Natural Area Study-1981

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PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

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NATURAL AREA INVENTORY OF PENDER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
BY
Steven W. Leonard
Richard J. Davis
The preparation of this report was financed through a Coastal Energy
Impact Program grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Coastal Zone
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This CEIP
grant was part of NOAA grant NA-80-AA-D-CZ149.
The natural area inventory was supervised by the North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program (Division of Parks and Recreation, N.C. Department of
Natural Resources and Community Development).
IF
Project No. 80-06
Contract No. C-6037
October, 1981
1Southeast Research Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 3475
Wilmington, NC 28406
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Abstract. Ten natural areas are described and delineated for Pender
County as a result of a field survey during May - October 1981. The natural
areas contain slightly more than 101,000 acres and at least 104 significant
features. The largest percentage of natural area lands (67 percent) is
managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. A large fraction of the
remaining natural area acreage is comprised of river swamp. Only a small
percentage of natural area acreage is non -wetland. Of those areas inventoried,
the least satisfactory survey was performed on possibly the most significant
natural area in the county-- Angola Bay-- where conventional methods of field
analysis are nearly impossible to perform. Several promising natural areas
were also discovered, but due to various constraints, were not examined
adequately. These sites occur mostly along the Cape Fear River, the upper
section of the Northeast Cape Fear River, Holly Shelter Creek sub -basin,
Penderlea Game Lands, and the "Mooretown ponds". Research is continuing
on the flora associated with the Invershiel-Meggett soil association near
Maple Hill, and a composite "Birds of Pender County" is planned.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . iv
LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . vi
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 1
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Angola Bay, Holly Shelter Bay Natural Area . . . . . .
. . 6
Northeast Cape Fear River Natural Area . . . . . . . .
. . 26
Black River Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 48
Southwest Ridge Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 64
Lanier Quarry Savanna Natural Area . . . . . . . . . .
. . 77
Jones Creek Savanna Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 93
421 Sand Ridge Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 106
Moores Creek Wildlife Reservation Natural Area . . . .
. . 119
Lea Island, Hutaff Island Natural Area . . . . . . . .
. . 133
Rocky Point Marl Forest Natural Area . . . . . . . . .
. . 146
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .
. . 162
iii

LIST OF FIGURES
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Page 4
1. Pender County and surrounding features: Atlantic Ocean,
and the Counties of New Hanover (N. H.), Brunswick (Br.),
Columbus (C.), Bladen (B1.), Sampson (S.), Duplin (D.),
and Onslow (0.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Angola Bay section of Angola Bay, Holly Shelter Bay
NaturalArea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3. Holly Shelter Game Lands section of Angola Bay, Holly
Shelter Bay Natural Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4. Significant features of Holly Shelter Game Lands section
of Angola Bay, Holly Shelter Bay Natural Area. Code: (1)
High quality wetland community, (2) High quality terrestrial
community, (3) Endangered or threatened species, (4) Special
concern species, (5) Outstanding geomorphology, (6) Special
management area. Features 1, 4, 5, and 6 also apply to
Angola Bay section. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . 16
5. Northeast Cape Fear River Natural Area (north section).
Mapscale: 1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6. Northeast Cape Fear River Natural Area (south section). Map "
scale: 1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
7. Significant features of Northeast Cape Fear River Natural
Area (north section). Code: (1) High quality wetland
community, (2) Endangered or threatened species. Map scale:
1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8. Significant features of Northeast Cape Fear River Natural
Area (south section). Code: (1) High quality wetland
community, (2) Endangered or threatened species. Map scale:
1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
9. Black River Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . 49
10. Significant features of Black River Natural Area. Code:
(1) High quality wetland community, (2) High quality wetland
community (possible virgin stand), (3) Endangered or threat-
ened species, (4) Outstanding aquatic feature. Map scale:
1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
11. Southwest Ridge Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi. . . . 65
continued M
iv

Page
12. Significant features of Southwest Ridge Natural Area.
Code: (1) High quality terrestrial community, (2) En-
dangered or threatened species. Map scale: 1 in. =
2,000 ft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
13. Lanier Quarry Savanna Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. =
2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
14. Significant features of Lanier Quarry Savanna Natural
Area. Code: (1) Endangered or threatened species,
(2) Unusual species assemblage, (3) High floristic
diversity. Map scale: 1 in. = 600 ft. . . . . . . . . . 85
15. Jones Creek Savanna Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. =
2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
16. Significant features of Jones Creek Savanna Natural
Area. Code: (1) Endangered or threatened species,
(2) Special management area. Map scale: 1 in. = 1200 ft. 100
17. 421 Sand Ridge Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi. 107
18. Significant features of 421 Sand Ridge Natural Area.
Code: (1) Endangered or threatened species, (2) out-
standing geomorphologic feature. Map scale: 1 in. =
1.4 mi. (highway not drawn to scale). . . . . . . . . . . 113
19. Moores Creek Wildlife Reservation Natural Area. Map
scale: 1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
20. Significant features of Moores Creek Wildlife Reservation
Natural Area. Code: (1) Endangered or threatened
species, (2) Special management area, (3) High faunistic
diversity. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . 126
21. Lea Island, Hutaff Island Natural Area. Map scale:
i in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
22. Significant features of Lea Island, Hutaff Island
Natural Area. Code: (1) High quality terrestrial
community, (2) Endangered or threatened species, (3)
Special geomorphologic feature. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi. 141
23. Rocky Point Marl Forest Natural Area. Map scale:
1 in. = 2 mi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
24. Significant features of Rocky Point Marl Forest Natural
Area. Code: (1) Endangered or threatened species,
(2) Unusual species assemblage, (3) Outstanding geologic
feature. Map scale: 1 in. = 1500 ft. . . . . . . . . . . 153
VA

LIST OF TABLES
Page
1.
Significance
summary
of
Angola Bay, Holly Shelter Bay
Natural Area
. . . .
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
2.
Significance
summary
of
Northeast Cape Fear River
Natural Area
. . . .
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
3.
Significance
summary
of
Black River Natural Area . . . . . . .
51
4.
Significance
summary
of
Southwest Ridge Natural Area . . . . .
68
5.
Significance
summary
of
Lanier Quarry Savanna Natural Area . .
80
6.
Significance
summary
of
Jones Creek Savanna Natural Area . . .
96
7.
Significance
summary
of
421 Sand Ridge Natural Area
109
8.
Significance
summary
of
Moores Creek Wildlife Reservation
Natural Area
. . . .
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
122
9.
Significance
summary
of
Lea Island, Hutaff Island Natural
Area. . . .
. . . .
. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
136
10.
Significance
summary
of
Rocky Point Marl Forest Natural Area .
150
vi
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INTRODUCTION
Seventh in size in North Carolina, Pender County has an area of
869 sq mi including 857 sq mi of land and 12 sq mi of water. The approxi-
mately 550,000 ac in the county consist of forest and forested wetlands
(81%), agriculture (11%), developed (2%), water and marshlands (1%) and
other miscellaneous land uses (5%).
Pender County is the newest county in eastern North Carolina of those
bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The county was formed in 1875 from New
Hanover, and in addition to the Atlantic Ocean and New Hanover County, it
has contiguous boundaries with the following counties: Brunswick, Columbus,
Bladen, Sampson, Duplin, and Onslow.(FIGURE 1).
Three major rivers lie partly within the county. The most extensive
river mileage is from the Northeast Cape Fear, followed by the Black
River, and the Cape Fear River. All three rivers are navigable for lengthy
distances, although the upper stretches of the Black River during periods
of dry weather can only be safely navigated with small outboard or canoe.
Several of the tributary streams which empty into the rivers are also
navigable. Major tributary streams of the Northeast Cape Fear River are
(in Pender County): Long Creek, Turkey Creek, Island Creek, Harrison/Merrick
Creeks, Burgaw Creek, and Holly Shelter Creek. Moores Creek is the largest
sub -basin in Pender County which empties into the Black River. There are
no major Pender County drainages, other than Black River, which, in Pender,
enter the Cape Fear. Nevertheless, the entire county lies within the Cape
Fear Basin.
The generalized geology of Pender County dates from the Cretaceous
Period, during which time the Pee Dee formation, consisting of gray -to -
green sands, impure limestones, and lenses of marine clays and interbedded
sands, was deposited. This formation is considered the basement complex
beneath the western half of the county. East of the Pee Dee formation and
extending in a belt from the Rocky Point area northeast to Maple Hill is
Eocene Castle Hayne limestone, a chalky -white, sandy -shell limestone or
dense silicified gray limestone. Outcrops of this formation are uncommon
but do occur on the McRae Farm, east of Rocky Point. The formation is in
significant quantities to make commercial exploitation feasible. The
overburden varies considerably, as does the consistency of the stone.
Near Maple Hill, the proximity of the Castle Hayne formation to the surface
is sufficient to strongly alter soil pH. As a result the basic soil
reaction affects vegetation and promotes atypical coastal plain communities:
East of the Castle Hayne formation is a broad belt of mostly Quaternary
sands and clays, a belt that is roughly delineated by the present route of
US 17.
Soils of Pender County are diverse, and
county shows ten soil series:
(1) Johnston-Lumbee Association:
soils with loamy subsoils, on
low-lying stream terraces.
the preliminary soil map of the
Very poorly to poorly drained
first bottom floodplains and

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FIGURE 1. Pender County and surrounding features: Atlantic Ocean,
and the Counties of New Hanover (N. H.), Brunswick (Br.), Columbus
(C.), Bladen (B1.), Sampson (S.), Duplin (D.), and Onslow (0.).
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(2) Dorovan-Ponzer Association: Very poorly drained soils with
organic surfaces and sandy to loamy subsoils occurring in
upland bays and in flood plains of tributaries of major
streams.
(3) Barclay-Pasquotank-Weeksville Association: Somewhat poorly
drained to very poorly drained soils with silty surface
layers and silty subsoils on level to nearly level low broad
flats.
(4) Bladen-Lumbee-Craven Association: Poorly drained to moderately
well drained soils with clayey to loamy subsoils on level to
gently sloped uplands and broad low-lying stream terrace areas.
(5) Lumbee-Johns-Kalmia Association: Well drained to poorly
drained soils with loamy subsoils on level to gently sloping
stream terraces in the coastal plain.
(6) Capers-Newhan Association: Very poorly drained to excessively
drained, sandy to clayey, marsh and coastal dune soils on tidal
flats and gently sloping areas near beaches and waterways along
the coast subject to tidal flooding.
(7) Lynn Haven-Leon-Kureb Association: Poorly drained to excessively
well drained sandy soils with spodic horizons in the subsoil on
broad low flats and sloping ridges in the coastal plain.
(8) Invershiel-Meggett Association: Well drained to poorly drained
soils that have loamy subsoils underlain by marl on lower
marine terraces, stream terraces, and first bottom.
(9) Wehadkee-Chewacla Association: Poorly drained to somewhat
poorly drained soils with friable loamy subsoils on nearly
level first bottom flood plains.
(10) Portsmouth-Wakulla Association: Very poorly drained to exces-
sively drained soils that have friable loamy to sandy subsoils
on nearly level stream terraces and gently sloping broad upland
ridges.
Vegetation and land use in Pender County are similar to that of adjacent
counties. Non -forested lands occur throughout the county and include many
types of vegetation cover: agriculture, abandoned fields, developed lands,
open water, tidal marshes, barrier islands and beaches. Forested lands
are predominantly mixed pine, and depending upon site characteristics may
be longleaf pine, loblolly pine, slash pine, or pond pine. Bottomlands
which are forested are usually covered with cypress, either in relatively
pure stands, or more typically in mixed associations with water tupelo,
red maple, black gum, sweetgum, or other hardwood species. Tidal influence
is felt in the lower stretches of the Northeast Cape Fear and Black Rivers
and through all of the Pender portion of the Cape Fear River. Brackish
water wedges move upstream in the lower Northeast Cape Fear system, and
freshwater to slightly brackish water marshes are occasionally seen along the
shoreline. Carolina bay pocosins are not prevalent in Pender County as they
are in Bladen and parts of Brunswick, Columbus, and Sampson. However, they
do occur, and some of them have been drained for blueberry culture. By far
the largest extent of pocosin (and possibly the most significant natural
features on the county) are the joint embayments of Angola Bay and Holly
Shelter Bay. Minor variations in terms of total county acreage of forests
3

are found near Rocky Point where a mixed hardwood composition stands out
in contrast to the typical loblolly or pond pine forest, and to lesser
extent, the red cedar woodlands along the mainland fringe adjacent to y
the tidal marshes. In the latter case, these woodlands are found on
calcareous substrates-- Indian middens, or more recently, dredged material
islands along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Except for the coastal
and corridor development along US 17, vegetation and land use in Pender
County may be visualized as a giant "V", in which the arms of the "V" are
comprised of swamps and woodlands along the Cape Fear/Black System to the
left and the Northeast Cape Fear/Angola-Holly Shelter Bays System to the
right, and separated by a broad wedge-shaped agricultural area.
To inventory these diverse habitats for natural areas and endangered
and threatened species first necessitated a county -wide reconnaissance.
In late April, 1981 a rapid inspection of the county from as many of the
secondary and primary roads as possible was undertaken. Brief side trips,
consisting of walks of a few hundred yards were taken at selected points,
often in creek bottoms, or in upland woods. Secondly, a planned survey
of localities which had previously been recorded by Natural Heritage personnel
and provided to us in the format of computer printout of known stations
for endangered/threatened species, or unique biotic communities was
performed. Thirdly, a survey of bottomlands, marshes, and the barrier
islands was conducted by boat. As a tentative list of potential natural
areas began to emerge, aerial inspection was completed. Altogether, the s
Pender County Natural -Areas Inventory included 49 field days: 38 by ground,
9 by water, and 2 by air. Road mileage totalled slightly less than 3,700 mi.
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The inventory results reflect a bias toward occurrences of endangered
species and large areas of contiguous undisturbed lands. Perhaps the
chief fault of the study is that is was too broad-- that more attention
should have been focused on specific areas or types of areas. A glaring
shortcoming is that certain areas are.biologically significant, but as
a result of constraints of this contract, may have unintentionally been
excluded. Therefore, we wish to point out the following areas in need
of further investigation:
(1) Cape Fear River Swamp of Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender
Counties
(2) Roan Island
(3) Larkins Cypress Grove, Bladen and Pender Counties (This
remarkable cypress stand of old -growth trees was found
late in the study. It is possibly the oldest extant timber
stand in Pender County. Buttresses of trees are sometimes
15-20 ft thick; DBH, or diameter above the buttress enlargement
is usually 3 ft, but on some individuals reaches 6-8.ft.)
(4) Penderlea Game Lands
(5) Mooretown Ponds, an area of sinkholes north of Northeast
Cape Fear River
(6) Holly Shelter savannas
(7) Saltmarshes
(8) Angola Bay, Pender and Duplin Counties
(9) Maple Hill area
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We have identified ten significant natural areas that vary in size
from about 200 ac to almost 50,000 ac. These ten candidates are repre-
sentative of several edaphic and biotic combinations. They range from
xeric to hydric; from acidic to basic; from sea level to more than 70 ft
in elevation; from biologically undisturbed to man -dominated. Some of the
areas contain several populations of endangered and threatened species.
The decision as to which areas to include and which areas to exclude was
largely subjective, but did include objective elements. Typical questions
that we considered when examining a potential site were
(1) Does the site have regional, state, or county -wide uniqueness?
(2) Are there unusual habitat conditions present?
.(3) Are there endangered, threatened, or rare species present?
(4) Is the site representative of a type of habitat which is
rapidly being converted to other land uses?
(5) Does the site have protective, management, or habitat
enhancement status?
(6) Would loss of the habitat constitute an irretrievable loss
of resource to Pender County?
(7) Is natural area designation congruent with the activities and
land use intentions of the landowner(s)?
From our own observations of land use activity in the county, and from
discussion with officials and landowners, we saw and learned of a few activities
r. which lack provision for biological enhancement. Landowner education on the
benefits of a regular controlled -burn program and voluntary implementation
would reduce the risks of catastrophic forest fire. Establishment of hedgerows,
wildlife food plots, and a crop rotation sequence with food and cover during
critical nesting times would greatly benefit wildlife, and should be incor-
porated into large agricultural enterprises. Consideration of natural flora
and fauna, as well as potential impact on wetland systems should be given
prominence in development plans for industry. Piecemeal residential development
in which maximum numbers of units are placed on -minimum acreage should be
evaluated with extreme care. Future land use trends and the consequences
of estuarine deterioration on finfish and shellfish in Pender waters should
be assessed for long term as well as short term effects.
Two natural areas in the county are located in proximity to limestone
mines, and therefore, are potentially threatened by mining activity. Two
natural areas are located along major highway corridors (I-40, under construc-
tion and US 421) and may be affected by industrial development. One natural
area is subject to beach residential development.
On the other hand, three natural areas are already afforded protective
status, and two others, comprised predominantly of swamp lands are unlikely
to be drastically altered. In terms of acreage, the overwhelming percentage of
natural area lands in Pender County is now protected under the jurisdiction
of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
From this brief inventory of the natural features and resources of Pender
County, we were very impressed-- by their diversity and by their quality. The
natural heritage of Pender County is one of which all North Carolinians can
be justly proud.
5

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NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Angola Bay, Holly Shelter Bay
2. County: Pender
3. Location: Angola Bay is located in the northeast part of Pender County,
east of US 117 and the Northeast Cape Fear River, and extending into
southern Duplin County. Holly Shelter Bay is located in east -central
Pender County , south of NC 53, east of the Northeast Cape Fear River,'
and northwest of US 17. Coordinates: Angola Bay: Vicinity of 34°40'N,
77°50'W; Holly Shelter Bay: Vicinity of 34030'N, 770401W.(FIGURES 2,3).
4. Topographic Quadrangle(s): Angola Bay: Burgaw (1942) and Maple Hill
(1943); Holly Shelter Bay: Complete in 7.5' maps except for Folkstone
and including parts of Stag Park (1981), Maple Hill SW (1981), Mooretown
(1970), Topsail (1970), and Holly Ridge (1970).
5. Size: Approximately 20,000 ac within the Pender County portion of
Angola Bay Game Land, and 48,500 ac within the Holly Shelter Wildlife
Management Area.
6. Elevation: 15 ft or slightly less to 30 ft above mean sea level
7. Access: Angola Bay is inaccessible! The southern periphery can be
reached by traveling northeast from Burgaw on NC 53 for approximately
8 miles. Private, gated roads extend northward but do not go as far
as the State Game Land boundary. Holly Shelter Bay includes limited
access from US 17, north of Hampstead and from SR 1520 which parallels
the Northeast Cape Fear River. It is advisable, before entering Holly
Shelter Bay, to acquaint oneself with pertinent regulations. Therefore,
it is suggested that entrance to the natural area include a visit to
the Game Lands headquarters on SR 1520, ca. 7 miles north of NC 210.
8. Names of Investigators: S. W. Leonard Ricky Davis
P. 0. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: May -September, 1981
10. Priority Rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: From the air, the two vast areas of Angola
Bay and Holly Shelter Bay appear as limitless green wilderness. With
diameters of more than 10 miles, and in the case of Angola Bay, no
roads or trails, they rank with Dismal Swamp, the Dare County peninsula,
the "open grounds" of Carteret County, and the Green Swamp as some
of North Carolina's most inaccessible interior wetlands. For almost
fifty years Angola and Holly Shelter have been owned by the State, and
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FIGURE 2. Angola Bay section of Angola Bay, Holly Shelter Bay Natural Area.

