Photos of the BSS Fields
A first year oldfield dominated by summer and winter annuals, such as species of mustard and foxtail grass (Setaria faberii). Note the large amount of open soil and the irregular plant canopy. In the near background are approximately 20 year old fields and rising behind those is the old growth Hutcheson Memorial Forest.
A field of approximately five years old. The closed canopy is dominated by goldenrod (Solidago) species.
A field of approximately 10 years of age dominated by an irregular canopy of goldenrods, daisies (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), asters and goldenrods. Woody invaders include eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) trees. The dark green in the background is in older fields and the old growth forest.
A field of roughly 20 years age with additional invasion of woody species including shrubs such as multiflora rose and gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa). Trees invaders include flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and the evergreen eastern red cedar. Red maple (Acer rubrum) and oaks (Quercus spp) are in the background. This field is slightly drier than the others pictured in this series and so supports some little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).
A 28 year old field dominated by a canopy of red maple near the adjacent old growth forest (behind the photographer) grading into a section of the field still dominated by shrubs and perennial field herbs.
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