Brief Introduction to Flora and Fauna of Anderson University Upland and Wetland Sites – Keystone of the Rocky River Conservancy Nature Park Tom Kozell, Ph.D Professor of Biology Anderson University

 Uplands – 2 nd to 3 rd growth early to mid- successional, oak-hickory forest  White oak, Southern red oak, Post oak, Mockernut hickory, Pignut hickory, Shortleaf pine, Loblolly pine. Black gum, Sweetgum, Tulip tree, flowering dogwood, Eastern redbud, Hill cane, Carolina jessamine, Japanese honeysuckle, Poison ivy, Smilax, American mistletoe, Muscadine, Blackberry

 Wetlands – alluvial forest along margin; palustrine persistent emergent wetland  Red maple, Sweetgum, Sycamore, Alder, Red mulberry  Cattail, Needlerush, Phragmites, Water primrose, Parrotfeather, Arum

Shortleaf Pine

 The combined upland and wetland systems have been used as a field site/outdoor lab by classes such as – Ecology; Economic Botany; Ornithology; Wetlands Biology; Field Biology and several Senior Research Projects  60 species of birds observed  Well-established populations of white-tail deer and beavers

 Birds – 60 species in 27 families  Mammals – 8 species in 7 families  Reptiles and Amphibians – 17 species in 9 families

 2 – 5”  Dark brown or black carapace – often w/algae  2 distinct stripes on head and barbels on both throat and chin  Exposed areas of skin between plastron plates

 Walking trails  Viewing sites, including elevated platforms  Discovery Center  Community ecology/environment education  Wetland preservation