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FIGURE 3. Holly Shelter Game Lands section of Angola Bay, Holly Shelter Bay Natural Area.

more recently, managed as wildlife preserves. Adjacent lands are
often owned by timber companies which have attempted to replace
the inferior forests of pond pine with other species.
The term "bay" is often used in reference to elliptic depressions
known more completely as "Carolina bays;" however, the size, shape,
and surrounding features of Angola and Holly Shelter suggest instead,
a geomorphological origin as gigantic embayments. Close inspection of
aerial photographs reveals that within these embayments are typical
Carolina bay ellipses. Thus the origin of interior Carolina bays
postdates the origin of Angola and Holly Shelter. Several sand ridges,
ranging in elevation from a foot or two above the adjacent pocosin
swamp to ten to fifteen feet, are located within the boundaries of the
pocosin. In Angola Bay, not far from the Duplin County line, one such
ridge is used as a Forest Service landing strip.
The history of the bay vegetation is closely linked to wildfires.
Old photography occasionally shows fire scars-- darkened areas, or
tracts of regrowth timber which differs markedly from nearby stands.
Because of the impassibility of heavy machinery over the boggy soil,
fire fighting is difficult, and may be restricted to aerial application
of retardents. Historically, fires were allow to burn and smoulder
until rains or soil moisture eventually extinguished them. Thus the
vegetation has changed during the past century as a combination of
factors-- fire prevention, drainage, natural succession-- have all
interacted to give the ecological conditions observed today.
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Vegetation of the bays differs, not so much in overall species
composition, but in the relative acreage of communities. Angola Bay
is, for the most part, a treeless or near -treeless expanse of ever-
green shrubbery, with pond pines scattered here and there, or sometimes
a localized zone of sweet bay or 1oblolly bay. The interior of
Holly Shelter has much larger volumes of pond pine timber than Angola
Bay, but it nevertheless does have a large treeless area in the
northeastern part. The southeastern part of Holly Shelter, in what
might be termed the "rim" contains higher -elevation sand and sandy
clay, which is covered with longleaf pine that is periodically burned.
As a result, the southeast quadrant of Holly Shelter has superlative
longleaf pine savannas, which gradually dip toward the northwest into
titi and bald cypress wetlands. The only known stand of Atlantic
white cedar in either of the two bays occurs in Holly Shelter in the
drainage basin of Trumpeter Swamp.
Wildlife in the bays enjoys the seclusion afforded by thousands
of acres of pocosin. Black bear populations exist in both bays, and
there is probably migration between the two bays. Deer are plentiful,
and the Holly Shelter Game Lands provide hunters with bow and conventional
firearm seasons. A large shallow waterfowl impoundment of approximately
200 acres has recently been constructed in Holly Shelter, and contains
adult alligators as well as waterfowl. Water in the embayments is highly
acidic, and hence, is not conducive to gamefish management.
9

As account of Holly Shelter as it appeared thirty-five years
ago is found in B. W. Well's "Vegetation of Holly Shelter Wildlife
Management Area"; N. C. Dept. Cons. and Dev., Div. Game and Inland
Fisheries, Bulletin #2 (1946).
11B. Prose Description of Site Significance: Angola Bay and Holly Shelter
Bay are unique landforms in North Carolina. They are large and
biologically poorly known. Angola Bay, particularly, is in need
of intensive study, but due to the formidable conditions of saturated
soil, floating organic mats, dense shrubs, catbriers, areal expanse,
black bears, venomous snakes, mosquitoes, ticks, and sultry weather,
summertime study is unthinkable. Nevertheless, the work needs to
be done.
That large portions of the two areas are protected and managed
assures no immediate threats to the endangered species found within
this natural area. Theft of insectivorous plants is a common problem
along the eastern boundary of Holly Shelter, but we saw excellent
populations of several species.
In summary, the significance of Angola Bay and Holly Shelter
Bay is that (a) they are unique, (b) they are large, (c) they are
not likely to be threatened, (d) they are owned by the State, (e)
they are managed, and (f) they contain endangered plants and animals.
12. Significance Summary: (see TABLE 1)
Legal Status, Use and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private 0%, Public 100%, but with
restricted access, Unknown 0%
14. Number of Owners: 1
15. Name(s) of Owners) and/or Custodians) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information): North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission, Raleigh, NC
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information): Mr. Charles "Vic" French, Wildlife
Management Technician II, Route 1, Box 222, Burgaw, NC 28425. Mr.
French is Holly Shelter Game Lands Manager.
17. Attitude of Owner or Custodian Toward Preservation (contact?): Owner
not contacted. It is locally rumored that Angola Bay has been considered
for a land swap.
18. Uses of Natural Area: Angola Bay-- Game Preserve; Holly Shelter Game
Lands-- Hunting, scientific research, minor amounts of nature study
and observation by vacationers and regional residents.
19. Uses of Surrounding Land: Wildland 20%, Agricultural land 10%, High -
intensity forestry 700, Developed 0%
10

N
TABLE 1. Significance summary of Angola Bay, Holly Shelter Bay Natural Area.
Feature
High quality wetland community
High quality terrestrial
community
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
Special concern species
Outstanding geomorphology
Special management area
Map Legend
1
2
3a
3b
3c
3d
4
5
"„
Description of feature Comparative assessment
Pond pine pocosin
Longleaf pine savanna
Venus'fly-trap
Dwarf fothergilla
Rough -leaf loosestrife
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Black bear
Isolated embayments
NC Game Lands/Preserve
The most extensive area
of this community type
in southeastern NC
Extensive, well -managed,
containing many rare spp.
Large,vigorous populations
Scattered populations;
some very large and vigorous
Extremely rare in county
and in natural area
Several breeding colonies
known from natural area
One or two populations;
known from both bay areas
Unique landform feature,
this natural area possibly
best examples in NC
Area owned by, State and
already protected

20. Preservation Status: Category 1, 100% Wildlife Preserve and
Wildlife Management Area
21. Regulatory Protection in Forcer Restricted access, regulated
hunting, protection of exploited and endangered species, CAMA
coastal wetlands, fragile areas, natural hazard areas.
22. Threats: Potential drop in water table from drainage of adjacent
swamplands and pocosins. Peat utilization is a possible threat,
but at this time, not probable.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: Controlled burning
would reduce the wildfire hazard, upgrade wildlife habitat, and
promote botanically diverse savanna development. We do not make
management recommendations for Angola Bay until further study is
conducted; in the interim, we strongly encourage minimal access, and no
drainage, timber harvest, or wildlife food plot clearance.
Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary:
Community type: Pinus serotina/Cyrilla racemiflora-Zenobia
• pulverulenta; peripheral stands of Pinus palustris/Aristides
stricta; isolated examples of Taxodium distichum-Nyssa biflora
Community cover type: Predominantly Pinus serotina
General habitat feature: Pond pine pocosin
Average canopy height: 25 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: 40-60 yrs
Canopy cover: Open
Estimated size of community: Total of 40,000 ac
Successional stage: Edaphic climax
Sere type: Hydrosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but
not dominant): None
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant): Gaylussacia frondosa, Lyonia
lucida, Myrica cerifera, Ilex coriacea, Ilex glabra, Persea borbonia
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant): Woodwardia virginica
24B. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Pamlico
Soil classification: Histosols; Typic Medihemists to Fibric Terric
Medihemists 1
Soil association: Dorovan-Ponzer
pH class: acidic to extremely acidic
Moisture class: Very poorly drained
Source of information: General Soil Map, Pender County, USDA, SCS
(1972); Soil Taxonomy, Agri. Handbook # 436
Other notes: None
12

24C. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Aqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Saturated to intermittently exposed
Drainage class: Very poorly drained
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Hydrology characterization: A very poorly drained, saturated to
intermittently exposed, freshwater palustrine system.
24D. Topography Summary
Landform: Nearly circular marine embayments with drainage seaward
blocked by Pleistocene sands
Shelter: Deeply sheltered
Aspect: not applicable
Slope angle: not applicable
Profile: Concave to flat
Surface patterns: Smooth
Position: not applicable
25. Physiographic Characterization of Natural Area: An edaphic climax
community of a hydrosere which occupies a relict embayment which now
drains into the Northeast Cape Fear River and situated in the Coastal
Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological Formation: Cretaceous Pee Dee formation and Eocene Castle
Hayne formation overlain by Pleistocene to Recent sands
Geological Formation age: Cretaceous formation: 60 million years;
Eocene formation: 40-50 million years; Pleistocene to Recent: 1-3
million years to approximately 6 thousand years before present
26. Summary - Endangered and Threatened Species
(1) Name of species: Dionaea muscipula (DIONAEACEAE) Venus' fly -trap
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened endemic, exploited
(Cooper et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 3 seen in Holly Shelter
Number of individuals per population: 15 to 1,000
Size or maturity of individuals: All stages
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 60%; Flowering: 25%; Fruiting 15%
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: Harvesting by local residents;
some enforcement by Holly Shelter Game Lands staff
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Longleaf pine savannas
Topography: Level to gently sloping
Soil series: Localized occurrence of Leon sand
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plant and animal species present: Aristida stricta, Vaccinium
crassifolium, Polygala lutea, Polygala cruciata, Chaptalia tomentosa,
Chrysopsis graminifolia; Whitetail deer (tracks)
13

(2) Name of species: Fothergilla gardenii (HAMAMELIDACEAE) Dwarf
fothergilla
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 100
Size or maturity of individuals: Mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 50a; Flowering 0%; Fruiting: 50%
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None evident
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Ecotonal border of.a black gum/gallberry drainage
and a cutover longleaf pine savanna
Topography: 2% slope
Soil series: Lynn Haven
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plant and animal species present: Plants: Ilex lg abra, Myrica
cerifera, Vaccinium atrococcum, Vaccinium crassifclium, Andropogon sp.
Animals: See attached master species lists..
(3) Name of species: Lysimachia asperulaefolia (PRIMULACEAE) Rough -leaf
loosestrife
Species legal status and authority: NC endangered endemic (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 6
Size or maturity of population: Mature
Phenology of individuals: Vegetative: 66%; Flowering 33%; Fruiting 0%
General vigor of population: Fair
Disturbance or threats to population: Plants were found in a firebreak
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Ecotonal border between a longleaf pine savanna and
a cypress/titi swamp
Topography: 2% slope
Soil series: Presumed to be Lynn Haven
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plant and animal species present: Plants: Aristida stricta
Andropogon virginicus, Rhexia mariana, Rhexia alifanus, Polygala
lutea, Lycopodium aloepecuroides. Animals: See attached master
species lists.
(4) Name of species: Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Species legal status and authority: Federally endangered (Cooper et al.
1977) — —
Number of populations on site: Reported by Holly Shelter Game Lands
personnel to be around 14 within Holly Shelter; not determined for
Angola Bay
Number of individuals per population: l to ca. 10
Size or maturity of individuals: Breeding populations present
Phenology of population: Not applicable
14

r
General vigor of population: Not determined
Disturbance or threats to population: In cases where birds are using
pond pines for cavity trees, growth of understory, lightning strikes,
and natural demise of trees are causing disturbance, but on the whole
sufficient habitat remains for a stable population to thrive.
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Primary community is longleaf pine; secondary
community is pond pine
Topography: Usually level or nearly so
Soil series: Leon sand to Pamlico muck
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape -Fear River
Other plant and animal species present: See attached master species
lists.
(5) Name of species: Black Bear
Species legal status and authority: NC special concern (Cooper et al.
1977) — —
Number of populations on site: 1, possibly 2
Number of individuals: Thought to be around 35
Size or maturity of individuals: Breeding population(s)
Phenology of population: Not applicable
General vigor of population: Good
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics: Animals are wide-ranging and use a variety •
of habitats.
a
(See FIGURE 4 for detailed map of endangered and threatened species
locations.)
15

C,e
..
N 15
Creek'._ •r,
l
HOLLY SHELTER
• ; GAME LAND
1,4,6
_.....N.EW..RD. ...... .......... �
3d w1
�! '
' ✓ 3a �'
IS]0
�> e i CQfskrn , �ezK i � ti
`r;seo
3
- \ n
FIGURE 4. Significant features of Holly Shelter Game Lands section of
Angola Bay, Holly Shelter Bay Natural Area. Code: (1) High quality wetland
community, (2) High quality terrestrial community (3) Endangered or threatened
species, (4) Special concern species, (5) Outstanding geomorphology, (6) Special
management area. Features 1, 4, 5, and 6 also apply to Angola Bay section.
Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.
16
Z

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACEEACEAE
Acer rubrum
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Hypoxis hirsuta
H. hirsuta var. leptocarpa
H. micrantha
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
R. vernix
APIACEAE
Centella asiatica
Eryngium integrifolium
E. yuccifolium
Hydrocotyle umbellata
Oxypolis filiformis
0. ternata
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex coriacea
I. glabra
I. opaca
ASCLEPIADACEAE
Asclepias humistrata
A. lanceolata
ASPIDIACEAE
Thelypteris palustris
ASTERACEAE
Aster tortifolius
A. linariifolius
Carduus repandus
C. spinosissimus
Carphephorus bellidifolius
C. tomentosus
Chaptalia tomentosa
Chrysopsis gossypina.
C. graminifolia
Chondrophora nudata
Coreopsis angustifolia
C. basalis
C. falcata
C. tinctoria
Elephantopus nudatus
Erigeron vernus
Eupatorium album
E. capillifolium
E. leucolepis
E. perfoliatum
17
I

Eupatorium pilosum
E. recurvans
E. rotundifolium
E. serotinum
Euthamia tenuifolia
Happlopappus divaricatus
Helianthus atrorubens
H. heterophyllus
Liatris graminifolia
Marshallia graminifolia
Mikania scandens
Pterocaulon pycnostachyum
Pyrrhopappus carolinianus
Solidago odora
S. stricta
Trilisa paniculata
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia areolata
W. virginica
BROMELIACEAE
Tillandsia usneoides
BURMANNIACEAE
Burmannia capitata
CAMPANULACEAE
Lobelia elongata
L. glandulosa
' L. nuttallii
L. puberula
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Lonicera sempervirens
Viburnum nudum
CISTACEAE
Lechea leggettii
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CONVOLVULACEAE
Bonamia patens var. angustifolia
CUPRESSACEAE
Chamaecyparis thyoides
CYPERACEAE
Carex crinita
C. walteriana
Dichromena latifolia
Eleocharis obtusa
Fimbristylis autumnalis
Fuirena squarrosa
Psilocarya nitens
Rhynchospora cephalantha
R. chapmanii
R. pallida
R. torreyana
18

Scleria pauciflora
S. reticularis
S. triglomerata
CYRILLACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
DIONAEACEAE
Dionaea muscipula
DROSERACEAE
Drosera brevifolia
D.. capillaris
D. intermedia
ERICACEAE
Cassandra calyculata
Gaylussacia dumosa
G. frondosa
Kalmia angustifolia var. caroliniana
Leucothoe axillaris
L. racemosa
Lyonia ligustrina
L. lucida
L. mariana
Rhododendron atlanticum
R. viscosum
Vaccinium atrococcum
V. corymbosum
V. crassifolium
V. elliottii •
V. stamineum
V. tenellum
Zenobia pulverulenta
ERIOCAULACEAE
Eriocaulon compressum
E. decangulare
Lachnocaulon anceps
EUPHORBIACEAE
Cnidoscolus stimulosus
Euphorbia curtisii
FABACEAE
Amorpha herbacea
Baptisia cinerea
B. tinctoria
Galactia regularis
Indigofera caroliniana
Lespedeza capitata
L. hirta
L. repens
L. steuvei
L. virginica
Rhynchosia difformis
Tephrosia spicata
Zornia bracteata
w
19

f
FAGACEAE
Castanea pumila
Quercus incana
Q. laevis
Q. margaretta
Q. marilandica
Q. pumila
Q. virginiana
GENTIANACEAE
Sabatia campanulata
S. stellaris
HAEMODORACEAE
Lachnanthes caroliniana
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Fothergilla gardenii
Liquidambar styraciflua
HYPERICACEAE
Hypericum gentianoides
H. hypericoides
H. reductum
H. stans
H. walteri
IRIDACEAE
Sisyrinchium mucronatum var. atlanticum
JUNCACEAE
Juncus coriaceus
J. repens
LAMIACEAE
Hyptis alata
Pycnanthenum flexuosum
Scutellaria integrifolia
LAUTACEAE
Persea borbonia
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Pinguicula caerulea
P. lutea
Utricularia subulata
LILIACEAE
Aletris farinosa
Melanthium virginicum
Pleea tenuifolia
Smilax laurifolia
Tofieldia racemosa
Zigadenus densus
Z. glaberrimus
LOGANIACEAE
Gelsemium sempervirens
Mitreola petiolata
Polypremum procumbens
LORANTHACEAE
Phoradendron serotinum
20

LYCOPODIACEAE
Lycopodium aloepecuroides
L. appressum
L. carolinianum
MAGNOLIACEAE
Liriodendron tulipifera
Magnolia virginiana
MELASTOMATACEAE
Rhexia alifanus
R. lutea
R. mariana
R. petiolata
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
M. cerifera var. pumila
M. heterophylla
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa biflora
ONAGRACEAE
Ludwigia palustris
Oenothera laciniata
ORCHIDACEAE
Calopogon pallidus
C. pulchellus
Cleistes divaricata
Habenaria blephariglottis
H. ciliaris
H. cristata
H. nivea
Pogonia ophioglossoides
Spiranthes cernua
S. praecox
S. vernalis
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea
0. regalis var. spectabilis
PINACEAE
Pinus palustris
P. serotina
P. taeda
POACEAE.
Andropogon gerardi
A. scoparius
A. ternarius
A. virginicus
Anthaenantia rufa
Aristida purpurascens
A. stricta
Arundinaria gigantea
Leptoloma cognatum
21

• Muhlenbergia capillaris
Panicum angustifolium
P. commutatum
P. dichotomum
P. laxiflorum
P. scoparium
P. tenue
Paspalum dilatatum
P. praecox
Triplasis purpurea
POLYGALACEAE
Polygala cruciata
P. cymosa
P. hookeri
P. lutea
P. mariana
P. ramosa
POLYPODIACEAE
Polypodium polypodioides
PRIMULACEAE
Lysimachia asperulaefolia
L. loomsii
PTERIDACEAE
Pteridium aquilinum
ROSACEAE
Amelanchier canadensis
A. obovalis
' Rosa palustris
Rubus trivialis
Sorbus arbutifolia
SARRACENIACEAE
Sarracenia flava
S. purpurea
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Itea virginica
SCROPHYLARIACEAE
Agalinis purpurea
A. setacea
Penstemon australis
Seymeria cassioides
SOLANACEAE
Physalis angulata
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium distichum
THEACEAE
Gordonia lasianthus
VIOLACEAE
Viola lanceolata
VITACEAE
Vitis rotundifolia
22

XYRIDACEAE
Xyris ambigua
X. baldwiniana
X. caroliniana
X. difformis
X. platylepis
AMPHIBIANS
Broken -striped Newt
Slimy Salamander
Southern Toad
Oak Toad
Southern Cricket Frog
Squirrel Treefrog
Little Grass Frog
Southern Leopard Frog
REPTILES
American Alligator
Eastern Mud Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle
Spotted Turtle
Yellow -bellied Turtle
Snapping Turtle
Eastern Glass Lizard
Green Anole
Ground Skink
Black Racer
Corn Snake
J
BIRDS
Key
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, 11V = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Green Heron
SV
Great Blue Heron
pV
Wood Duck
PR*
Turkey Vulture
PR
Black Vulture
PR
Red-tailed Hawk
PR*
Red -shouldered Hawk
PR*
V
23

American Kestrel
WR
Bobwhite
PR*
Spotted Sandpiper
T
Solitary Sandpiper
T
Mourning Dove
PR*
Yellow -billed Cuckoo
SR*
Chimney Swift
SR*
Ruby -throated Hummingbird
SV
Common Flicker
PR*
Pileated Woodpecker
PR*
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
PR*
Red -bellied Woodpecker
PR*
Red-headed Woodpecker
PR*
Downy Woodpecker
PR*
Eastern Kingbird
SR*
Great Crested Flycatcher
SR*
Eastern Phoebe
WR
Acadian Flycatcher
SV
Eastern Wood Pewee
SV*
Rough -winged Swallow
T
Barn Swallow
SV
Purple Martin
SV
Blue Jay
PR*
Common Crow
PR*
Fish Crow
PR*
Carolina Chickadee
PR*
Tufted Titmouse
PR*
White -breasted Nuthatch
PV
Brown -headed Nuthatch
PR*
Carolina Wren
PR*
Mockingbird
PR*
Catbird
PR*
Brown Thrasher
PR*
American Robin
PV
Wood Thrush
SV
Eastern Bluebird
PR*
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
SR*
Cedar Waxwing
WR
Starling
PV
White -eyed Vireo
SR*
Yellow -throated Vireo
SV
Red -eyed Vireo
SV
Black -and -white Warbler
T
Prothonotary Warbler
SR*
Swainson's Warbler
SR*
Worm -eating Warbler
SR*
Northern Parula Warbler
SR*
Yellow Warbler
T
Black -throated Blue Warbler
T
.Yellow-rumped Warbler
WR
Yellow -throated Warbler
J
SR*
24

Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow -breasted Chat
Hooded Warbler
Eastern Meadowlark
Red -winged Blackbird
Orchard Oriole
Common Grackle
Brown -headed Cowbird
Scarlet Tanager
Summer Tanager
Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Rufous -sided Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
White -throated Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Mole
Black Bear
Raccoon
Mink
Fox
Bobcat
Eastern Cottontail
Marsh Rabbit
Whitetail Deer
MAMMALS
25
PR*
SR*
T
T
PR*
SR*
SR*
PR*
Pv
SR*
SR*
SR*
T
SR*
PR*
SR*
SR*
Wv
WR
PR*
WR
WR
WR
WR
V

r
NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Northeast Cape Fear River
2. County: Pender (with parts of Island Creek in New Hanover)
3. Location: From the New Hanover County line, east of US 421
near 34020'N, 78000'W upstream and including portions of Holly
Shelter Creek to a point about 2 miles downstream from the
NC 53 bridge near 340351N, 77050'W. This natural area is about
40 river miles long_(FIGURES 5, 6).
4. Topographic Quadrangle(s): Castle Hayne (1970), Rocky Point (1970),
Scotts Hill (1970), Mooretown (1970), Stag Park (1981)
5. Size: 13,800 ac (est.)
6. Elevation: 3 ft to 6 ft above mean sea level, occasionally including
higher bluffs adjacent to the river.
7. Access: Boat access points are Cowpens Landing at the end of SR 1428
(private, open to the public for fee), Clarks Landing on Long Creek
at the end of SR 1408, Wildlife Resources Commission landing at US 117
bridge, Lanes Ferry landing at NC 210 bridge, Wildlife Resources
Commission landing near Holly Shelter Game Lands headquarters, and
Wildlife Resources Commission landing at White Stocking at the end of
SR 1512.
8. Names of Investigators: S. W. Leonard Ricky Davis
P. 0. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: May through September, 1981
10. Priority Rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: Black -water rivers in North Carolina are
rare, and among the most pristine is the Northeast Cape Fear. The
riverside development of industry which is present along the lower
reach of the river in New Hanover County is absent from Pender County.
The uppermost industry along the river is located near Castle Hayne
and consists of Ideal Cement and Diamond Shamrock-- industries which
utilize the Castle Hayne limestone, which rarely crops out along the
river's bank. Residential development tends to be clustered at but
two places-- Castle Hayne and Stag Park.
The river itself winds through a mixed forest of predominantly
bald cypress and black gum, occasionally with high bluffs where loblolly
pine may be seen. The woods are draped with Spanish moss, and birds
V
26

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FIGURE 5. Northeast Cape Fear River Natural Area (north section).
Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.
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FIGURE 6. Northeast Cape Fear River Natural Area (south section). Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.

