dominated by
Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir), the most common conifer and Acer macrophyllum
(big leaf maple) the most common deciduous tree. The area has been logged,
the current tree cover being second growth.
- 2. Wet Meadow
- The wet meadow at RCESC is dominated by grasses and inter-mixed rushes and
sedges. The area is adjacent to bottomland forest and emergent wetlands.
- 3. Bottomland Forest
- This forest is dominated by red alder, Oregon ash, and Scouler's willow as
well as several species of shrubs (e.g. cascara, Douglas hawthorn, Pacific
ninebark). The area has saturated soil for much of the spring and into the
summer.
- 4. Emergent Wetland
- The emergent marsh is fourteen acres and receives water from Rock Creek during
high flows and from adjacent springs. The vegetation is dominated by reed
canary grass, bentgrass and tall fescue as well as several species of rushes
and sedges.
- 5. Riparian
- A channel associated with Rock Creek flows on the northwest side of the property.
The banks of the channel are wet meadow and the soil is hydric. The stream
is utilized by various waterfowl, and several species of fish.
- 6. Open Field
- The grasslands within RCESC are a mix of upland and wet meadow. They are
important habitats for small mammals and for grazing ungulates (e.g. black
tailed deer).
