Mesic Slopes, Terraces, and Stream Bottoms

Mesic (medium-moist but not wet) sites occur on the lower portions of the major slopes that lead down to rivers and streams, in the valleys and ravines of small streams, and on higher, non-flooded terraces adjacent to stream and river floodplains. They typically enjoy higher soil moisture and nutrient levels than pine-dominated uplands, were historically sheltered from wildfire, and natural stands usually consist of deciduous hardwood species usually with scattered loblolly pine. Many species are sensitive to stresses that are common on other parts of the Pineywoods landscape such as drought, fire, and flooding Of all local habitat types, these forests show the closest affinity to the temperate deciduous forests of the Midwestern and northeastern US. Select the desired ecosystem types in the menu on the left.