are abundant. Turtles slide off half -submerged logs as one passes,
and sometimes a water snake or alligator splashes. Shallows along
the shoreline or around the infrequent islands in the river have
dense beds of the narrow -leaf form of cowdock. Because the lower
reach of the river has no weirs or other impounding structures,
anadromous fish move into and out of the river. Fishing pressure
is light and is mostly confined to the spring runs of shad. Recreational
boating is popular near the public access points, with perhaps heaviest
concentration being near Castle Hayne.
The adjacent swamps of the Northeast Cape Fear add to the mystique.
Large cypress trees, with diameters in excess of 6 feet are not at
all uncommon. The tidally inundated swamp floor is mucky and treacherous
to the timid, but unusual and interesting flora and fauna are found
there. We saw the mustard, Cardamine longii,at numerous places south
of NC 210, and a small population of the river quillwort, Isoetes
riparia, along Island Creek. Old cypress trees with horizontal branches
bedecked with resurrection fern turned out to harbor mats of the
epiphytic orchid, Epidendrum conopseum. From Burgaw Creek upstream
to Holly Shelter Creek, we saw in July, numerous clumps of a yellow -
flowered loosestrife, tentatively identified as Lysimachia lanceolata
var. hybrida. The scarlet -velvet fruits of the sarvis-leaf holly,
Ilex amelanchier, impressed us as we boated up Holly Shelter Creek.
Y
The river has long stretches of placid water south of NC 210;
upstream the turns are more frequent, and sometimes an arching canopy
of river birch obscures the sky. Short, dead-end coves attest to
a meandering channel, and with the assistance of topographic quad-
rangles, oxbow ponds can be located.
The history of the river is as alluring as the biota. Barbadoan
explorers reached the Stag Park vicinity in the mid-1600s. A century
later rich planters-- the Ashes, the Moores, and others owned plantations
along the banks. Colonial artifacts lie buried in the river silt.
A marker at Castle Hayne describes an early drawbridge built across
the river.
Rich in lore, rich in flora, rich in fauna, the Northeast Cape
Fear demands that we slow our pace and leisurely indulge in the pleasures
of an incomparable natural area. Drift with the tide by Point Pleasant
or silently paddle a canoe down Harrisons Creek, you will experience
a never -to -be -forgotten sensation of the richness of the out-of-doors.
Northeast Cape Fear-- natural area unexcelled.
11B. Prose pescription of Site Significance: The Northeast Cape Fear
Natural Area offers multiple recreational opportunities and a super-
lative study area for black -water river systems. The major feature
of the river and its associated swamps is that they are intact; thus they
provide a lengthy corridor for wildlife, contain seven species of
special interest plants, several animals (many reports of alligators,
not verified by our study) of concern, and connect the major wilderness
KW*

areas in Pender County. Although activities in navigable waters and
wetlands is now regulated by the Corps of Engineers, "high ground"
development could have a devastating affect on the quality of the water
and the remoteness aspect of the system. We rank the Northeast Cape
Fear near the top of Pender County natural areas, based on the condition
of its swamplands, the fact that this river is the highest volume
black -water stream in southeastern North Carolina, the potential
threat to it as industrial and residential development edge upstream
from Wilmington, and the presence of several threatened species.
12. Significance Summary (See TABLE 2)
Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private: 99%, Public: 1%, Unknown 0%
14. Number of owners: Approximately 30
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information):
Major landowners are Bruce B. Cameron, 2219 Blythe Rd., Wilmington, NC
(763-1054), Corbett Industries, Inc., Wrightsboro (Wilmington, NC)
(763-4646), Southern Furniture of Conover, Inc., International Paper
Company, Harry W. Williams, Williams Lumber Co., Burgaw, NC, H. H.
Bate, Mrs. Nell H. Trask; public land is small section of Holly Shelter
Game Lands which borders the east shore of the river.
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, other
pertinent information): None
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?):
Not contacted
18. Uses of natural area: Recreational boating, fishing, hunting
19. Uses of surrounding land: Wildland: 25%; Agricultural land, 40%;
High -intensity forestry, 25%; Developed, 5%
20. Preservation Status: Category 7, 100%
21. Regulatory protections in force: Wetlands, natural hazard areas
22. Threats: Piecemeal development along the river bluffs; no threats
to the overwhelming percentage of swamplands.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: Tributary stream swamps
may be easier to manage than the main stem of the river. Island Creek
and Harrisons Creek are considered exceptional areas for preservation,
either by acquisition or landowner registry. Regulations in effect
for activities in wetlands is probably sufficient for adequate site
protection.
30

TABLE 2. Significance summary of Northeast Cape Fear River Natural Area.
Feature
High quality wetland community
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
w
N
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
Map Legend
Description of feature
Comparative assessment
1
Blackwater river swamp
Broad floodplain with
mostly old -growth cypress
2a
Sarvis-leaf holly
Very large population
in lower Holly Shelter
Creek drainage
2b
Long's bittercress
Proposed inclusion, based
on occurrence at two NC
localities
2c
River quillwort
Major range extension
southward
2d
European cow -lily
Common throughout all
major drainages of natural
area
2e
Creeping marsh -purslane
A single large population
in Harrisons Creek
2f
Green -fly orchid
Probably largest number of
colonies in NC
2g
May hawthorn
Two known populations of
very rare species
2h
Anhinga
Single bird sighted

Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary:
Community type: Taxodium distichum-Acer rubrum-Nyssa biflora
Community cover type: Taxodium distichum
General habitat feature: Riverine swamp
Average canopy height: 60 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: 50-200 years
Canopy cover: Closed
Estimated size of community: 80% of total acreage or 11,000 ac
Successional stage: Climax
Sere type: Pelosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but
not dominant): Liquidambar styraciflua, Pinus taeda
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant): Cornus stricta, Ilex verticillata
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant): Senecio glabellus, Gratiola virginiana, Pluchea
camphorata, Lobelia cardinalis, Decumaria barbara
24B. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Dorovan series in tidal region of river; Johnston and
Lumbee soils in upper stretches of river floodplain.
Soil classification: Not determined
Soil association: Johnston-Lumbee
pH class: Strongly acid to medium acid
Moisture class: Poorly drained
Source of information: General Soil Map, Pender County, USDA, SCS,
(1972).
Other notes: None
24C. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Riverine
Hydrologic subsystem: Tidal and Lower Perennial
Water chemistry: Fresh to mixosaline
Water regime: Tidal, regularly flooded, irregularly flooded, and
nontidal, intermittently exposed , seasonally flooded.
Drainage class: Poorly drained to very poorly drained
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Hydrology characterization: Poorly to very poorly drained bottomland
sloughs, terraces, and bars, covered with moisture -retaining silts
and silty sands with water table frequently at the surface.
24D. Topography Summary
Landform: Riverine floodplain
Shelter: Deeply sheltered
Aspect: North - South in lower reach; East - West in upper, reach
Slope: Level to gently sloping
Profile: Level to concave
+ Surface pattern: Irregularly undulating
Position: Not applicable
Y
32

25. Physiographic characterization of natural area: A tidally flooded
to seasonally flooded climax community of a hydric pelosere in the
alluvial plain of the Northeast Cape Fear River, underlain by
mostly Eocene Castle Hayne limestone in the Coastal Plain province of
the Atlantic Plain. The Northeast Cape Fear drains into the estuary
of the Cape Fear River.
Geological Formation: Eocene Castle Hayne limestone cover by fluvial
deposits of sand, silt, and organic detritus.
Geological Formation age: Eocene formation: 40-50 million years.
26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
(1) Name of species: Ilex amelanchier (AQUIFOLIACEAE) Sarvis-leaf
holly
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened throughout (Cooper
et al. 1977).
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: Possibly 500
Size or maturity of individuals: Immature and mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 50%; Flowering: 0%; Fruiting: 50%
General vigor of population: Very vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Swampy red maple -cypress- black gum woodlands
Topography: Level
Soil series: Johnston or Lumbee
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Holly Shelter Creek and Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Fraxinus caroliniana,
Ilex verticillata, Cornus stricta; Animals: see attached master species
lists.
(2) Name of species: Cardamine longii (BRASSICACEAE) Long's bittercress
Species legal status and authority: Proposed NC threatened throughout,
based on present records of only two county occurrences in NC- Pender
and Jones.
Number of populations on site: 3
Number of individuals per population: Ca. 50-100
Size or maturity of individuals: Mostly mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 20%; Flowering: 0%; Fruiting: 80%
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Open, mucky exposures in deep cypress swamps
Topography: Level
Soil series: Johnston
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River, Long Creek and Island
Creek sub -basins
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Senecio glabellus,
Bacopa caroliniana . Animals: See attached master species lists.
33

(3) Name of species: Isoetes riparia (ISOETACEAE) River quillwort
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened peripheral (Cooper
• et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: Ca. 50
Size or maturity of individuals: All mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 0%; Flowering: Not applicable;
Fruiting: 100%
General vigor of population: Fair
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Taxodium distichum (cypress) swamp
Topography: Level
Soil series: Johnston
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Island Creek sub -basin of Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: None is this stratum.
Animals: See attached master species lists.
(4) Name of species: Nu har luteum ssp. sagittifolium (NYMPHAEACEAE)
Spatter -dock or cowdock
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: Too numerous to count, probably more
than 100
Size or maturity of individuals: All stages of growth and reproduction
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 60%; Flowering: 20%; Fruiting 20%
General vigor of population: Very vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Spatter -dock (floating leaf, rooted)
Topography: Not applicable
Soil series: Not determined
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River and all tributaries
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: None. Animals:
Not determined.
(5) Name of species: Ludwigia repens (ONAGRACEAE) Creeping marsh -
purslane
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: Ca. 200
Size or maturity of individuals: Mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 100%; Flowering: 0%; Fruiting:0%
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbances or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Slough in cypress swamp
Topography: Concave
Soil series: Lumbee
_ Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Harrisons Creek sub -basin of Northeast Cape Fear River.
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: None in this stratum.
Animals: Not determined.
34

(6) Name of species: Epidendrum conopseum (ORCHIDACEAE) Green -fly
Orchid
Species legal status and authority: NC endangered peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 9
Number of individuals per population: 20 to ca. 200
Size or maturity of populations: Mature
Phenology of population: Due to different times of field survey, some
of the populations had not begun to flower. In late July when the
species was flowering, a typical colony was about 80% vegetative and
20% flowering.
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Cypress swamp
Topography: Not applicable
Soil series: Not applicable
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River and larger tributary streams
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Polypodium
polypodioides, Tillandia usneoides. Animals: See bird list in
attached master species lists:
(7) Name of species: Crataegus aestivalis (ROSACEAE) May hawthorn
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 1 observed
Size or maturity of population: Mature
Phenology of population: The single plant, when found was in fruit
General vigor of population: Good
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Cypress -mixed hardwood
Topography: Level
Soil series: Lumbee
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Quercus lyrata,
Quercus laurifolia, Viburnum nudum. Animals: See attached master
species lists.
(8) Name of species: Anhinga anhinga Water turkey or anhinga
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened (Cooper et al.
1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 1
Size or maturity of population: Mature
Phenology of population: Not applicable
General vigor of population: Not determined
Disturbance or threats to population: Not determined
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Cypress swamp
35

Topography: Level
Soil series: Johnston
Microclimate: Not applicable
Drainage basin: Island Creek sub -basin of Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Fraxinus caroliniana
Tillandsia usneoides, Acer rubrum, Cornus stricta. Animals: See
attached master species lists.
(See FIGURES 7, 8 for detailed maps of endangered and threatened species
locations.)
36

St. H.1—
rkJ�-
1520
ZZV
Crack
_rn
2e
FIGURE 7. Significant features of Northeast Cape Fear River
Natural Area (north section). Code: (1) High quality wetland
community, (2) Endangered or threatened species. Map scale:
1 in. =2mi.
91VA

`9
A.' I IA_34
21 O>
F. Rx Poin. 1,
L-9 -Y 6-N 11.1
pe
3.2
2.3
• 33
Is
140* 2.
0. i.
L 9
F. I
Uarlboro Z
late
4.2 2edi i 13.3
-2
2d
C—
FIGURE 8. Significant features of Northeast Cape Fear River Natural
Area (south section). Code: (1) High quality wetland community,
(2) Endangered or threatened species. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.
11
38

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACANTHACEAE
Justicia ovata
Ruellia caroliniensis
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
ALISMATACEAE
Sagittaria graminea
AMARANTHACEAE
Alternanthera philoxeroides
Amaranthus cannabinus
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Hymenocallis crassifolia
Hypoxis hirsuta var. leptocarpa
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
R. vernix
ANNONACEAE
Asimina triloba
APIACEAE
Centella asiatica
Cicuta maculata
Eryngium aquaticum
Hydrocotyle umbellata
Ptilimnium capillaceum
Sium suave
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex amelanchier
I. coriacea
I. glabra
I. opaca
I. verticillata
ARACEAE
Arisaema triphyllum
Orontium aquaticum
Peltandra virginica
ARALIACEAE
Aralia spinosa
ARECACEAE
Sabal minor
ARISTOLOCHIACEAE
Aristolochia serpentaria
Hexastylis arifolia
ASPIDIACEAE
Athyrium asplenioides
Onoclea sensibilis
Thelypteris palustris
39

ASPLENIACEAE
Asplenium platyneuron
ASTERACEAE
Baccharis halimifolia
Bidens bipinnata
B. laevis
Coreopsis helianthoides
Helenium autumnale
Mikania scandens
Pluchea camphorata
Senecio glabellus
Vernonia noveboracensis
BETULACEAE
Alnus serrulata
Betula nigra
Carpinus caroliniana
BIGNONIACEAE
Anisostichus capreolatus
Campsis radicans
Catalpa speciosa
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia areolata
W. virginica
BRASSICACEAE
Cardamine hirsuta
C. longii
C. pensylvanica
Rorippa islandica
BROMELIACEAE
Tillandsis usneoides
CALLITRICHACEAE
Callitriche heterophylla
CAMPANULACEAE
Lobelia cardinalis
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Lonicera japonica
L. sempervirens
Sambucus canadensis
Viburnum nudum
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CONVOLVULACEAE
Cuscuta compacta
CORNACEAE
Cornus amomum
C. stricta
CUCURBITACEAE
Melothria pendula
CYPERACEAE
Carex crinita
C. elliottii
Cu

Carex folliculata var. australis
C. incomperta
C. lurida
C. rosea
Eleocharis obtusa
Scirpus cyperinus
CYRILLACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
DIOSCOREACEAE
Dioscorea villosa
EBENACEAE
Diospyros virginiana
ERICACEAE
Leucothoe axillaris
L. racemosa
Lyonia lucida
Rhododendron nudiflorum
Vaccinium stamineum
ERIOCAULACEAE
Eriocaulon compressum
EUPHORBIACEAE
Sapium sebiferum
FABACEAE
Albizzia julibrissin
Amorpha fruticosa
Amphicarpa bracteata
Apios americana
Wisteria frutescens
FAGACEAE
Quercus falcata var. pagodaefolia
Q. laurifolia
Q. lyrata
Q. michauxii
Q. nigra
Q. shumardii
GENTIANACEAE
Nymphoides aquatica
HALORAGACEAE
Proserpinaca palustris
P. pectinata
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Liquidambar styraciflua
HIPPOCASTANACEAE
Aesculus pavia
HYDROCHARITACEAE
Egeria densa
HYPERICACEAE
Hypericum densiflorum
IRIDACEAE
Iris tridentata
41

ISOETACEAE
Isoetes riparia
JUGLANDACEAE
Carya aquatica
C. glabra
C. tomentosa
JUNCACEAE
Juncus effusus
J. repens
LAMIACEAE
Collinsonia canadensis
Glechoma hederacea
Lycopus virginicus
Teuchrium canadensis
LAURACEAE
Lindera benzoin
Persea borbonia
Sassafras albidum
LEMNACEAE
Lemna sp.
Spirodela polyrhiza
Wolffiella floridana
LILIACEAE
Medeola virginiana
Smilax glauca
S. rotundifolia
LOGANIACEAE
Gelsemium sempervirens
LORANTHACEAE
Phoradendron serotinum
LYTHRACEAE
Decodon verticillatus
Lythrum lineare
Rotala ramosior
MAGNOLIACEAE
Liriodendron tulipifera
Magnolia virginiana
MALVACEAE
Hibiscus moscheutos
MENISPERMACEAE
Cocculus carolinus
MORACEAE
Maclura pomifera
Morus rubra
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
NYMPHAEACEAE
Nuphar luteum ssp. sagittifolium
Nymphoides aquatica
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa aquatica
N. biflora
42

OLEACEAE
Chionanthus virginicus
Fraxinus caroliniana
F. pensylvanica
F. pensylvanica var. subintegerrima
Ligustrum sinense
ONAGRACEAE
Ludwigia alternifolia
L. palustris
L. repens
L. uruguayensis
Oenothera fruticosa
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE
Botrychium biternatum
ORCHIDACEAE
Epidendrum conopseum
Spiranthes cernua var. odorata
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea
0. regalis var. spectabilis
PASSIFLORACEAE
Passiflora lutea
PINACEAE
Pinus taeda
PLATANACEAE
Platanus occidentalis
POACEAE
Arundinaria gigantea
Axonopus affinis
Echinochloa crus-galli
Elymus virginicus
Leersia oryzoides
Melica mutica
Panicum virgatum
Uniola laxa
Zizaniopsis miliacea
POLYGONACEAE
Polygonum arifolium
P. hydropiperoides
P. pensylvanicum
P. persicaria
P. punctatum
P. sagittatum
Rumex verticillatus
Tovara virginiana
POLYPODIACEAE
Polypodium polypodioides
PONTEDERIACEAE
Pontederia cordata
PRIMULACEAE
Lysimachia lanceolata var. hybrida
Samolus parviflorus
43

RANUNCULACEAE
Clematis crispa
Ranunculus carolinianus
Thalictrum thalictroides
RHAMNACEAE
Berchemia scandens
ROSACEAE
Crataegus aestivalis
C. flava
Rosa palustris
Rubus betulifolius
Sorbus arbutifolius
RUBIACEAE
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Oldenlandia uniflora
Richardia brasiliensis
SALICACEAE
Populus heterophylla
Salix caroliniana
S. nigra
SAURURACEAE
Saururus cernuus
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Decumaria barbara
Itea virginica
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Bacopa caroliniana
Gratiola virginiana
Mimulus ringens
SELAGINELLACEAE
Selaginella apoda
SYMPLOCACEAE
Symplocos ti.nctoria
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium ascendens
T. distichum
THEACEAE
Gordonia lasianthus
Stewartia malacodendron
TILIACEAE
Tilia caroliniana
TYPHACEAE
Typha angustifolia
T. domingensis
T. latifolia
ULMACEAE
Celtis laevigata
Ulmus americana
URTICACEAE
Boehmeria cylindrica
Pilea pumila
44

VERBENACEAE
Callicarpa americana
Lippia nodiflora
VIOLACEAE
Viola papilionacea
VITACEAE
Ampelopsis arborea
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Vitis aestivalis
V. labrusca
V. rotundifolia
A
AMPHIBIANS
Slimy Salamander
Southern Toad
Pickerel Frog
Leopard Frog
REPTILES
Snapping Turtle
Yellow -bellied Turtle
Green Anole
Six -lined Racerunner
Five -lined Skink
Banded Water Snake
Brown Water Snake
Rough Green Snake
Mud Snake
Black Racer
Yellow Rat Snake
Southern Copperhead
Eastern Cottonmouth
BIRDS
Key
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Anhinga SV
Great Blue Heron PR*
Green Heron SR*
Little Blue Heron SV
45

Yellow -crowned Night Heron
SR* (?)
White Ibis
SV
Wood Duck
PR*
Turkey Vulture
PV
Red -shouldered Hawk
PR*
Bobwhite
PR*
Spotted Sandpiper
T
Solitary Sandpiper
T
Mourning Dove
PR*
Yellow -billed Cuckoo
SR*
Screech Owl
PV
Barred Owl
PR*
Common Nighthawk
SV
Chimney Swift
SR*
Ruby -throated Hummingbird
SV
Belted Kingfisher
PR*
Common Flicker
PR*
Pileated Woodpecker
PR*
Red -bellied Woodpecker
PR*
Hairy Woodpecker
PR*
Downy Woodpecker
PR*
Eastern Kingbird
SV
Crested Flycatcher
SR*
Eastern Phoebe
WR
Acadian Flycatcher
SR*
.Rough -winged Swallow
SR*
' Barn Swallow
SR*
Purple Martin
SV
Blue Jay
PR*
Fish Crow
PR*
Common Crow
PV
Carolina Chickadee
PR*
Tufted Titmouse
PR*
White -breasted Nuthatch
PR*
Carolina Wren
PR*
Mockingbird
PR*
Catbird
PR*
Brown Thrasher
PR*
Wood Thrush
SR*
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
SR*
Ruby -crowned Kinglet
WR
Cedar Waxwing
WR
Starling
PR*
White -eyed Vireo
SR*
Yellow -throated Vireo
SR*
Solitary Vireo
WR
Red -eyed Vireo
SR*
Prothonotary Warbler
SR*
Swainson's Warbler
SR*
Blue -winged Warbler
T
Northern Parula Warbler
SR*
46

Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow -throated Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Kentucky Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow -breasted Chat
Red -winged Blackbird
Orchard Oriole
Common Grackle
Brown -headed Cowbird
Summer Tanager
Cardinal -
Rufous -sided Towhee
White -throated Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Opossum
Raccoon
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Marsh Rabbit
Whitetail Deer
MAMMALS
r-M
T
WR
SR*
PV
SV
SR* (?)
PR*
SV
PR*
SR*
PR*
PR*
SR*
PR*
PR*
WR
WR

