Forests

According to estimates using presettlement vegetation maps of the area, the Davis Creek Watershed may have been comprised by nearly 65% forests, mainly Oak Forest and Beech-Maple Forests.  Currently, forested areas make up approximately 25% of the watershed; these areas include forested wetlands as well as upland forests.  In addition to providing necessary shelter for many animal species, these communities act as food sources and provide the organic matter necessary for rich soils.  Large blocks of trees serve as windbreaks and slow soil erosion.  Their extensive root systems participate in complex symbiotic relationships with soil microorganisms and fungi. 

Fragmentation is a common problem for forest communities.  As natural areas are developed, forests are divided into increasingly smaller segments.  As the corridors between these blocks of forest are diminished, animal species are unable to readily migrate from one location to another.  Such movement is imperative for species to avoid predators and for gene exchange, which allows for species diversity.  In addition, many birds and larger mammals cannot survive in a patch which does not meet their minimum size requirement.  Fragmentation can cause the decline or loss of these species from the area.

Members of the Kingdom Fungi, which are neither plants nor animals, play a very important role in ecosystems.  These organisms break down organic matter and cycle nutrients.  Few studies have documented the past or current status of fungi in the United States.  Several fungi species have been observed within the Davis Creek Watershed.

This Ground Pine is an example of a bryophyte, a plant which does not use seeds for reproduction.  Instead, this plant makes use of spores, reproductive cells which do not require fertilization.  Though typically inconspicuous and therefore considered insignificant, these plants can be sensitive indicators of air and water pollution.