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Black River
2. County: Pender (and adjacent Bladen)
3. Location: The natural area stretches from the mouth of the Black
River wherb it empties into the Cape Fear upstream for approximately
25 river miles to a point about 2 miles downstream from Beatty Bridge
(SR 1201). Coordinates: 340201N, 78003'W to 34130'N, 78°151W (FIGURE 9).
4. Topographic Quadrangle(s): Acme (1954), Atkinson (1955), White Lake
(1954)
5. Size: 9,500 ac
6. Elevation: 3 ft to 8 ft above mean sea level
7. Access: Private and public boating access points along the Cape Fear
River; a single Wildlife Resources landing from an unnumbered dirt
road off SR 1547 in Bladen County, about a mile downstream from the
NC 53 bridge. The river corridor can be reached via NC 210.
8. Names of Investigators: S. W. Leonard Ricky Davis
P. 0. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: May through September, 1981
10. Priority Rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: The Black River is, in many respects,
similar to the Northeast Cape Fear, but it is also different. The
channel takes a more winding course, and in the upper stretches, is
filled with shallow sandbars, which scarcely allow navigation by
small outboard engines. Scattered residential development is present
along portions of the river.
Along the lower reach of the river, luxuriant marshes are frequent,
although never reaching appreciable areal extent. Swamps are low and
poorly drained, seldom having any banks of a foot or two in height as
occurs along the Northeast Cape Fear. Instead, the river gradually
decreases in depth to a rooted aquatic vegetation zone that grades
into marshlands, or typically into cypress -gum -maple woodlands.
Bluffs are unusual and landmarks difficult to discern. Upstream from
NC 210, the channel divides and re -divides, thus forming numerous
small islands. Short, dead-end sloughs diverge, and unless one is
familiar with the river, or has appropriate maps, the first-time
trip upstream can result in many wrong turns.
48

Even before reaching NC 53 on an upstream trip, one encounters
segments of sluggish water followed by narrow, sharp bends where
• river birches bridge the canopy, snags project from the banks, and
the water swirls and eddies more like the channels of Piedmont streams.
Vegetation is predominantly a cypress -hardwood forest in the
floodplain swamps, until one approaches NC 53. Suddenly a grove of
large cypress trees appears on the north bank. The trees are flat-
topped, and the horizontal branches contain a profusion of resurrection
ferns and Spanish moss. Infrequently, clumps of green -fly orchid can
be detected with binoculars. Beyond NC 53, the cypress forest (which
we have named the "Larkins Cove Cypress Forest" after one of the
owners) becomes more spectacular. The stand extends to the south
bank (Bladen County) and partly into the lower reach of Colly Swamp.
Ancient individuals have diameters above the swollen buttresses of
6 or more feet; the buttresses themselves may be 15-20 feet in
thickness. This forest is unique for Pender (and Bladen?) County
and is in need of additional study. During the latter part of the
survey, an examination of one small area revealed May hawthorn and
sarvis holly, and other rare species are likely to occur there.
Fauna in the area is likewise
probably amphibians and reptiles.
prevented intensive investigation.
diverse, particularly birds, and
Extremely heavy rains during August
11B. Prose Description of Site Significance: Several noteworthy plants
were found in the Black River corridor during the survey, but the
most important feature of the natural area is the Larkins Cove
cypress forest. Not only are the trees extraordinarily large, but
the shrub stratum and herb layer contains rare species. The area
is not delineated on our map, partly because the extent of the forest
in Bladen County was not investigated. In all of Pender County, we
did not see any counterpart forest, either in overall size of trees,
species composition, or size of stand. Future reassessment of this
basin may warrant a map revision in order to include more of the
Larkins Cove stand and less of the floodplain downstream.
12. Significance Summary (see TABLE 3)
Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private: 100%
14. Number of owners: Approximately 20
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information):
Major landowners are C. Haymore Larkins, Jr., John D. Larkins, Jr.,
Canal Industries, International Paper Co., Georgia-Pacific, Corbett
Industries, David A. Barefoot, Catharine Lewis heirs, Benjamin Cone,
A. Wallace Moore, R. S. Hilburn, Carole Keith Bruning heirs.
50

TABLE 3. Significance summary of Black River Natural Area.
Feature Map Legend Description of feature Comparative assessment
High quality wetland community 1
High quality wetland community 2
Endangered or threatened sp. 3a
Ln
Endangered or threatened sp. 3b
Endangered or threatened sp. 3c
Endangered or threatened sp. 3d
Outstanding aquatic feature 4
Blackwater river swamp
Virgin or ancient second -
growth cypress forest
Sagittaria stagnorum
Sarvis-leaf holly
Green -fly orchid
May hawthorn
Black River
Broad floodplain which
provides a wildland
corridor for game.spp.
and nongame fauna
Most extensive grouping
of largest cypress seen
in county
One of three populations
known in NC (proposed)
Abundant in upper drainage
of natural area
Occasional colonies, less
extensive than in Northeast
Cape Fear N. A.
Sparse in area; not seen
with fruit
Sparsely developed, scenic
stream, high potential for
pastoral recreation

16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information): Not available
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?):
One custodian was contacted. He is manager of a large tract on
the upper stretch of the river, and the property is currently
managed for timber and wildlife.
18. Uses of natural area: Recreational boating, hunting, fishing.
19. Uses of surrounding land: Wildland: 60%; Agricultural land: 10%;
High -intensity forestry: 25%; Developed: 5%
20. Preservation Status: Category 4, 10%; Category 7, 90%
21. Regulatory protections in force: Wetlands, natural hazard area
22. Threats: Small amounts of local residential development, limited
to higher bluffs and banks of river.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: Acquisition of the
the Larkins Cove Cypress Forest, or agreement among landowners
to protect the stand as much as possible. The remainder of the
river could be better utilized with an additional boat ramp on the
east side, downstream from NC 210. At the mouth of Black River is
a large island, Roan Island, that was circumnavigated during the
` survey, but the interior was not examined from the ground. Further
study may show this island to be a suitable natural area. It is
owned, in various tracts by Corbett Industries.
Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary:
Community type: Taxodium distichum- Acer rubrum forest
Community cover type: Taxodium distichum
General habitat feature: Riverine swamp
Average canopy height: 40 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: 80-250 years
Canopy cover: Closed to somewhat open
Estimated size of community: 7,500 ac,. with the Larkins Cove
Cypress stand comprising approximately 600 ac.
Successional stage: Climax
Sere type: Pelosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but
not dominant): Polypodium polypodioides, Nyssa biflora, Quercus
lyrata, Liquidambar styraciflua
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant): Cornus stricta, Crataegus sp.
Ilex verticillata, Betula nigra
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant): Justicia ovata, Boehmeria cylindrica
52

24B. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Dorovan series in tidal region of river; Johnston and
Lumbee soils in upper reaches of river
Soil classification: Not determined
Soil association: Johnston-Lumbee
pH class: Strongly acid to medium acid
Moisture class: Poorly drained
Source of information: General Soil Map, Pender County, USDA, SCS,
(1972).
24C. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Riverine
Hydrologic subsystem: Tidal and Lower Perrenial
Water chemistry: Fresh to mixosaline
Water regime: Tidal, regularly flooded, irregularly flooded, and
nontidal, intermittently exposed, seasonally flooded
Drainage class: Poorly drained to very poorly drained
Drainage basin: Cape Fear River
Hydrology characterization: Poorly to very poorly drained bottomland
sloughs, terraces, and bars, covered with moisture -retaining silts
and silty sands with water table frequently at the surface.
24D. Topography Summary
Landform: Riverine floodplain
Shelter: Deeply sheltered
Aspect: More or less easy - west
Slope: Level to gently sloping
Profile: Level to concave
Surface patters: Irregularly undulating
Position: Not applicable
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area: A tidally flooded to
seasonally flooded climax community of a hydric pelosere in the
alluvial plain of the Black River; area underlain by Cretaceous (Pee
Dee formation) sands, impure limestones, marine clays and interbedded
sands in the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological Formation: Basement formation is the Cretaceous Pee Dee
formation.. _
Geological Formation age: 60 million years
26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
(1) Name of species: Sagittaria stagnorum, sensu Godfrey & Wooten;
S. subulata var. gracillima sensu Radford et al. (ALISMATACEAE)
no common name
Species legal status and authority: Proposed as a threatened
peripheral, based on locations in only Pender and Wilson Counties
in North Carolina.
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: Difficult to estimate, but
possibly a few thousand "
53

Size or maturity of individuals: Mostly immature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 85%; Flowering: 10%; Fruiting: 5%
General vigor of population: Presumed to be vigorous, but population
vigor is likely regulated by flooding or other ecological conditions
in the mucky sloughs where the plant grows. when discovered here,
the plants were often covered by a thick algal mat.
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Cypress, with considerable understory of water ash
Topography: Slightly concave
Soil series: Johnston
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Black River tributary of the Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Bacopa caroliniana
Gratiola sp. Micranthemum umbrosum. Animals: See attached master
species lists.
(2) Name of species: Ilex amelanchier (AQUIFOLIACEAE) Sarvis-leaf
holly
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened throughout (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1 observed
Number of individuals per population: 50 or more
Size or maturity of individuals: Immature and mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 50%, Flowering: 0%; Fruiting 50%
General vigor of population: Population found after August floods.
Leaves and probably fruits had been stripped from plants. A new growth
of leaves was apparent. Population presumed to be vigorous.
Disturbance or threats to population: None other than aforementioned
flooding hazard.
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Cypress with understory of water ash
Topography: Level
Soil series: Johnston or Lumbee
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Black River tributary of Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Rhus radicans,
Decumaria Barbara, Boehmeria cylindrica. Animals: See attached
master species lists.
(3) Name of species: Epidendrum conopseum (ORCHIDACEAE) Green -fly
orchid
Species legal status and authority: NC endangered peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 50-150
Size or maturity of population: Mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 100%; Flowering 0%; Fruiting 0%
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Cypress swamp
Topography: Level
54

Soil series: Johnston
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Black River tributary of Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Polypodium
polypodicides, Decumaria barbara, Tillandsia usneoides. Animals:
See attached master species lists.
(4) Name of species: Crataegus aestivalis (ROSACEAE) May hawthorn
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 10
Size or maturity of population: Immature and mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 100%; Flowering: 0%; Fruiting: 0%
General vigor of population: Fair
Disturbance or threats to population: Intense shading and bank erosion
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Cypress swamp
Topography: Level to gently sloping
Soil series: Lumbee
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Black River tributary of the Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Betula nigra,
Salix nigra, Ilex verticillata, Carpinus carolinianus. Animals:
See attached master species lists.
(See FIGURE 10 for detailed map of endangered and threatened species
locations.)
4.1

FIGURE 10. Significant features of Black River Natural
Area. Code: (1) High quality wetland community, (2)
High quality wetland community (possible virgin stand),
(3) Endangered or threatened species, (4) Outstanding
aquatic feature. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.
56

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACANTHACEAE
Justicia ovata
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
AIZOACEAE
Mollugo verticillata
ALISMATACEAE
Sagittaria graminea
S. stagnorum (S. subulata var. gracillima)
S. subulata
AMARANTHACEAE
Alternanthera philoxeroides
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Hymenocallis crassifolia
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
R. vernix
APIACEAE
Centella asiatica
Cicuta maculata
Hydrocotyle umbellata
Ptilimnium capillaceum
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex amelanchier
I. coriacea
I. glabra
I. verticillata
ARACEAE
Orontium aquaticum
Peltandra virginica
ARECACEAE
Sabal minor
ASPIDIACEAE
Athyrium asplenioides
Onoclea sensibilis
Thelypteris palustris
ASPLENIACEAE
Asplenium platyneuron
ASTERACEAE
Bidens aristosa
Mikania scandens
Pluchea camphorata
Senecio glabellus
Vernonia noveboracensis
BETULACEAE
Alnus serrulata
57

Betula nigra
Carpinus caroliniana
BIGNONIACEAE
Anisostichus capreolata
Campsis radicans
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia areolata
W. virginica
BROMELIACEAE -
Tillandsia usneoides
CAMPANULACEAE
Lobelia cardinalis
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Sambucus canadensis
Viburnum nudism
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CONVOLVULACEAE
Cuscuta compacta
CORNACEAE
Cornus stricta
CYPERACEAE
Carex intumescens
C. lupulina
C. rosea
Fuirena squarrosa
Rhynchospora macrostachya
Scirpus cyperinus
CYRILLACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
ERICACEAE
Leucothoe axillaris
L. racemosa
Lyonia lucida
Rhododendron nudiflorum
R. viscosum
ERIOCAULACEAE
Eriocaulon compressum
FABACEAE
Amorpha fruticosa
Cassia nictitans
Daubentonia punicea
Wisteria sinensis
FAGACEAE
Quercus laurifolia
Q. lyrata
Q. michauxii
Q. nigra
Q. phellos
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Liquidambar styraciflua
58

IRIDACEAE
Iris tridentata
JUGLANDACEAE
Carya aquatica
C. glabra
JUNCACEAE
Juncus biflorus
J. effusus
LAMIACEAE
Lycopus rubellus
Salvia lyrata
Satureja georgiana
Teuchrium canadensis
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax glauca
S. laurifolia
S. rotundifolia
LOGANIACEAE
Gelsemium sempervirens
LORANTHACEAE
Phoradendron serotinum
LYTHRACEAE
Decodon verticillatus
MAGNOLIACEAE
Liriodendron tulipifera
Magnolia virginiana
MORACEAE
Morus rubra
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
NYMPHAEACEAE
Nuphar luteum ssp. sagittifolium
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa aquatica
N. biflora
OLEACEAE
Fraxinus caroliniana
F. pensylvanica var. subintegerrima
ONAGRACEAE
Ludwigia palustris
ORCHIDACEAE
Epidendrum conopseum
Spiranthes cernua var.-odorata
OSMUNDACEAE .
Osmunda cinnamomea
0. regalis var. spectabilis
PINACEAE
Pinus taeda
59

PLATANACEAE
Platanus occidentalis
POACEAE
Andropogon gerardi
Arundinaria gigantea
Eleusine indica
Elymus virginicus
Erianthus giganteus
Glyceria striata
Panicum hemitomon
Sacciolepis striata
POLYGONACEAE
Polygonum arifolium
P. hydropiperoides
P. punctatum
P. sagittatum
POLYPODIACEAE
Polypodium polypodioides
PONTEDERIACEAE
Pontederia cordata
PRIMULACEAE
Samolus parviflorus
RHAMNACEAE
Berchemia scandens
ROSACEAE
Crataegus aestivalis
Rosa palustris
Rubus argutus
RUBIACEAE
Cephalanthus occidentalis
SALICACEAE
Populus heterophyllus
Salix caroliniana
S. nigra
SAURURACEAE
Saururus cernuus
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Decumaria barbara
Itea virginica
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Bacopa caroliniana
Gratiola neglecta
G. virginiana
Micranthemum umbrosum
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium distichum
TYPHACEAE
Typha angustifolia
T. domingensis
T. latifolia
m

ULMACEAE
Celtis laevigata
Ulmus americana
URTICACEAE
Boehmeria cylindrica
VERBENACEAE
Lippia nodiflora
VIOLACEAE
Viola papilionacea
VITACEAE
Ampelopsis arborea
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Vitis aestivalis
V. rotundifolia
AMPHIBIANS
Leopard Frog
Bullfrog
REPTILES
Yellow -bellied Turtle
Banded Water Snake
Red -bellied Water Snake
Black Racer
Corn Snake
BIRDS
Rey
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Great Blue Heron
PR* (�)
Green Heron
SR*
Little Blue Heron
SV
Louisiana Heron
SV
Yellow -crowned Night Heron
SR* (?)
White Ibis
SV
Wood Duck
PR*
Turkey Vulture
PV
Black Vulture
PV
Red-tailed Hawk
PV
Red -shouldered Hawk
PR*
61

Osprey
SV
Bobwhite
PV
- Spotted Sandpiper
T
Mourning Dove
PR*
Yellow -billed Cuckoo
SR*
Barred Owl
PR*
Chimney Swift
SR*
Ruby -throated Hummingbird
SV
Belted Kingfisher
PR*
Common Flicker
PR*
Pileated Woodpecker
PR*
Red -bellied Woodpecker
PR*
Red-headed Woodpecker
PR*
Hairy Woodpecker
PR*
Downy Woodpecker
PR*
Crested Flycatcher
SR*
Acadian Flycatcher
SR*
Rough -winged Swallow
SR*
Barn Swallow
SR*
Purple Martin
SV
Blue Jay
PR*
Fish Crow
PR*
Common Crow
PR*
- Carolina Chickadee
PR*
Tufted Titmouse
PR*
White -breasted Nuthatch
PR*
' Brown -headed Nuthatch
PR*
Carolina Wren
PR*
Mockingbird
PR*
Catbird
PR*
Brown Thrasher
PR*
Wood Thrush
SR*
Eastern Bluebird
PV
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
SR*
Starling
PR*
White -eyed Vireo
SR*
Yellow -throated Vireo
SR*
Red -eyed Vireo
SR*
Black -and -white Warbler
T
Prothonotary Warbler
SR*
Swainson's Warbler
SR*
Northern Parula Warbler
SR*
Yellow-rumped Warbler
WR
Yellow -throated Warbler
SR*
Pine Warbler
PR*
Prairie Warbler
SV
Northern Waterthrush
T
Louisiana Waterthrush
SR*
Common Yellowthroat
PV
Hooded Warbler
SR*
American Redstart
SR*
62
c?)

House sparrow
pV
Red -winged Blackbird
PR*
Orchard Oriole
SR*
Common Grackle
PR*
Brown -headed Cowbird
PR*
Summer Tanager
SR*
Cardinal
PR*
Indigo Bunting
SV
American Goldfinch
WR
Rufous -sided Towhee
PR*
White -throated Sparrow
WR
Opossum
Raccoon
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Muskrat
Whitetail Deer
MAMMALS
63

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Southwest Ridge
2. County: Pender
3. Location: East central part of county in the Northeast Cape Fear
River Basin. Area is south to west of Ashes Creek and lie adjacent
to and parallels the northern boundary of Holly Shelter Game Lands.
Coordinates: 340321N, 77044'W.(FIGURE 11).
4. Topographic Quadrangle(s): Maple Hill, NC 1981
5. Size: 200 acres
6. Elevation: 33 ft to 44 ft above mean sea level
7. Access: From Northeast Cape Fear River on NC 210, go 1.1 miles east
on NC 210 to the intersection of SR 1520. Turn left (north) and go
approximately 7 miles to the Holly Shelter Game Lands headquarters.
Turn right (east) through a gate on the Game Land's Lodge Road and
• go 4.2 miles to the last hunter access trail (unmarked, but with
pocosin trees and shrubs cut in a more or less linear corridor) just
before large impoundment on right side of Lodge Road. Walk the hunter
trail to the ridge, about 0.5 miles.
8. Names of Investigators: S. W. Leonard Ricky Davis
P. 0. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: May 19, June 25, and July 23, 1981
10. Priority Rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: Southwest Ridge is a weakly crescent -
shaped sand body which trends east -west and is located adjacent to the
northern boundary of Holly Shelter Bay. An inspection of aerial
photography or the USGS topographic quadrangle shows Southwest Ridge
matching a counterpart northeast ridge, thus forming an elliptic
landform of the general shape and orientation of a Carolina Bay.
The ridge is composed of loose well -drained and grayish -to -pale
yellow sand, except along the edges and the topographically lower
western tip where this layer of sand covers dark organic materials.
Elevation of the ridge is about 10-15 ft higher than the adjacent
pocosin. Water table varies, and fluctuations are hampered by the
presence within the soil profile of pans. The typical occurrence of
a large body of sand along the southeast margin of most Carolina bays
is missing from this area-- a fact which may be related to the
64

/tl C,"k —_
HOLLY SHELTER
l` GAME LAND
a -�
I
`
1
Wit I sic
ewod. -
r5
FIGURE 11. Southwest Ridge Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.
65
®1

bisection of the bay by Ashes Creek. Streamflow, however, is not
toward the southeast as one would logically surmise from examination
of maps, but instead, is in the opposite direction.
Surrounding vegetation is mostly dense evergreen shrub pocosin
beneath an open pond pine canopy on the south; on the north is a
wet, incipient savanna (now mostly covered with shrubs as a result
of fire prevention). Canopy species vary north of the ridge, and
depending upon elevation, and hence, water regime, may be longleaf
pine, pond pine, or a combination of each..
Vegetation of Southwest Ridge is,predominantly open longleaf
pine woods with a marginal pond pine ecotone (along with wiregrass).
There are no turkey oaks present on the ridge. Ground cover is com-
prised of wiregrass and creeping blueberry as dominants with scattered
clones or individuals of other :^._-sbaceous, or rarely, woody species.
A shrub layer as well as a subcanopy are missing. Bases of the long-
leaf pines are not charred, thus ruling out fire as a causative agent
in preventing development of woodv subcanopy layers, although longleaf
pine is traditionally recognized as a fire -maintained edaphic climax.
Grass -stage seedlings and saplings of longleaf pine are sparse and do
not show any visible and obvious colonization pattern. Dead canopy
trees are also sparse, although present over much of the ridge, and
they appear to have died as a result of factors other than lightning
strikes.
Human occupancy of the site is presumed to be prehistoric, and
site use continues to the present on a seasonal basis. Fabric -
impressed, grit -tempered potsherds and cracked rock and flakes were
recovered from exposed soil on the northeast counterpart of Southwest
Ridge. Many of the longleaf pines show scars from the turpentine/
naval stores industry, and as late as 1954-56, the area was selectively
logged. Southwest Ridge is a popular hunting area, and in addition to
pedestrian access from Lodge Road south of the site, a jeep trail has
been constructed from the north. (This access road was not investigated
during the study.)
Detailed discussion of the Holly Shelter area is found in B. W.
Wells' "Vegetation of Holly Shelter Wildlife Management Area"; N. C.
Dept. Cons. and Dev., Div. Game and Inland Fisheries, Bulletin #2
(1946).
11B. Prose Description of Site Significance: The features of Southwest
Ridge which are most distinctive to the first-time visitor are (1) the
contrast in vegetation types between the extraordinarily dense pocosin
and the open, park -like appearance of the ridge; (2) the lack of a
shrub layer, which accentuates the height of the pines; (3) the
isolation of the site; and (4) the abrupt rise in elevation, as one
approaches the ridge from the south.
The combination of a relatively large and vigorous population
W

of the federally endangered Red -cockaded Woodpecker in a 150-year
old longleaf pine stand surrounded by thousands of acres of pocosin
is the primary significant feature of this natural area. Of secondary
impartance, larger because of the lesser status, are occurrences of
Venus' fly -traps, roughleaf loosestrife, and dwarf fothergilla. The
location of Southwest Ridge is unique-- there being to our knowledge,
only one other large sand ridge within a major expanse of bay (located
in Angola Bay in northern Pender County).
The significance of the Red -cockaded Woodpecker colony is that
it is apparently in a stable condition, is thriving, and occupies
a timber stand with arrested subcanopy development. The number of
cavity trees per number of available longleaf pines is quite high.
Owing to the inaccessibility of the ridge and the absence of logging,
the colony site should continue to remain in satisfactory condition
and should be preserved.
The plant community, with its absence of turkey oak, is unusual
and probably should be considered an anomalous variant of the longleaf
pine/turkey oak/wire grass community type. Isolation of the ridge may
be the limiting factor for turkey oak, since a few scattered plants of
that species were found on the northeast counterpart ridge. Moreover,
the dense ground cover of creeping blueberry and wire grass on Southwest
Ridge, together with infrequent fires, may account for the absence of
turkey oak and also the scarcity of longleaf pine seedlings.
12. Significance Summary: (see TABLE 4 )
Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private 32%, Public 68%, Unknown 0%
14. Number of Owners: 3
15. Name(s) of Owner(s) and/or Custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information):
(1) University of North Carolina, Board of Trustees of the Endowment
Fund (Mrs. Grace Wagoner, University Property Office, 134 East Franklin
Street (165-A), Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919/966-3296)
(2) W. F. Sledge, P. 0. Box 523, Whiteville, NC 28742 (919/642-7029)
(3) Jabe Six Properties, Ltd., P. 0. Box 1806, Wilmington, NC 28402
(James Z. Godwin/E. W. Godwin's Sons Lumber Co. 919/762-7747)
16. Name(s) of Knowledgeable Person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, and
other pertinent information).
(1) Charles "Vic" French, Wildlife Management Technician II, Route 1,
Box 222, Burgaw, NC 28425. Mr. French is Holly Shelter Game Lands
Manager, and he has a thorough knowledge of the property and surrounding
areas.
67

TABLE 4. Significance summary of Southwest Ridge Natural Area.
Feature
Map Legend
Description of feature
Comparative assessment
High quality
terrestrial
1
Longleaf pine - wiregrass
Isolated ridge with 150-
community
sand ridge
year old longleaf pines
Endangered or
threatened sp.
2a
Venus' fly -trap
Sparse population in
ecotone
Endangered or
threatened sp.
2b
Rough -leaf loosestrife
Sparse population in
ecotone
Endangered or
threatened sp.
2c
Dwarf fothergilla
Extremely large population
at west end of ridge
Endangered or
CO
threatened sp.
2d
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Fifteen active, 11 inactive,
and 1 enlarged cavity.
Ten adults seen; population
appears stable

17. Attitude of Owner or Custodian Toward Preservation (contacted?):
Jabe Six Properties, Ltd., was contacted on July 24, 1981. The
owners expressed an interest to sell their 1/6 undivided interest
in the 800 ac parcel which includes Southwest Ridge.
Mr. W. F. Sledge was contacted on July 27, 1981 regarding his
1/2 interest in the 90 ac tract at the east end of Southwest Ridge.
He also expressed a favorable attitude toward sale of the property,
or other disposition of his share to a conservation foundation.
18. Uses of Natural Area: The area was last selectively logged between
1954 and 1956. Evidence is present that indicates use, formerly,
of the area for gathering naval stores. Historically and at present,
the area is used mainly for deer hunting. The ridge might have
some archaeological significance.
19. Uses of Surrounding Land: Wildland 100%
20. Preservation Status: Category 3, 68%; Category 6, 32%
21. Regulatory Protection in Force: No regulatory protections in effect
22. Threats: No major threats to the area at this time except that
possible timber harvest of some of the trees is feasible during
very dry weather or when access from the north is provided. A deed
from 1954 indicates that timber rights are held separately for the
western portion of the tract.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: (1) Improved access by
pedestrian trail, (2) abandonment of jeep trail from north, (3) plan
for control burns, (4) discouragement for game food -plot development,
(5) prohibition of logging, and (6) acquisition for potential
inclusion into Holly Shelter Game Lands with regulated hunter access"
and utilization.
Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary:
Community type: Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta-Vaccinium crassifolium
Community cover type: Pinus palustris
General habitat feature: Longleaf pine sand ridge
Average canopy height: 50-60*ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: 150 yrs (tree ring counts of 146, 149,
and 154 yrs from increment borings).
Canopy cover: Open
Estimated size of community: 200 ac
Successional stage: Edaphic climax
Sere type: Psammosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but not
dominant): None
M

Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant) : None
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant): Amorpha herbacea, Pteridium aquilinum,
Chrysopsis graminifolia, Pterocaulon pycnostachyum
24B. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Mandorin and Alpin
Soil classification: Mandorin: Fine sand, mixed acidic, humic; Alpin:
Fine sand, mixed acidic, thermic, coated typic, quartzpsamments
Soil association: Alpin-Mandorin
pH class: Mandorin: Extremely acid to neutral; Alpin: Extremely
acid to neutral
Moisture class: Mandorin: Somewhat poorly drained; Alpin: Exces-
sively drained
Source of information: Description prepared from site analyses on
July 23, 1981 by W. L. Barnhill, Soil Scientist and assisted by John
Ray and Jay Milam, Pender County SCS Office.
Other notes: Barnhill cautioned that the pH readings of 7.0 may have
been faulty because of the techniques used during the field anaylses.
Slight acidity was expected.
24C. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial
Hydrologic subsystem: Mesic (Mandorin) to Dry-xeric (Alpin)
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: not applicable
Drainage class: Somewhat poorly to excessively drained
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Hydrology characterization: Somewhat poorly to excessively drained
elevated sand ridge surrounded by poorly drained muck and mucky sands.
24D. Topography Summary
Landform: Sand ridge with Carolina Bay rim characteristics
Shelter: Deeply sheltered
Aspect: North - South
Slope angle: Gently sloping (2-60)
Profile: Convex
Surface patterns: Smooth
Position: Entire slope
25. Physiographic Characterization of Natural Area: A fire -maintained
climax community of a psammosere on an isolated sand ridge in the
Holly Shelter Bay. The ridge drains toward the Northeast Cape Fear
River and is underlain by Eocene Castle Hayne limestone in the Embayed
Section of the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain region.
Geological Formation: Eocene Castle Hayne limestone overlain by
Quaternary sands (Renfro and Feray 1978).
Geological Formation Age: Eocene formation: 40-50 million yrs;
Quaternary sands: 6,000 to 1 million yrs.
70

References Cited: Renfro, H. B. and Dan E. Feray. 1978. Geological
Highway Map of the Mid -Atlantic Region. American Association of
Petroleum Geologists. Map No. 4.
26. Summary - Endangered and Threatened Species
(1) Name of species: Dionaea muscipula (DIONAEACEAE) Venus' fly -trap
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened endemic, exploited
(Cooper et al. 1977)
Number cf populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: Less than 50
Size or maturity of individuals: Small and scattered; probably declining
population size due to minimum site disturbance, infrequent fires, and
shading by pocosin shrubs.
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 40%; Flowering 60%; Fruiting: Not
determined
General vigor of population: Mostly mature plants; little reproduction
Disturbance or threats to population: Natural invasion and growth of
evergreen shrubs
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Disturbed ecotonal margin between longleaf pine
ridge and evergreen shrub pocosin
Topography: 1% slope
Soil series: Slumped sand over Pamlico or Murville muck
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River .
Other plant and animal species present: Plants: Clethra alnifolia,
Cyrilla racemiflora, Vaccinium crassifolium, Pinus serotina,
Gaylussacia frondosa, Ilex glabra, Ilex coriacea, Persea borbonia,
Magnolia virginiana, Drosera intermedia, Aristida stricta, X ris
baldwiniana. Animals: See attached master species lists.
(2) Name of species: Fothergilla gardenii (HAMAMELIDACEAE) Dwarf
fothergilla
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: Several thousand
Size or maturity of individuals: -mature plants 1-2 ft tall
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 30%; Flowering 70%; Fruiting 50%
General vigor of population: Excellent
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Ecotone between longleaf pine ridge and evergreen
shrub pocosin
Topography: Level
Soil series: Mandorin
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plant and animal species present: Plants: Pinus palustris
Pinus serotina, Clethra alnifolia, Vaccinium crassifolium, Aristida _
stricta, Vaccinium tenellum, Ilex glabra,,Myrica cerifera var. pumila.
Animals: See attached master species lists.
71

(3) Name of species: Lysimachia asperulaefolia (PRIMULACEAE) Rough -
leaf loosestrife
Species legal status and authority: NC endangered endemic (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 23
Size or maturity of individuals: Approximately 1 ft in height; mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 75%; Flowering 25%; Fruiting 250
General vigor of population: Fair
Disturbance or threats to population: Natural invasion and growth
of evergreen shrubs. Population is located in a disturbed area of
hunter trail. At this site, plants probably require disturbance by
man for survival.
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Open, chopped area of hunter access trail in a pond
pine pocosin
Topography: Level
Soil series: Pamlico or Murville muck
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plant and animal species present: Plants: Pinus serotina
Ilex glabra, Ilex coriacea, Ilex americana, Magnolia virginiana
Persea borbonia, Zenobia pulverulenta, Cassandra calyculata, Smilax
laurifolia, Drosera intermedia. Animals: See attached master species
lists.
(4) Name of species: Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Species legal status and authority: Federally endangered (Cooper et al.
1977) — —
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 15 active cavities, 10 adults seen
Size or maturity of individuals: Adult
Phenology of population: Not applicable
General vigor of population: Apparently healthy and reproducing
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Longleaf pine/wire grass --creeping blueberry
Topography: Sloping to level
Soil series: Mandorin and Alpin
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plant and animal species present: See attached master species
lists.
(See FIGURE 12 for detailed map of endangered and threatened species locations.)
72

■1
FIGURE 12. Significant features of Southwest Ridge Natural area.
Code: (1) High quality terrestrial community, (2) Endangered or
threatened species. Map scale: 1 in. = 2,000 ft.
73

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex glabra
ASTERACEAE
Carduus repandus
Carphephorus bellidifolius
Chrysopsis graminifolia
Liatris graminifolia
Pterocaulon pycnostachyum
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia virginica
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CONVOLVULACEAE
Bonamia patens var. angustifolia
CYRILLACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
DIONAEACEAE
Dionaea muscipula
DROSERACEAE
Drosera capillaris
D. intermedia
ERICACEAE
Gaylussacia frondosa
Leucothoe ligustrina
Vaccinium crassifolium
V. tenellum
EUPHORBIACEAE
Cnidoscolus stimulosus
FABACEAE
Amorpha herbacea
Stylosanthes biflora
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Fothergilla gardenii
HYPERICACEAE
Hypericum reductum
IRIDACEAE
Sisyrinchium arenicola
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia virginiana
MELASTOMATACEAE
Rhexia alifanus
R. mariana
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
74

Myrica cerifera var. pumila
M. heterophylla
PINACEAE
Pinus palustris
P. serotina
POACEAE
Andropogon scoparius
A. virginicus
Aristida stricta
Panicum sp.
PRIMULACEAE
Lysimachia asperulaefolia '
PTERIDACEAE
Pteridium aquilinum
SARRACENIACEAE
Sarracenia flava
S. purpurea
THEACEAE
Gordonia lasianthus
XYRIDACEAE
Xyris sp.
AMPHIBIANS
Southern Toad
Oak Toad
REPTILES
Eastern Box Turtle
Green Anole
Six -lined Racerunner
Ground Skink
Broad -headed Skink
Northe-n Black Racer
Corn Snake
BIRDS
Key
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Turkey Vulture
pV
Bobwhite
PR*
Mourning Dove
pV
Chimney Swift
SV
75

Common Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Red -bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Wood Pewee
Blue Jay
Common Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Brown -headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Gray Catbird
Eastern Bluebird
Starling
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow -breasted Chat
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown -headed Cowbird
Summer Tanager
Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Rufous -sided Towhee
Field Sparrow
Whitetail Deer
Black Bear
IVV
PR*
PR*
PV
PR*
PR*
SR*
SR*
SR*
PV
PV
PV
PR*
PR*
PR*
SR*
PR*
PV
PR*
SV
SR*
SV
PV
PV
PV
SR*
PR*
SV
SV
PR*
WV

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Lanier Quarry Savanna
2. County: Pender
3. Location: Lanier Quarry Savanna is located southeast of Maple Hill and
south of NC 50, 0.3 miles, and southeast of SR 1532, approximately 0.4
miles. The site is reached by dirt road which turns left (east) off
SR 1532 at a small cemetery. Coordinates: 34°38'N, 77°401W (FIGURE 13).
4. Topographic Quadrangle(s): Maple Hill, NC 1981; Maple Hill, SW, NC (1981)
5. Size: Ca. 140 ac
6. Elevation: 18 ft to 24 ft above mean sea level
7. Access: By private road from SR 1532, proceed 2.2 mi. southeast of
Maple Hill to the intersection of SR 1532, turn right (south) and go
0.3 mi. to private road on left by cemetery. Turn on dirt road and
follow this road past quarry to an open, disturbed area, eventually
to be mined. The central part of savanna is then located west of this
clearing, but parts of woodlands are included in natural area.
8. Names of investigators: S. W. Leonard Ricky Davis
P. 0. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: May -October, 1981
10. Priority Rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: Lanier Quarry Savanna is a flat expanse
with scattered longleaf pines surrounded by the swamp of Sandy Run
Creek and small, wooded tributary drainages. The savanna is reportedly
maintained by local landowners who periodically burn the area in order
to promote growth of insectivorous plants, which they harvest for local
sale. During the investigation of the savanna, peripheral woodlands
were found to contain several rare species of interest, and therefore,
the natural area has been expanded from the initial site study by
Alan S. Weakley in August 1980.
In addition to the botanical significance of the natural area,
and perhaps the major contributing factor to the uniqueness of the
flora is the presence of underlying strata of a weakly consolidated,
fossiliferous limestone. Overburdan is relatively thin, generally
being less than 10 ft. Soil pH was tested by Lamotte kit found to
be in the range of 7.5 to 8.0. No other savannas are known in Pender
County which contain comparable flora and have these soil conditions,
77

520 )eo
14 ?
50
M.Pi.
152n
tP
'N' TO HOLLY ROGE —
FIGURE 13. Lanier Quarry Savanna Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 Mi.
78

although nearby areas in Onslow County are similar.
The savanna contains a profusion of herbaceous plants, and is
dominated by the grass, Ctenium aromaticum. Large numbers of
pitcher plants are present, and in certain areas of the savanna,
Venus' fly -traps. The peak of the flowering season occurs in late
spring and early summer and again in early autumn.
11B. Prose Description of Site Significance: Physical and biological
features are important site characteristics. According to.personal
communication between Lee Otte and Alan Weakley, the site is an
important type location for marine Miocene fauna as well as an
"excellent example of fossiliferous Castle Hayne limestone."
Significant botanical components are Venus'fly-traps, pitcher
plants, Cooley's meadow -rue, the recently -discovered prairie onion,
Allium stellatum, and a potentially undescribed species of the family
Apiaceae. The site may be the most important representative example
of a Pinus palustris/Ctenium aromaticum savanna in North Carolina.
12. Significance Summary: (See TABLE 5)
Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private 1000, Public 0%, Unknown 0%
14. Number of Owners: 13, possibly others
15. Name(s) of owners) and/or custodians) (with address, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information): S. A. Lanier; Heirs of Christine
James; Boyce J. Williams; Mildred James; Heirs of Hannah James; Coy
A. Lee; Theodore Lee; Preston Marshburn; Terry Lee and Leora Lee;
Linbert and Frances Shepard; Isaac and Mildred Lee; June Williams
heirs; John Shepard, Jr., Evelyn Shepard Lee, Mamie Shepard Watkins,
Luberta Shepard Walker, Viola Shepard Hand; Sampson James, Bertie
Wheeler, and Bert L. Wheeler; and Marvin L. Goodson.
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information): Alan S. Weakley, Duke University,
Department of Botany, Durham, NC
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?):
Two of the owners who are utilizing the limestone resource for
agricultural lime were contacted (S. A. Lanier and Marvin Goodson).
A plant rescue effort was arranged for removal of some of the plants.
Owners of the main part of the savanna were not contacted. Most of
these owners reside in the Maple Hill area.
18. Uses of natural area: The chief uses are related to exploitation of
insectivorous plant population and limestone mining.
rm

TABLE 5. Significance summary of Lanier Quarry Savanna Natural Area.
Feature
Map Legend
Description of feature
Comparative assessment
Endangered or
threatened
sp.
la
Venus' fly -trap
Large population but
exploited at this site
Endangered or
threatened
sp.
lb
Prairie onion
New species to NC, disjunct
from Midwest
Endangered or
threatened
sp.
lc
Cooley's meadow -rue
Small population, endemic
to southeast NC, possibly
in GA and FL
Endangered or
threatened
sp.
ld
Carolina parnassia
Scattered over much of
area, but small colonies
CD
0
Endangered or
threatened
sp.
le
Scale -leaf gerardia
Small colonies over much
of savanna; seldom found
elsewhere
Unusual species assemblage
2
A potential new sp.
Unusual occurrence of
of Oxypolis growing with
basic soil conditions in
lb, lc, and le
savanna habitat
High floristic
diversity
3
Large population of
Similar to Holly Shelter
insectivorous plants
savannas, but with different
soil conditions

19. Uses of Surrounding Land: Wildland 80%, Agricultural land 10%,
Developed 10%
20. Preservation Status: Category 6, 100%
21. Regulatory Protections in Force: No regulatory protections known
22. Threats: Potential for limestone mining, residential development
or farming.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: Change of ownership
through donations of land or acquisition will require an annual or
biennial controlled burn to keep the savanna in its present condition.
At the present time, this management alternative is achieved, albeit
for different purposes (to sustain an insectivorous plant population
for small-scale harvest). There are no major threats for timber
harvest since the board -footage per acre is small; however, pine
plantation would probably alter the site characteristics, and thus
is not recommended. Due to the large number of landowners, any
change in the "status quo" of the site may have serious implications
and lead toward loss of habitat. Acquisition of site seems to be
the most urgent need, although protection from insectivorous plant
exploitation would be impossible. However, protection of mineral
resource and therefore site integrity, with above -stated limitations,
would then be possible.
Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary:
Community type:. Pinus palustris/Ctenium aromaticum
Community cover type: Pi.nus palustris
General habitat feature: Savanna
Average canopy height: 50 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: 50-75 years
Canopy cover: Open
Estimated size of community: 40 ac of contiguous savanna; 30 ac of
peripheral savanna; 20 ac of disturbed area; 50 ac of miscellaneous
timberland
Successional stage: Fire -maintained climax
Sere type: Variant of psammosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but not
dominant): None
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant): None
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant): Centella asiatica, Chondrophora nudata, Chrysopsis
graminifolia, Marshallia graminifolia, Eupatorium recurvans, Drosera
spp., Rhexia spp., Melanthium virginicum, Zigadenus glaberrimus,
Tofieldia racemosa, Habenaria spp., Aristida spp., Polygala spp.,
Lycopodium carolinianum
81

24B. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Invershiel and Meggett
Soil classification: Spodosols
Soil association: Invershiel-Meggett
pH class: Frequently 7.5 or higher; localized conditions with slightly
acidic soils or acidic surface horizons, seldom lower than pH of 6.
Moisture class: Well drained to poorly drained
Source of information: General Soil Map, Pender County, USDA, SCS,
(1972).
24C. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Saturated
Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Hydrology characterization: Somewhat poorly drained flat to gently
sloping savanna over calcareous substrates of the Invershiel-Meggett
soil association.
24D. Topography Summary
Landform: Terrace; flat
Shelter: Open
Aspect: None
Slope Angle: Nearly level with slight slope to the south (0-2°)
Profile: Flat
Surface patterns: Nearly smooth
Position: Not applicable
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area: A fire -maintained
climax community of a basic psammosere on a flat to gently sloping
terrace of Sandy Run Swamp, a tributary of the Northeast Cape Fear
River. The terrace is underlain by Eocene Castle Hayne limestone
in the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological Formation: Eocene Castle Hayne limestone
Geological Formation age: 40-50 million years
26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
(1) Name of species: Dionaea muscipula (DIONAEACEAE) Venus' fly -trap
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened endemic, exploited
(Cooper et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: several hundred
Size or maturity of individuals: Various; immature to mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 60%; Flowering: 40%; Fruiting:
not determined
General vigor of population: Very vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: Limestone mining, local collecting
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Longleaf pine savanna
82

Topography: Flat
Soil series: Invershiel and/or Meggett
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal.species present: Plants: Drosera capillaris,
Drosera leucantha, Polygala lutea, Polygala cruciata, Rhexia mariana,
Rhexia alifanus, Habenaria spp., Marshallia graminifolia; Animals:
see attached master species lists.
(2) Name of species: (Proposed, new to North Carolina) Allium
stellatum (LILIACEAE) Prairie onion
Species legal status and authority: None
Number of populations on site: 2
Number of individuals per population: 10 and 40
Size or maturity of individuals: Mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: Not determined; Flowering: 100%;
Fruiting: 80%
General vigor of population: Very vigorous to fair
Disturbance or threats to population: The larger population subject
to eradication if road to quarry is widened.
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Ecotonal margin between wiregrass savanna and
mixed hardwood/cypress drainage; also mixed hardwoods
Topography: Level to slightly concave
Soil series: Invershiel and/or Meggett
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Agalinis purpurea, Oxypolis
ternata, Andropogon sp., Aristida stricta, Zigadenus glaberrimus,
Coreopsis helianthoides, Helenium autumnale; Animals: see attached•
master species lists.
(3) Name of species: Thalictrum cooleyi (RANUNCULACEAE) Cooley's
meadow rue
Species legal status and authority: NC endangered endemic (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: Ca. 25
Size or maturity of individuals: Immature and mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 60%; Flowering: 40%; Fruiting:
not determined
General vigor of population: Fair
Disturbance or threats to population: Shading
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Ecotone of wiregrass savanna and mixed hardwoods
Topography: Flat to slightly concave
Soil series: Invershiel and/or Meggett
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Carex sp..
Elephantopus carolinianus, Rosa palustris, Myrica cerifera,
• Asclepias lanceolata; Animals: see attached master species lists.
83

(4) Name of species: Parnassia caroliniana (SAXIFRAGACEAE) Carolina
parnassia
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened (Cooper et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1, possibly others '
Number of individuals per population: 40
Size or maturity of individuals: Mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative:' 100%
General vigor of population: Fair
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Longleaf pine/wiregrass savanna
Topography: Level
Soil series: Invershiel and/or Meggett
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Andropogon sp.
Asclepias lanceolata, Marshallia graminifolia, Aster sp., Polygala
ramosa, Dichromena latifolia; Animals: see attached master species
lists.
(5) Name of species: Agalinis aphylla (SCROPHULARIACEAE) Scale
leaf gerardia
Species legal status and authority: NC endangered peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 25
Size or maturity of individuals: Mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 0%; Flowering: 20%; Fruiting: 80%
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Wiregrass savanna
Topography: Level
Soil series: Invershiel and/or Meggett
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Agalinis purpurea,
Eryngium integrifolium, Coreopsis helianthoides, Helenium autumnale,
Oxypolis ternata, Andropogon sp., Allium stellatum, Zigadenus glaberrimus;
Animals: see attached master species lists.
(6) Note: Late in the survey, during a brief inspection of the area,
numerous plants of Agalinis fasciculata were seen in the general area.
Population and habitat characterisitcs were not determined, due to time
constraints.
(See FIGURE 14 for detailed map of endangered and threatened species locations.)
84

0
O
E9
0
l532
C EM
\ I
wepoks
S v A N N A 1d
•1
L.ANIEK
3
16 lc
' • • - .: � woos
A
OLD F%ELD ,. "d
JA 4�
S Am ON RuN 6U)Aw%P
FIGURE 14. Significant features of Lanier Quarry Savanna Natural Area.
Code: (1) Endangered or threatened species, (2) Unusual.species assemblage,
(3) High floristic diversity. Map scale: 1 in = 600 ft.
85

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Hypoxis hirsuta
H. micrantha
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus copallina
R. radicans
APIACEAE
Centella asiatica
Eryngium integrifolium
E. yuccifolium
Hydrocotyle umbellata
Oxypolis filiformis
0. ternata
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex coriacea
I. glabra
ASCLEPIADACEAE
Asclepias lanceolata
ASTERACEAE
Aster linariifolius
A. novi-belgii
Baccharis halimifolia
Balduina uniflora
Cacalia lanceolata
Carduus repandus
Carphephorus tomentosus
Chaptalia tomentosa
Chondrophora nudata
Chrysopsis graminifolia
Conyza canadensis
Coreopsis angustifolia
C. falcata
C. helianthoides
C. lanceolata
Elephantopus nudatus
Eupatorium capillifolium
E. coelestinum
E. recurvans
E. rotundifolium
Euthamia tenuifolia
Helenium autumnale
Helianthus angustifolius
H. heterophyllus
Krigia virginica
86

Liatris graminifolia
L. spicata var. resinosa
Marshallia graminifolia
Mikania scandens
Pluchea camphorata
Pyrrhopappus carolinianus
Solidago stricta
Trilisa paniculata
Vernonia angustifolia
BIGNONIACEAE
Campsis radicans
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia virginica
BROMELIACEAE
Tillandsia usneoides
CAMPANULACEAE
Lobelia elongata
L. nuttallii
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CYPERACEAE
Carex walteriana
Dichromena latifolia
Eleocharis obtusa
Fuirena squarrosa
Psilocarya nitens
Rhynchospora baldwinii
R. cephalantha
R. fascicularis
Scleria pauciflora
S. reticularis
CYRILLACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
DIAPENSIACEAE
Pyxidanthera barbulata
DIONAEACEAE
Dionaea muscipula
DROSERACEAE
Drosera capillaris
D. intermedia
D. leucantha
ERICACEAE
Gaylussacia dumosa
Kalmia angustifolia var. caroliniana
Lyonia ligustrina
Rhododendron atlanticum
Vaccinium crassifolium
ERIOCAULACEAE
Eriocaulon decangulare
Lachnocaulon anceps
87

FABACEAE
Baptisia tinctoria
Cassia fasciculata
Centrosema virginianum
Crotalaria purshii
Desmodium lineatum
D. tenuifolium
Galactia volubilis
Stylocanthes biflora
Tephrosia spicata
Zornia bracteata
FAGACEAE
Quercus nigra
GENTIANACEAE
Sabatia brachiata
S. campanulata
S. difformis
HAEMODORACEAE
Lachnanthes caroliniana
HALORAGACEAE
Proserpinaca palustris
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Liquidambar styraciflua
HYPERICACEAE
Hypericum cistifolium
H. galioides
H. stans
IRIDACEAE
Iris tridentata
Sisyrinchium mucronatum var. atlanticum
LAMIACEAE
Pycnanthemum flexuosum
Scutellaria integrifolia
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Pinguicula caerulea
LILIACEAE
Aletris farinosa
Allium stellatum
Lilium catesbaei
Melanthium virginicum
Pleea tenuifolia
Smilax glauca
S. laurifolia
Tofieldia racemosa
Zigadenus glaberrimus
LOGANIACEAE
Gelsemium sempervirens
Mitreola petiolata
88

LORANTHACEAE
Phoradendron serotinum
LYCOPODIACEAE
Lycopodium aloepecuriodes
L. carolinianum
MAGNOLIACEAE
Liriodendron tulipifera
Magnolia virginiana
MELASTOMATACEAE
Rhexia alifanus
R. lutea
R. mariana
R. petiolata
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
M. cerifera var. pumila
M. heterophylla
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa biflora
ONAGRACEAE
Ludwigia linearis
L. palustris
ORCHIDACEAE
Calopogon pallidus
C. pulchellus
Cleistes divaricata
Habenaria blephariglottis
H. ciliaris
H. clavellata
H. cristata
Pogonia ophioglossoides
Spiranthes cernua
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea
0. regalis var. spectabilis
•PINACEAE
Pinus palustris
P. serotina
P. taeda
POACEAE
Agrostis hyemalis
Andropogon scoparius
A. virginicus
Anthaenantia rufa
Aristida longispica
A. stricta
A. virgata
Arundinaria gigantea
Ctenium aromaticum
Erianthus giganteus
E *1

Muhlenbergia expansa
Panicum aciculare
P. tenue
P. sp.
Paspalum dilatatum
P. praecox
POLYGALACEAE
Polygala brevifolia
P. cruciata
P. cymosa
P. hookeri
P. lutea
P. ramosa
POLYPODIACEAE
Polypodium polypodioides
PRIMULACEAE
Lysimachia loomsii
PTERIDACEAE
Pteridium aquilinum
RANUNCULACEAE
Thalictrum cooleyi
ROSACEAE
Sorbus arbutifolia
SALICACEAE
Salix caroliniana
SARRACENIACEAE
Sarracenia flava
S. purpurea
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Itea virginica
Parnassia caroliniana
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Agalinis aphylla
A. purpurea
Linaria canadensis
Penstemon laevigatus
Seymeria cassioides
SYMPLOCACEAE
Symplocos tinctoria
TYPHACEAE
Typha domingensis
VERBENACEAE
Lippia nodiflora
VIOLACEAE
Viola lanceolata
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium ascendens
T. distichum
XYRIDACEAE
Xyris baldwiniana
X. brevifolia
X. caroliniana
m

AMPHIBIANS
Southern Toad
Oak Toad
REPTILES
Eastern Box Turtle
BIRDS
Key
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Turkey Vulture
PV
Black Vulture
PV
Red-tailed Hawk
PV
Bobwhite
PR*
Mourning Dove
PR*
Chimney Swift
SV
Common Flicker
PR*
Red -bellied Woodpecker
PR*
Red-headed Woodpecker
PR*
Downy Woodpecker
PR*
Eastern Kingbird
SR*
Crested Flycatcher
SR*
Eastern Wood Pewee
SR*
Purple Martin
SV
Blue Jay
PV
Common Crow
PV
Fish Crow
PV
Carolina Chickadee
PR*
Brown -headed Nuthatch
PR*
Carolina Wren
PR*
Mockingbird
PR*
Brown Thrasher
PR*
Eastern Bluebird
PR*
Starling
PV
White -eyed Vireo
SR*
Pine Warbler
PR*
Prairie Warbler
SR*
Common Yellowthroat
PR*
Eastern Meadowlark
PR*
Orchard Oriole
SR*
Common Grackle
PR*
91

Summer Tanager
Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Rufous -sided Towhee
Field Sparrow
Raccoon
Eastern Cottontail
Whitetail Deer
SR*
PR*
SR*
PR*
PR*

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Jones Creek Savanna
2. County: Pender
3. Location: The savanna is located on the south side of SR 1202 in the
northwestern part of the county, northwest of Atkinson, about 3 miles
by road, and on the east side of the drainage of Jones Creek. Coordinates:
34032'N, 780131W (FIGURE 15).
4. Topographic Quadrangle: Atkinson, NC 1955 (15' series)
5. Size: 350 ac
6. Elevation: 60 ft to 75 ft above mean sea level
7. Access: By paved road (SR 1201) and private driveway; site is approximately
2 miles east of Black River.
8. Names of investigators: S. W. Leonard Ricky Davis
P. O. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: May -September 1981
10. Priority Rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: The Jones Creek Savanna is part of a 9,000
acre tract, privately owned, between SR 1201 and NC 53 on the east side
of the Black River. The savanna has been managed for several years
for timber and wildlife-- the owner being aware of the significant
features herein described. Wildlife food plots have been strategically.
located on the property, and some of these are included within the
boundaries of the natural area. Although the preponderance of the
tract is comprised of longleaf pine, loblolly pine, and some pond pine
timber, smaller habitats of mixed pine -hardwoods and drainage ditches
and pocosin are also present.
To the west of the site is a large undulating tract of sloughs and
ridges which were formed by channel meandering of Black River. North,
east, and southeast of the tract are agricultural lands and other
tracts of pine timber, but none of the woodlands have been managed with
the intensity and care as the Jones Creek tract.
Jones Creek Savanna is located near the'western contact of the
Lumbee-Johns-Kalmia soil association with the Lynn Haven-Leon-Kureb
association. The topography is flat to gently sloping and poorly
drained. The major feature of the site is a vigorous population of
93

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PMUTARY PARK
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FIGURE 15. Jones Creek Savanna Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.
94

the federally endangered Red -cockaded Woodpecker. Suitable habitat
also occurs outside the boundaries of the natural area, which was
here restricted to include the better part of open savanna lands.
On the upland portions of the property, and over all of the
delineated natural area, there is low probability of prehistoric
cultural material; however, the ridges and bluffs adjacent to Black
River were utilized, and further archaeological investigations in this
area may prove to be significant. Therefore, the boundaries, as
identified, may need revisionin the future.
11B. Prose Description of Site Significance: Three biological features of Jones
C reek savanna were recorded: Red -cockaded Woodpeckers, Bachman's Sparrow,
and Venus' fly -traps. The site is given additional consideration
and higher rank because of protected status and excellent land
management by the owner. Furthermore, the total holdings of the
tract, comprising almost 10,000 acres of diverse communities, ranging
from riverine swamp to high flatwoods merits placement as one of
Pender County's more significant natural areas.
Field work was concentrated in the savanna portions of the property
and subsequent investigations may reveal additional acreages which
need to be described.
12. Significance Summary (See TABLE 6)
Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private 100%
14. Number of Owners: 1
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers.,
and other pertinent information): Owner prefers to remain anonymous.
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, and
other pertinent information): See 15; also Lance Peacock, The Nature
Conservancy, Raleigh, and Merrill Lynch, NC Natural Heritage Program,
Raleigh.
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?):
Custodian contacted. Attitude.of owner is very favorable toward
preservation.
18. Uses of natural area: Privately used for hunting; game management.
19. Uses of surrounding land: Wildland 70%; High -intensity forestry 30%
20. Preservation Status: Category 4, 100%
95

TABLE 6. Significance summary of Jones Creek Savanna Natural Area.
Feature
Map Legend
Description of feature
Comparative asse-sment
Endangered or threatened sp.
la
Venus' fly -trap
Small population in wettest
part of savanna
Endangered or threatened sp.
lb
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Population in good condition,
natural area managed for
timber and game; good
habitat available
Endangered or threatened sp.
lc
Bachman's Sparrow
Twelve males and several
family groups seen
Special management area
2
Pine savanna on rota-
Part of 9,000 ac preserve;
rn
tional burn program;
diverse habitats and spp.
game food plot develop-
ment

21. Regulatory protections in force: None other than those provided by
landowner.
22. Threats: None
23. Management and Preservation Recommendations: None needed as presently
managed. Landowner may be receptive to registration of site.
Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary:
Community type: Pinus palustris/Aristida stricta savanna
Community cover type: Pinus palustris
General habitat feature: Longleaf pine savanna
Average canopy height: 60 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: 60-80 years as determined by increment
borings
Canopy cover: Open
Estimated size of community: Approximately 300 ac, but in discontinuous
tracts, interrupted by small drainages, and areas of pocosin.
Successional stage: Fire -maintained climax
Sere type: Psammosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but not
dominant): Pinus serotina
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant): Stump sprouts of Liquidambar styraciflua,
Magnolia virginiana, Persea borbonia, and Ilex glabra
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type (but
not dominant): Xyris platylepis, Lobelia nuttallii, Liatris graminifolia,
Scleria sp., Sarracenia flava, Drosera capillaris, Lycopodium aloepe-
curoides, Polygala cruciata
24B. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Lumbee, Johns, and Kalmia
Soil classification: Alfisols
Soil association: Lumbee-Johns-Kalmia
pH class: 5.0 to 6.0; very strongly acid to medium acid
Moisture class: Well drained to poorly drained
Source of information: General Soil Map, Pender County, USDA, SCS
(1972) and site testing with Lamotte test kit
24C. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial
Hydrologic subsystem: Wet to mesic
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Not applicable
Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained
Drainage basin: Black River tributary of Cape Fear River
Hydrology characterization: Somewhat poorly drained elevated terrace of
Black River system, nearly level to very gently sloping into the lesser
drainage of Jones Creek.
97

24D. Topography Summary
Landform: Terrace flat
Shelter: Partly sheltered
Aspect: If applicable, west
Slope angle: Very gently sloping (0-20) to flat
Profile: Flat
Surface patterns: Smooth
Position: Not applicable
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area: A fire -maintained climax
community of a poorly drained psammosere on an upland terrace of Jones
Creek, a tributary of Black River, and underlain by Cretaceous Pee Dee
formation of impure limestones and sands and sandy clays of the Coastal
Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological Formation: Cretaceous Pee Dee formation overlain by Quaternary
sands. .
Geological Formation age: Cretaceous formation: 60 million years;
Quaternary sands: 6,000 to 1 million years.
26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species:
(1) Name of species: Dionaea muscipula (DIONAEACEAE) Venus' fly -trap
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened endemic, exploited
(Cooper et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 40
Size or maturity of individuals: Seedlings, mature plants
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 100%; site not visited during
flowering or fruiting times.
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Longleaf pine savanna
Topography: Level
Soil series: Lumbee, Johns, or Kalmia
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Sarracenia flava ,
Drosera sp., Eriocaulon decangulare, Xyris sp.; Animals: see attached
master species lists.
(2) Name of species: Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Species legal status and authority: Federally endangered (Cooper et
al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: Not determined
Number of individuals per population: 5 active cavities, 7 inactive
cavities, 2 active starts, and 3 inactive starts
Size or maturity of individuals: Adult
Phenology of population:- Not applicable
General vigor of population: Apparently healthy and reproducing
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
98

Plant community: Longleaf pine savanna
Topography: Level
Soil series: Lumbee, Johns, or Kalmia
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Cape Fear River
Other plant and animal species present: See attached master species
lists.
(3) Name of species: Bachman's Sparrow
Species Legal status and authority: NC threatened (Cooper et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: Twelve singing males and several
family groups
Size or maturity of individuals: Immature and mature
Phenology of population: Not applicable
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Longleaf pine savanna
Topography: Level
Soil series: Lumbee, Johns, or Kalmia
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Cape Fear River
Other plants and animals present: See attached master species lists.
(See FIGURE 16.for detailed map of endangered and threatened species locations.)
m

•z
'Izm "r •
lb
lb
•
lc
LAKE
FIGURE 16. Significant features of Jones Creek Savanna Natural
Area. Code: (1) Endangered or threatened species, (2) Special
management area. Map scale: 1 in. = 1200 ft.
100

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Hypoxis hirsuta
H. micrantha
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
APIACEAE
Eryngium yuccifolium
Hydrocotyle umbellata
Oxypolis ternata
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex glabra
ASCLEPIADACEAE
Asclepias humistrata
A. lanceolata
ASTERACEAE
Aster linariifolius
A. spectabilis
A. squarrosus
A. tortifolius
Carduus lecontei
Carphephorus tomentosus
Chaptalia tomentosa
Chrysopsis gossypina
C. graminifolia
Coreopsis angustifolia
Elephantopus nudatus
Eupatorium album
E. leucolepis
E. rotundifolium
Helianthus heterophyllus
Liatris graminifolia
Marshallia graminifolia
Solidago stricta
Trilisa odoratissima
BLECHNACEAE
woodwardia virginica
BROMELIACEAE
Tillandsia usneoides
CAMPANULACEAE
Lobelia nuttallii
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CYPERACEAE
Dichromena latifolia
101

Fuirena squarrosa
Rhynchospora cephalantha
Scleria pauciflora
CYRILLACEAE +
Cyrilla racemiflora
DIONAEACEAE
Dionaea muscipula
DROSERACEAE
Drosera capillaris
D. leucantha
ERICACEAE
Gaylussacia dumosa
Lyonia ligustrina
Vaccinium crassifolium
ERIOCAULACEAE
Eriocaulon decangulare
FABACEAE
Amorpha herbacea
Baptisia cinerea
B. tinctoria
Cassia nictitans
Lespedeza virginica
Tephrosia spicata
FAGACEAE
Quercus marilandica
GENTIANACEAE
Sabatia campanulata
S. stellaris
HAEMODORACEAE
Lachnathes caroliniana
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Liquidambar styraciflua
HYPERICACEAE
Hypericum stans
IRIDACEAE
Sisyrinchium mucronatum var. atlanticum
LAMIACEAE
Pycnanthemum flexuosum
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Pinguicula caerulea
P. lutea
Utricularia subulata
LRLDACEAE
Aletris farinosa
Lilium catesbaei
Melanthium virginicum
Smilax bona-nox
S. laurifolia
Tofieldia racemosa
Zigadenus glaberrimus
102

LOGANIACEAE
Gelsemium sempervirens
Mitreola petiolata
LORANTHACEAE
Phoradendron serotinum
LYCOPODIACEAE
Lycopodium aloepecuroides
L. appressum
L. carolinianum
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia virginiana
MELASTOMATACEAE
Rhexia alifanus
R. lutea
R. mariana
R. petiolata
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa biflora
ONAGRACEAE
Ludwigia hirtella
ORCHIDACEAE
Calopogon pulchellus
Habenaria blephariglottis
H. ciliaris
H. cristata
Pogonia ophioglossoides
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea
0. regalis var. spectabilis
PINACEAE
Pinus palustris
P. serotina
P. taeda
POACEAE
Andropogon scoparius
Arundinaria gigantea
Ctenium aromaticum
Panicum aciculare
Uniola laxa
POLYGALACEAE
Polygala brevifolia
P. cruciata
P. lutea
PTERIDACEAE
Pteridium aquilinum
SARRACENIACEAE
Sarracenia flava
S. purpurea
103

SCROPHULARIACEAE
Agalinis purpurea
Seymeria cassioides
SOLANACEAE
Physalis angulata
SYMPLOCACEAE
Symplocos tinctoria
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium distichum
VIOLACEAE
Viola lanceolata
XYRIDACEAE
Xyris ambigua
X. baldwiniana
X. platylepis
AMPHIBIANS
Southern Toad
Southern Cricket Frog
REPTILES
Eastern Mud Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Glass Lizard
Green Anole
Six -lined Racerunner
Ground Skink
Black Racer
Canebrake Rattlesnake
BIRDS
KEY
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Turkey Vulture
pV
Red-tailed Hawk
pV
Bobwhite
PR*
Turkey
PR*
Mourning Dove
PR*
Common Flicker
PR*
Pileated Woodpecker
PR*
104

Red -bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Wood Pewee
Blue Jay
Common Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Brown -headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Mockingbird
Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Eastern Bluebird
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
Starling
White -eyed Vireo
Red -eyed Vireo
Northern Parula Warbler
Yellow -throated Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow -breasted Chat
Eastern Meadowlark
Orchard Oriole
Common Grackle
Brown -headed Cowbird
Summer Tanager
Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Blue Grosbeak
Rufous -sided Towhee
Field Sparrow
Bachman's Sparrow
Raccoon
Eastern Mole
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Cottontail
Whitetail Deer
MAMMALS
105
PR*
PR*
PR*
SR*
SR*
SR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
SR*
PR*
SR*
SV
SV
SV
PR*
SR*
PR*
SR*
PR*
SR*
PR*
PR*
SR*
PR*
SR*
SR*
PR*
PR*
PR*

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: 421 Sand Ridge
2. County: Pender
3. Location: On both sides of US 421, from the Pender-New Hanover County
line, northwest for approximately 3 miles. The natural area is bounded
of the east by the swamp of the Northeast Cape Fear River and on the west
by the swamp of Black River, included in the Black River Natural Area.
Coordinates: 340221N, 780011W (FIGURE 17).
4. Topographic Quadrangle: Acme, NC 1954 (15' series)
5. Size: 3,080 ac
6. Elevation: 10 ft to 40 ft above mean sea level
7. Access: Pedestrian access from US 421; infrequent hunter trails usually
gated and locked.
8. Names of Investigators: S. W. Leonard Ricky Davis
P. 0. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: May 6 and August 28, 1981
10. Priority rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: The 421 Sand Ridge Natural Area occupies
a peninsula between the Northeast Cape Fear and the Cape Fear Rivers.
The geologic processes which were responsible for this landform include
marine, riverine, and eolian factors. Sand was initially deposited
during Pleistocene high sea level periods, uplifted, became increasingly
well drained as the river valleys deepened, and during previous periods
of vegetation cover absence, was sculptured by wind erosion and deposition.
This landform is unique in North Carolina, partly because few other narrow
peninsulas between major river systems have the contrast in elevation
and particle size magnitude that is found on the 421 ridge. (A similar
peninsula is present in South Carolina at the confluence of the Pee
Dee and Little Pee Dee Rivers.) Subsurface sand is yellow and deep;
surface material is highly leached, and appears white, or grayish when
mixed with organics. The topography is seldom level, and the surface is
marked by eolian depressions, solution slumps, Carolina bay ellipses, and
sluggish, meandering streams.
From the crest of the ridge to the river swamps, the cover vegetation
changes from longleaf pine - turkey oak to longleaf pine - gallberry
and eventually to pond pine pocosin. Wet depressions are usually filled
106

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NATIONAL
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FIGURE 17. 421 Sand Ridge Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.
107

by thickets of evergreen shrubs and catbrier or occasionally by pond
cypress. Forests on the ridge do not contain unusual -size trees,
unique assemblages of species, or high volume boardfootage. The
natural area includes, however, colonies of the federally -protected
Red -cockaded Woodpecker, and the size class and condition of the
longleaf pine forests indicates that a larger population of birds
could be sustained, under proper management conditions. Altogether
the 421 Sand Ridge Natural Area contains the largest area of longleaf
pine - turkey oak forest that we found in Pender County.
11B. Prose Description of Site Significance: The so-called "Brunswick
Escarpment" extends from Brunswick County, near Orton Plantation,
across northwestern New Hanover County, and terminates in southern
Pender County-- as the 421 sand ridge. While escarpments such as
this are not unknown elsewhere, the occurrence in North Carolina of
a sizeable sand body, excluding the fall -line sandhills, is relatively
unique. A second factor of significance in this natural area is the
occurrence of several colonies of Red -cockaded Woodpeckers.
Prehistoric and historic significance was not investigated during
this study, but prior to 1980, several archaeological forays in the
area produced noteworthy collections of artifacts. Aboriginal implements
have been found in the area which indicate occupancy around 5,000
years before present. Further investigations along these lines should
be conducted.
12. Significance Summary (See TABLE 7)
Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private 100a
14. Number of Owners: Generally, 2
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information):
(1) Bruce B. Cameron, 2219 Blythe Rd., Wilmington, NC (763-1054)
(2) Corbett Package Co., and Corbett Industries, Wrightsboro (Wilmington),
NC (763-4646)
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, and
other pertinent information): Jay Carter, Southern Pines, is familiar
with locations of Red -cockaded Woodpeckers in natural area.
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?):
Owners not contacted, but reportedly favor industrial development of
tract.
18. Uses of natural area: Hunting
19. Uses of surrounding land: Wildland 1000
108

TABLE 7. Significance summary of 421 Sand Ridge Natural Area.
Feature Map Legend
Endangered or threatened sp.
Endangered or threatened sp.
Outstanding geomorphologic
feature
N
0
Description of feature Comparative assessment
la Beyrich's bog button Stable population with
intermediates; infrequent
lb Red -cockaded Woodpecker Several small colonies;
fairly good habitat
2 Brunswick escarpment Present in three -county
area only

20. Preservation Status: Category 7, 100%
21. Regulatory protections in force: Unknown
22. Threats: No major threats are evident.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: Because both of the principal
landowners are among the largest landholders in Pender County, there may
be opportunity to preserve all or significant pieces of this natural
area. Based on land use trends in New Hanover County and the apparent
planning and zoning strategy in Brunswick to encourage industrial
development, the Pender County portion of the Brunswick Escarpment
may, in the future, be all that remains in a natural condition. Therefore,
it is recommended that second phase investigation (precise boundary
delineation, discussion with landowners, etc.) be conducted. Fire is
a significant component of ecology of this natural area, and piecemeal
industrial and/or residential development may require increased fire
protection of both developed and undeveloped woodlands. Should this
be the case, management and preservation would be difficult to implement.
Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary:
Community type: Pinus palustris-Quercus laevis/Aristida stricta forest
Community cover type: Pinus palustris
General habitat feature: Longleaf pine sand ridge
Average canopy height: 35 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: 40-70 years
Canopy cover: Varies from closed to open
Estimated size of community: Probably more than 10,000 ac, but in the
circumscribed natural area, possibly 75 percent of the 3,080 Ac.
Successional stage: Edaphic climax
Sere type: Psammosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but not
dominant) : None
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant): Quercus margaretta, Quercus incana
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type (but
not dominant): Cnidoscolus stimulosus, Chrysopsis gossypina, Stipulicida
setacea, Agalinis setacea, Selaginella arenicola spp. acanthonota
24B. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Kureb, Rimini, Lakeland, Leon, and Wakulla sands
Soil classification: Not determined
Soil association: Lynn Haven-Leon-Kureb
pH class: Very strongly acid
Moisture class: Excessively drained
Source of information: General Soil Map, Pender County, USDA, SCS, (1972).
24C. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial
110

Hydrologic subsystem: Very dry-xeric
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Not applicable
Drainage class: Excessively drained
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear and Cape Fear Rivers
Hydrology characterization: Excessively drained sand ridge occupying
the peninsula between the Northeast Cape Fear and the Cape Fear River
Basins.
24D. Topography Summary
Landform: Escarpment sand ridge
Shelter: Open to partly sheltered
Aspect: Northeast - southwest
Slope Angle: Gently sloping to sloping
Profile: Constant, with slight variations of microrelief
Surface patterns: Irregular
Position: Upper and mid -slope
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area: An edaphic climax
community of a psammosere on an escarpment sand ridge, scalloped
laterally by meanders of the Northeast Cape Fear and Cape Fear Rivers,
and vertically by wind erosion, Carolina bay formation, and/or
solution slumping. The ridge drains into both river basins, is
underlain by Eocene Castle Hayne limestone, and is comprised of deep _
sands of Pleistocene and Holocene origin, deposited in the Coastal
Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological Formation: Eocene Castle Hayne limestone; Pleistocene and -
Hol6cene sands
Geological Formation age: Eocene formation: 40-50 million years;
Pleistocene deposits: 6,000 to ca. 3 million years before present;
Holocene: slightly less than 6,000 years before present
26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species:
(1) Name of species: Lachnocaulon beyrichianum (ERIOCAULACEAE) Beyrich's
bog button
Species legal status and authority: NC threatened peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
.Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 50
Size or maturity of individuals: Mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 0%; Flowering 1000; Fruiting 1000
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: None
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Margin of pond cypress depression
Topography: Concave; pond
Soil series: Probably a localized Dorovan-Ponzer association
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Polygala cymosa, "
Rhexia mariana, Aristida sp., Aletris farinosa; Animals: see attached
master species lists.
ill

• (2) Name of species: Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Species legal status and authority: Federally endangered (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations on site: Not determined
Number of individuals per population: Five trees with active cavities,
inactive cavities or starts were seen; also one bird.
Size or maturity of individuals: Presumed to be a breeding population
Phenology of population: Not applicable
General vigor of population: Not determined
Disturbance or threats to population: None visible
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Longleaf pine - turkey oak sand ridge
Topography: Gently sloping to sloping
Soil series: Kureb sand
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River, Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Polygonella polygama,
Froelichia sp., Vaccinium sp.; Animals: see attached master species
lists.
(See FIGURE 18 for detailed map of endangered and threatened species locations.)
112

FIGURE 18. Significant features
Area. Code: (1) Endangered or
standing geomorphologic feature.
(highway not drawn to scale).
113
J
of 421 Sand Ridge Natural
threatened species, (2) Out -
Map scale: 1 in. = 1.4 mi.

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
AMARANTHACEAE
Froelichia floridana
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Hypoxis hirsuta
H. micrantha
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus copallina
R. radicans
R. toxicodendron
ANNONACEAE
Asimina parviflora
APIACEAE
Centella asiatica
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex cassine
I. cassine var. myrtifolia
• I. coriacea
I. glabra
I. opaca
ASPLENIACEAE
Asplenium platyneuron
ASTERACEAE
Ambrosia artemesiifolia
Carduus lecontei
C. spinosissimus
Chondrophora nudata
Chrysopsis gossypina
C. graminifolia
Conyza canadensis
Coreopsis angustifolia
Erigeron quercifolius
Eupatorium capillifolium
E. recurvans
Haplopappus divaricatus
Helenium amarum
Krigia virginica
Liatris graminifolia
Marshallia graminifolia
Mikania scandens
Silphium compositum
Trilisa paniculata
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia areolata
W. virginica
114

BROMELIACEAE
Tillandsia usneoides
CACTACEAE
Opuntia compressa
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Lonicera sempervirens
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Arenaria caroliniana
Stipulicida setacea
CISTACEAE
Lechea villosa
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
COMMELINACEAE
Tradescantia rosea var. graminea
CONVOLVULACEAE
Bonamia patens var. patens
B. patens var. angustifolia
Ipomoea pandurata
CYPERACEAE
Bulbostylis capillaris
B. ciliatifolia
Carex grayi
Dichromena latifolia
Rhynchospora chalarocephala
R. corniculata
DIAPENSIACEAE
Pyxidanthera barbulata
DROSERACEAE
Drosera capillaris
EBENACEAE
Diospyros virginiana
ERICACEAE
Gaylussacia dumosa
G. frondosa
Lyonia lucida
Rhododendron atlanticum
Vaccinium arboreum
V. crassifolium
V. elliottii
V. stamineum
V. tenellum
ERIOCAULACEAE
Lachnocaulon anceps
L. beyrichianum
EUPHORBIACEAE
Cnidoscolus stimulosus
Euphorbia ipecacuanhae
FABACEAE
Amorpha herbacea
115

Baptisia tinctoria
Crotalaria purshii
Galactia regularis
Lupinus perennis
L. villosus
Rhynchosia difformis
Tephrosia spicata
FAGACEAE
Castanea pumila
Quercus incana
Q. laevis
Q. margaretta
Q. pumila
Q. virginiana
HYPERICACEAE
Hypericum reductum
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
Sassafras albidum
LILIACEAE
Smilax bona-nox
S. laurifolia
LOGANIACEAE
« Gelsemium sempervirens
LYCOPODIACEAE
Lycopodium aloepecuroides
L. carolinianum
MELASTOMATACEAE
Rhexia mariana
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa biflora
OLEACEAE
Osmanthus americanus
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea
O. regalis var. spectabilis
PINACEAE
Pinus palustris
P. serotina
P. taeda
POACEAE
Andropogon scoparius
A. virginicus
Arundinaria gigantea
Panicum ciliatum
P. lancearium
POLYGALACEAE
Polygala cymosa
116

POLYGONACEAE
Polygonella polygama
PTERIDACEAE
Pteridium aquilinum
RUBIACEAE
Richardia scabra
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Agalinis purpurea
A. setacea
Seymeria cassioides
SELAGINELLACEAE
Selaginella arenicola spp. acanthoftota
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium distichum
VERBENACEAE
Callicarpa americana
VITACEAE
Vitis rotundifolia
AMPHIBIANS
Southern Toad
Oak Toad
Southern Cricket Frog
Squirrel Tree Frog
REPTILES
Eastern Glass Lizard
Green Anole
Six -lined Racerunner
Ground Skink
Black Racer
BIRDS
Key
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Turkey Vulture pV
Red-tailed Hawk pV
American Kestrel WR
Bobwhite PR*
117

Mourning Dove
Common Nighthawk
Common Flicker
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
Crested Flycatcher
Blue Jay
Common Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Brown -headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Mockingbird
Catbird
American Robin
Eastern Bluebird
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
Starling
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Eastern Meadowlark
Red -winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Summer Tanager
Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Rufous -sided Towhee
Field Sparrow
Eastern Mole
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Eastern Cottontail
Whitetail Deer
MAMMALS
118.
PR*
SR*
PR*
PR*
SR*
SR*
PR*
PR*
PV
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
WR
PR*
SR*
PR*
PR*
SR*
PV
PV
PR*
SR*
PR*
SR*
PR*
WR

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Moores Creek Wildlife Reservation
2. County: Pender
3. Location: The natural area stretches from NC 53 along both sides
of Moores Creek, downstream to a point about a mile south of Moores
Creek National Military Park, and includes the bottomlands of Mill
Branch upstream to SR 1128 and an area of flatwoods along SR 1100.
Coordinates: 340301N, 780081W (FIGURE 19).
4. Topographic Quadrangle(s): Acme, NC 1954; Atkinson, NC 1955 (15'series)
5. Size: 4,500 ac
6. Elevation: 8 ft to 60 ft above mean sea level
7. Access: Natural area can be reached by travelling west from US 421
on NC 210, following the signs to Moores Creek National Military Park,
or by following NC 53 west toward Atkinson. An excellent access
route is to follow SR 1125 between Yamacraw and Rooks. Limited access
is possible via the abandoned Atlantic Coast Line Railroad right-of-way
northwest of Currie.
8. Names of Investigators: S. W. Leonard RZcky Davis
P. 0. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: May -September 1981
10. Priority Rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: Moores Creek Wildlife Reservation (and
registered black bear sanctuary) is a consolidated tract of land that
formerly consisted of several parcels belonging to various members of
the Simpson family, and now held under a single ownership. The land
is situated on both sides of Moores Creek and is largely wooded, the
major vegetation type of the lowlands being seasonally flooded cypress
and mixed hardwoods, whereas the uplands are comprised of loblolly
pine woods, old fields, or cultivated lands.
Brief community surveys were made where the major roads cross the
floodplain of Moores Creek; interior sections of the tract were not
inventoried. There is no reason to indicate that community composition
differs greatly from the southern extremity of the tract to the northern
limits. Because the tract connects with the extreme lower portion of
Moores Creek, and hence with the Black River corridor, the contiguity
of forest provides sanctuary and lengthy habitat for wide-ranging fauna.
119

1111 "1 ` FAS-
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1176
10
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a ��. - pro �LLL�>���, r:� •�::�::� n1s � /
I ICI 1100 JJJ - - _
�
Poird
,� '1
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C
BB/( .\�� _ Currie �]
1�QQ \\ '1_91 •,• ••ORES 9 11-
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` NAL r
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PARK — ® .11 I�OS 174.
p
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-
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_
11]] 10 -k 1M / s A] _ - Monlayue ree.
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0 .511"R RhIfP I117 .aou`O
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r. " �!L31 ro I
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— 11 1101
0� 1101
r. �.FEAR �NORuvc`�FN - f
�1 ROAN ISUND
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RiAard.
Rkfiard] J
VER,\
FIGURE 19. Moores Creek Wildlife Reservation Natural Area. Map scale:
1 in. = 2 mi.
120

No unique communities, assemblages of species, endangered or
threatened plant species were found in the Moores Creek Wildlife
Reservation. In addition, landforms and underlying rock types and
soil associations are not significantly different from other inner
coastal plain streams. Consequently the site was included as a
significant natural area in Pender County for other than botanical
reasons.
11B. Prose Description of Site Significance: The features of Moores Creek
Wildlife Reservation which make it a significant site are (1) the
owner's attitude toward preservation and management, (2) the fact that
the tract is relatively large and not divided into small landholdings,
(3) the assemblages of communities are representative of large coastal
plain stream floodplains and slopes, (4) the already existing regis-
tration of the area as a game sanctuary, and (5) the presence of at
least one thriving colony of the federally endangered Red -cockaded
Woodpecker. Additionally, and with possible future implications for
park status, is the location of the tract adjacent to the Moores Creek
National Military Park.
12. Significance Summary (See TABLE 8)
Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private 100%
14. Number of Owners: 1
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information): Dr. C. F. Simpson; Route 1, Box 273-A;
Atkinson, NC 28421
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, and
other pertinent information): None known
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?): Owner
was very cordial when contacted and provided a considerable volume of
background information pertaining to the Simpson'family, their activities
in the community, and historical details of the plantation and family
home. The owner's attitude toward preservation was assessed as excellent.
18. Uses of natural area: Marginal areas of agriculture, timber management,
but largely game management for very limited large and small game hunting.
19. Uses of surrounding land: Wildland 30%; Agricultural land 40%; High -
intensity forestry 15%; Developed 10% Undeveloped park land 5%
20. Preservation Status: Category 4, 100% (This area may Category 5
land, depending upon criteria of which we were unaware.)
121

TABLE 8. Significance summary of Moores Creek Wildlife Reservation Natural Area.
Feature Map Legend Description of feature Comparative assessment
Endangered or threatened sp. 1 Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Special management area 2 Black bear sanctuary
High faunistic diversity 3 Passerine bird habitat
Active colony in declining
habitat; 11 cavity (active
and inact.) trees
Large corridor connecting
with Black River/Cape Fear
River swamps
Bottomland swamps and nearby
pine woods offer secluded
space for birds

21. Regulatory protections in force: Large portions of the property are
regulated wetlands, being contiguous to navigable waters.
22. Threats: No major threats to the area.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: None beyond those procedures
already implemented by owner.
Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary
Community type: CT-1: Taxodium distichum-Mixed hardwoods
Community cover type: Taxodium distichum
General habitat feature: Bottomland swamp
Average canopy height: 50-60 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: 50 years
Canopy cover: Closed
Estimated size of community: 2,500 ac
Successional stage: Late transient
Sere type: Hydrosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but not
dominant): Betula nigra, Liquidambar styraciflua, Pinus taeda, Quercus
michauxii
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant): Alnus serrulata, Itea virginica, Ilex opaca
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type (but
not dominant): Orontium aquaticum, Pluchea camphorata, Boehmeria cylindrica
Community type: CT-2 Pinus taeda/Ilex glabra
Community cover type: Pinus taeda
General habitat feature: Pine flatwoods
Average canopy height: 60 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: 75 years
Canopy cover: Closed
Estimated size of community: 1,000 ac
Successional stage: Transient
Sere type: Psammosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but not
dominant): None
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or community
type (but not dominant): Vaccinium atrococcum, Magnolia virginiana
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type (but not
dominant): Cnidoscolus stimulosus, Andropogon virginicus, Panicum sp.
24B. Soil Summary (CT-1)
Soil series: Lumbee
Soil classification: Not determined
Soil association: Lumbee-Johns-Kalmia
pH class: Very strongly acid to medium acid
Moisture class: Poorly drained
Source of information: General Soil Map, Pender County, USDA, SCS,(1972).
123

Soil Summary (CT-2)
Soil series: Johns and Kalmia
Soil classification: Not determined
Soil association: Lumbee-Johns-Kalmia
pH class: Strongly acid to medium acid
Moisture class: Somewhat poorly drained
Source of information: General Soil Map,
to well drained
Pender County, USDA, SCS, (1972).
24C. Hydrology Summary (CT-1)
Hydrologic system: Riverine
Hydrologic subsystem: Lower perennial
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Intermittently flooded
Drainage class: Poorly drained
Drainage basin: Cape Fear River
Hydrology characterization: Poorly drained bottomlands adjacent to and
including Moores Creek,
Hydrology Summary (CT-2)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial
Hydrologic subsystem: Mesic to dry-mesic
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Not applicable
Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained to moderately well drained
Drainage basin: Cape Fear River
Hydrology characterization: Somewhat poorly drained to moderately well
drained sands occupying elevated terraces, sub -basin slopes, level
intgr-basin, slightly eroded plains.
24D. Topography Summary (CT-1)
Landform: Alluvial plain
Shelter: Deeply sheltered
Aspect: East -west
Slope angle: Less than 2%
Profile: Irregular to flat to slightly concave
Surface patterns: Slightly undulating to smooth
Position: Entire plain
Topography Summary (CT-2)
Landform: Interbasin flat
Shelter: Partly sheltered
Aspect: Not applicable
Slope angle: Mostly less than 2%
Profile: Flat
Surface patterns: Smooth
Position: Not applicable
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area: Moores Creek Natural
Area is a biologically, edaphically, hydrologically, and topographically
diverse area of two major habitat types, bottomlands and uplands, which
are dominated by transients and which drain into the Cape Fear River Basin
124

of the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological Formation: Cretaceous Pee Dee formation overlain by
Pleistocene and Holocene sands
Geological Formation age: Cretaceous formation: 60 million years
Pleistocene and Holocene: 3 million years to present
26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
(1) Name of species: Red -cockaded Woodpecker
Species legal status and authority: Federally endangered (Cooper
et al. 1977)
Number of populations of site: 1 observed
Number of individuals per population: Two birds (adults) seen; one
nest containing chicks located; seven inactive cavities and starts
in live trees; two inactive cavities in dead trees; and one active
start.
Size or maturity of populations: Adult and immature
Phenology of population: Not applicable
General vigor of population: Evidence of reproduction
Disturbance or threats to population: None present, although understory
is dense, and if not burned in a few years could jeopardize degree
of site activity.
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Loblolly pine forest
Topography: Level
Soil series: Probably Kalmia, but not determined
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Cape Fear River
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: Ilex glabra,
Ilex opaca, Liquidambar styraciflua, Magnolia virginiana, Gaylussacia
frondosa, Acer rubrum, Vaccinium spp.; Animals: see attached master
species lists.
(See FIGURE 20 for detailed map of endangered species location.)
125

' J? A -
*'
I,!s
N
CIS
120e � •d' v
tt•: i
roof. s? ^e• 5•'
r ry I loo
1201 ATKINSON ( `words
13 _� f
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t
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e � �
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12
RIVER
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1.
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�. I IA 1110
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rp a a
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44
\
/ I]0 177e 1_0 210 FA0 3 1117 Moe
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-� � 1
00
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1103
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1,67
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FIGURE 20. Significant features of Moores Creek Wildlife
Reservation Natural Area. Code: (1) Endangered or threatened
species, (2) Special management area, (3) High faunistic
diversity. Map scale: 1 in = 2 mi.
126

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACANTHACEAE
Justicia ovata
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum
ALISMATACEAE
Sagittaria falcata
S. graminea
AMARANTHACEAE
Alternanthera philoxeroides
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Hymenocallis crsssifolia
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
R. vernix
APIACEAE
Centella asiatica
Cicuta maculata
Hydrocotyle umbellata
Ptilimnium capillaceum
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex coriacea
I. glabra
I. opaca
I. verticillata
ARACEAE
Arisaema triphyllum
Orontium aquaticum
Peltandra virginica
ASPLDNACEAE
Athyrium asplenioides
Onoclea sensibilis
Thelypteris palustris
ASPLENIACEAE
Asplenium platyneuron
ASTERACEAE
Eupatorium fistulosum
Mikania scandens
Senecio glabellus
Vernonia noveboracensis
BETULACEAE
Alnus serrulata
Betula nigra
Carpinus caroliniana
BIGNONIACEAE
Anisostichus capreolata
Campsis radicans
127

BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia areolata
W. virginica
BROMELIACEAE
Tillandsia usneoides
CAMPANULACEAE
Lobelia cardinalis
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Lonicera japonica
L. sempervirens
Sambucus canadensis
Viburnum nudum
V. prunifolium
CLETHRACEAE
Clethra alnifolia
CORNACEAE
Cornus amomum
C. florida
C. stricta
CYPERACEAE
Carex albolutescens
C. comosa
C. crinita
C. folliculata var. australis
C. intumescens
C. leptalea
C. rosea
C. tribuloides
Cyperus iria
C. strigosus
Scirpus cyperinus
CYRILLACEAE
Cyrilla racemiflora
ERICACEAE
Chimaphila maculata
Epigaea repens
Gaylussacia frondosa
Kalmia angustifolia var. caroliniana
Leucothoe axillaris
L. racemosa
Lyonia ligustrina
L. lucida
L. mariana
Rhododendron viscosum
Vaccinium atrococcum
V. corymbosum
V. crassifolium
V. elliottii
V. stamineum
'EUPHORBIACEAE
Acalypha rhomboidea
128

FABACEAE
Amorpha fruticosa
A. herbacea
Apios americana
Clitoria mariana
Indigofera caroliniana
Melilotus officinalis
Pueraria lobata
Trifolium campestre
Vicia angustifolia
wisteria frutescens
FAGACEAE
Quercus laurifolia
Q. lyrata
Q. michauxii
Q. nigra
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Liquid ambar styraciflua
JUGLANDACEAE
Carya aquatica
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax glauca
S. laurifolia
S. rotundifolia
LOGANIACEAE
Gelsemium sempervirens
LORANTHACEAE
Phoradendron serotinum
MAGNOLIACEAE
Liriodendron tulipifera
Magnolia virginiana
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
M. heterophylla
NYMPHAEACEAE
Nuphar luteum ssp. sagittifolium
NYSSACEAE
Nyssa aquatica
N. biflora
N. sylvatica
OLEACEAE
Chionanthus virginicus
Fraxinus caroliniana
F. pensylvanica
F. tomentosa
Ligustrum sinense
Osmanthus americana
ONAGRACEAE
Ludwigia palustris
129

OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea
O. regalis var. spectabilis
PINACEAE
Pinus taeda
PLATANACEAE
Platanus occidentalis
POACEAE
Arundinaria gigantea
Erianthus giganteus
Glyceria striata
Sacciolepis striata
POLYGONACEAE
Polygonum arifolium
P. hydropiperoides
P. punctatum
P. sagittatum
POLYPODIOIDES
Polypodium polypodioides
PRIMULACEAE
Samolus parviflorus
RHAMNACEAE
Berchemia scandens
ROSACEAE
Rosa palustris
RUBIACEAE
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Galium circaezans
SALICACEAE
Populus heterophyllus
Salix nigra
SAURURACEAE
Saururus cernuus
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Decumaria barbara
Itea virginica
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Gratiola virginiana
Micranthemum umbrosum
TAXODIACEAE
Taxodium distichum
TYPHACEAE
Typha latifolia
ULMACEAE
Ulmus americana
URTICACEAE
Boehmeria cylindrica
VITACEAE
Ampelopsis arborea
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Vitis rotundifolia
Wrol

AMPHIBIANS
Slimy Salamander
Southern Toad
Leopard Frog
Bullfrog
REPTILES
Stinkpot
Eastern Box Turtle
Spotted Turtle
Yellow -bellied Turtle
Green Anole
Fence Lizard
Ground Skink
Five -lined Skink
Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern King Snake
BIRDS
Key
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Green Heron
SV
Wood Duck
PR*
Turkey Vulture
PV
Black Vulture
PV
Red-tailed Hawk
PV
Red -shouldered Hawk
PR*
Bobwhite
PR*
Mourning Dove
PR*
Yellow -billed Cuckoo
SR*
Chimney Swift
SR*
Ruby -throated Hummingbird
SR*
Common Flicker
PR*
Pileated Woodpecker
PR*
Red -bellied Woodpecker
PR*
Hairy Woodpecker
PR*
Downy Woodpecker
PR*
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
PR*
Eastern Kingbird
SV
Great Crested Flycatcher
SR
Acadian Flycatcher
SR*
Eastern Wood Pewee
SR*
Rough -winged Swallow
SV
131

Barn Swallow
Purple Martin
Blue Jay
Common Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White -breasted Nuthatch
Brown -headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Mockingbird
Catbird
Brown Thrasher
American Robin
Wood Thrush
Blue-grat Gnatcatcher
Starling
White -eyed Vireo
Yellow -throated Vireo
Red -eyed Vireo
Black -and -white Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Swainson's Warbler
Northern Parula Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow -throated Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow -breasted Chat
Hooded Warbler
American Redstart
House Sparrow
Orchard Oriole
Northern Oriole
Common Grackle
Brown -headed Cowbird
Summer Tanager
Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
American Goldfinch
Rufous -sided Towhee
Field Sparrow
White -throated Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Opossum
Raccoon
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Cottontail
Whitetail Deer
MAMMALS
132
SV
SV
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
PR*
SR*
SR*
PR*
SR*
SR*
SR*
T
SR*
SR*
SR*
WR
SR*
SV
SR*
PR*
SR*
SR*
SR*
PV
SR*
T
PV
PR*
SR*
PR*
SR*
SR*
WR
PR*
PV
WR
WR
c?)
c?)

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY FORM
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name: Lea Island, Hutaff Island
2. County: Pender
3. Location: The two coastal barrier islands are located in the southeast
quadrant of the county, southeast of Hampstead and southwest of Surf
City. They are separated from each other by Old Topsail Inlet. Lea
Island, the northernmost of the two, is separated from Topsail Island
and Topsail Beach by New Topsail Inlet. Hutaff Island, on its south-
western extremity, is separated from Figure Eight Island (New Hanover
County) by Rich Inlet. Coordinates for the two barrier islands are
as follows: 341201N, 77°401W (Lea); 34°19'N, 77*41' (Hutaff).(FIGURE 21)
4. Topographic Quadrangle: Hampstead, NC 1970
5. Size: Approximately 550 acres (200 ac on Lea; 350 ac on Hutaff)
6. Elevation: Sealevel to 20 ft MSL for Lea; sealevel to 25 ft MSL for
Hutaff
7. Access: Boat: Coast Guard marked navigation channel through New Topsail
Inlet; Howard Channel from Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) to
northern end of Lea Island, passable only with small boat at or near
high tide; Greene Channel and Nixon Channel to Rich Inlet and to south
end of Hutaff Island are navigable from AIWW at low tide.
8. Names of Investigators: S. W. Leonard Ricky Davis
P. 0. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: July 10, July 21, 1981
10. Priority Rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: Lea and Hutaff Islands are two of the six
unoccupied and undeveloped islands south of Cape Lookout in North
Carolina. Seasonally occupied structures are located on each (one
on Lea Island and two on Hutaff). A recently -constructed, private
dock with space for multiple boat moorings is present on the mainland
side of Lea Island.
The islands are composed of sand and fragments of shell, and may
contain buried lenses of peat. The leeward portions grade into salt -
marsh, salt flats, or mud flats, and here, the sediment is finer -
grained. Accretion is occurring at the southwest ends of both islands,
whereas wind and wave erosion have removed much of the foredunes in the
midsections of the islands. Dredged material deposition at the north
133

3Z2
\ 1e11 i
0�0
40
� 'J loll
Woodbide f i s `
Cie.
11 7 � ISA]
L
3 f •9
36 I".
/ L
�e* Amandale
IS%
TOpwl .
U13 ISbd GQ
I I �
I570 156 7p QQ
I SI. Sp
qs u7sSll - Isjf /� -
.y r1.. W—d
ants
psrwd ! /• "i"
TOPSAIL BEACH
17 Ible '77 �Idls.�' �•/ P. 108
bl
7 161e
i b_le lea;
i eoa
I set �R 1 4'?:• �'�'��• "'tF .'-
rI!E9.
FIGURE 21. Lea Island, Hutaff Island Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.
134

end of Lea Island accounts for an unexpectedly high berm. Storm
overwash is minimal, and occurs predominantly on the low southern
portions of the islands. A high remnant foredune of a former barrier
location is present on the northwest side of Lea Island, near the point
where Long Point Channel curves into Eddy Sound.
Vegetation of the islands is comprised of typical foredune herbs,
such as sea oats and saltmeadow grass, sometimes mixed with waxmyrtle
and yaupon shrubs, and an occasional juniper or live oak. There is
no significant maritime forest on the islands.
Fauna is best represented by shorebirds which feed, rest, and
nest there, although deer are present on Hutaff Island. The fairly
long expanses of beach provide nesting grounds for sea turtles.
The shallow creeks and flats along the mainland sides of the islands
contain a few areas of oyster "rocks", but may be more important
biologically (and recreationally) as clam and crab grounds.
11B. Prose Description of Site Significance: The most significant features
of Lea and Hutaff Islands are their absence of residential and com-
mercial development, their use as turtle nesting areas, two rookery
sites for terns, black skimmers, and Wilson's plover, populations of
Drummond's prickly pear cactus and the seashore amaranth, and their
geographical position and function as wave energy dissipaters.
Indications are that development of Lea Island is forthcoming.
It is difficult to envisage a development plan which will provide
access, electricity, water, sewerage, and other amenities of residential
land use that will not be imperilled by foredune erosion, storm over -
wash, inlet migration, and water quality decline. While the floristic
significance of the islands would not necessarily be impaired by
development, the faunistic components are susceptible to loss of
habitat. Therefore, a high priority rating is given to the islands,
and is based on the scarcity of undeveloped barrier islands in North
Carolina and on the faunal utilization.
12. Significance Summary: (See TABLE 9)
Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private 1000, Public 0%, Unknown 0%,
based on the assumption that State of North Carolina does not claim
that portion of the marshlands and tidal flats lying below mean high
tide.
14. Number of Owners: 2
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent informaiton): Lea Island, Inc.; heirs of George
Henry Hutaff
135

TABLE 9. Significance summary of Lea Island, Hutaff Island Natural Area.
Feature Map Legend Description of feature Comparative assessment
High quality terrestrial 1 Maritime mixed shrub/ Only two relatively
community herb community undisturbed barrier islands
in county
Endangered or threatened sp. 2a Beach amaranth Small colonies on upper
beach berm; sp. very rare
(proposed)
F, Endangered or threatened sp. 2b Brown Pelican Regular visitor to islands
m and adjacent waters
Special geomorphologic feature 3 Barrier islands Dynamic landform, protecting
estuarine communities and
shore of mainland

16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, and
other pertinent information): Alan S. Weakley, Duke University, Dept.
of Botany, Durham, NC
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?): Owners
not contacted; new boat dock located of the mainland side of Lea Island
and a fairly new house near the north end support the inference that
this island may be slated for development.
18. Uses of natural area: Recreational use, primarily focused on beach
and surf -related activities; seasonal residency; fishing and shellfishing.
19. Uses of surrounding land: Wildland (including open water, marshes, tidal
flats, etc.) 80%; Developed 20%
20. Preservation Status: Category 7, 10Q%
21. Regulatory protections in force: CAMA wetlands, hazard areas, fragile
areas
22. Threats: Natural erosion of beach; potential residential development;
overwash hazard. Note should be made of a second level of threat to
this natural area. Nesting shorebirds are especially vulnerable to
recreational visitors' dogs which are seldom, if ever, kept on leash.
In addition, nests are frequently difficult to see, and eggs and chicks
may be crushed by pedestrian access. Finally, eggs and young birds
which are left unprotected from the sun when adults are disturbed by
visitors and pets are also vulnerable. Thus the significance of the
islands as shorebird nesting sites can be indirectly lost through
negligence, lack of user education, and a multiplicity of man -related
factors. To a lesser degree, and depending upon future use of ORV
(off -road vehicle) activity on the islands, comparable threats may
affect utilization of the beaches by nesting sea turtles.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: The islands are prohibitively
expensive for acquisition. Owner cooperation to preserve, voluntarily,
as much of the natural area as possible is recommended. Dredged material
deposition to the northern end of Lea Island indirectly benefits both
shorebirds and littoral drift southward, by providing a sandy, elevated
nesting area, which gradually erodes with particles of shell and sand
moved along the beach. We are of the opinion that beach nourishment,
dune stabilization, and/or marsh creation are unwarranted in this
natural area, eventhough severe erosion could occur in the future.
Public access should be restricted and the island communities monitored
for signs of abuse and excessive man -related community disturbance.
Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary
Community type: (This natural area contains all of the classic maritime
strand communities with the exception of live oak forest. A broad
137

interpretation will be used in this treatment, and will deal with
dunelands, which may be high foredunes, dominated by sea oats, or
low rear dunes and overwash flats with a mixture of shrubs, small
trees, forbs, or barren spots. One should also keep in mind that
as presently delineated, the natural area contains wetland communities
comprised of smooth cordgrass, ox-eye, purslane, and other vascular
plants as well as sand flats and mud flats which are tidally inundated.
A composite community, dominated by waxmyrtle, yaupon, and sea oats
is used here as the representative "beach" type, since it occupies a
large percentage of the total natural area acreage, and is the community
complex most likely to be threatened by activities of people on the
islands.) Myrica cerifera-Ilex vomitoria/Uniola paniculata
Community cover type: Ilex vomitoria
General habitat feature: Beach dunes
Average canopy height: 6 ft when present
Estimated age of canopy trees: Not applicable
Canopy cover: Open to closed
Estimated size of community: 200 ac
Successional stage: Pioneer and Trnasient
Sere type: Psammosere
Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but not
dominant): Juniperus virginiana
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant): Iva frutescens
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant): Croton punctatus, Iresine rhizomatosa, Physalis
viscosa ssp. maritima
24B. ' Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Capers, Corolla, Newhan, and beach soils
Soil classification; Not determined
Soil association: Beach-foredune association; Newhan-Corolla complex
pH class: Not determined
Moisture class: Excessively drained
Source of information: Soil Survey, Outer Banks, North Carolina,
USDA, SCS (1977)
24C. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic system: Terrestrial
Hydrologic subsystem: Dry-xeric
Water chemistry: Fresh to saline
Water regime: Not applicable
Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained
Drainage basin: Coastal; not applicable
Hydrology characterization: Somewhat excessively drained dunes, which
are alternately wetted by salt spray and rainwater with a perched
water table "floating" over saline water (Ghyben-Herzberg lens).
24D. Topography Summary
Landform: Barrier islands
138

Shelter: Open
Aspect: Northwest -southeast
Slope angle: variable, 1-8%
Profile: Convex
Surface patterns: Irregular
Position: All of slope above mean high water
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area: A dune -decorated barrier
covered sparsely by shrubs and forbs of a halopsammosere of Holocene
age in the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological Formation: Holocene sands
Geological Formation age: 6,000 years or less
26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
(1) Name of species: (Proposed addition, based on a three -county NC
distribution, presence of species on upper beach berm, and subject to
erosional processes, flooding, etc., and in our experience, never found
in any abundance-- often populations of 20 or fewer plants) Amaranthus
pumilus (AMARANTHACEAE) Beach amaranth
Species legal status and authority: None
Number of populations on site: 2
Number of individuals per population: 10 and 20
Size or maturity of individuals: Mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 0%; Flowering: 100%; Fruiting: 100%
General vigor of population: Good
Disturbance or threats.to population: Flooding. overwash, burial,
sand -blasting, dessication, etc. are all habitat factors, but plants
persist and evidently have adapted to these "threats."
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Not applicable. This species is usually the most
seaward species on the upper beach berm.
Topography: Flat
Soil series: Beach soil, undifferentiated by horizon
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Not applicable
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: none; Animals: see
attached master species lists.
Drainage basin: Not applicable
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: none; Animals:
various shorebirds, see attached master species list of birds.
(2) Name of species: Brown Pelican
Species legal status and authority: Federally endangered (Cooper
et al. 1977)
.Number of populations on site: Not determined
Number of individuals per population: 50-100?
Size or maturity of individuals: Immature and mature
Phenology of population: Not applicable
General vigor of population: Not determined
Disturbance or threats to population: Not determined
139

Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Not applicable
Topography: Not applicable
Soil series: Not applicable
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Not applicable
Other plants and animal species present: Plants: none; Animals:
see attached master species list of birds.
(See FIGURE 22 for detailed map of endangered and threatened species locations)
140

�i Y' bcnowes .
1 f � ,
n o'
Woodside { • 'b c1� a d n
j 1 sei o�
!i7 ✓,„+
kkie r'
15e4 �sFF
r 3
ises ise6
ref
SO �
old _,asl
s
Hamps!sad • ,1615 y°
' TOPSAIL BEACH
17 iei4'?'7/J , 16, �_ `��, POP. 108
I n
9 1611 Iej s 160e
�t
tr 1603 ET G
_34
zt
r �ti qQ
ash
r
FIGURE 22. Significant features of Lea Island, Hutaff
Island Natural Area. Code: (1) High quality terrestrial
community, (2) Endangered or threatened species, (3) Special
geomorphologic feature. Map scale: 1 in. = 2 mi.
141

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
AMARANTHACEAE
Amaranthus pumilus
Iresine rhizomatosa
APIACEAE
Centella asiatica
Hydrocotyle bonariensis
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex vomitoria
ASCLEPIADACEAE
Cynanchum angustifolium
ASPLENIACEAE
Asplenium platyneuron
ASTERACEAE
Baccharis halimifolia
Borrichia frutescens
Carduus spinosissimus
Chrysopsis mariana
C. subaxillaris
Conyza canadensis
Eupatorium capillifolium
Gnaphalium obtusifolium
Iva frutescens
I. imbricata
Solidago sempervirens
BRASSICACEAE
Cakile edentula
Lepidium virginicum
CACTACEAE
Opuntia drummondii
CHENOPODIACEAE
Salicornia bigelovii
S. virginica
Salsola kali
COMMELINACEAE
Commelina erecta
CUPRESSACEAE
Juniperus virginiana
CYPERACEAE
Cyperus esculentus
C. retrorsus
Fimbristylis castanea
EUPHORBIACEAE
Croton punctatus
Euphorbia polygonifolia
FABACEAE
Strophostyles helvola
142

FAGACEAE
Quercus geminata
• JUNCACEAE
Juncus roemerianus
LAURACEAE
Persea borbonia
LILIACEAE
Smilax auriculata
S. bona-nox
Yucca aloifolia
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
ONAGRACEAE
Oenothera humifusa
PLUMBAGINACEAE
Limonium carolinianum
POACEAE
Andropogon virginicus
Cenchrus tribuloides
Cynodon dactylon
Eragrostis spectabilis
Panicum amarum
P. amarulum
P. virgatum
Spartina alterniflora
S. patens
Triplasis purpurea
Uniola paniculata
ROSACEAE
Prunus carolinianus
RUBIACEAE
Diodia teres
SOLANACEAE
Physalis viscosa ssp. maritime
ULMACEAE
Celtis,laevigata
VITACEAE
Vitis labrusca
REPTILES
Carolina Diamondback Terrapin
Eastern Glass Lizard
143

BIRDS
Key
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV = Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Brown Pelican
SV
Double -crested Cormorant
pV
Great Blue Heron
pV
Green Heron
SV
Little Blue Heron
SV
Cattle Egret
SV
Great Egret
pV
Snowy Egret
pV
Louisiana Heron
pV
Black -crowned Night Heron
pV
White Ibis
pV
Osprey
SV
Clapper Rail
PR*
American Oystercatcher
PR*
Semi=palmated Plover
WR
Piping Plover
WR
Wilson's Plover
SR*
American Golden Plover
T
Black -bellied Plover
WR
Ruddy Turnstone
WR
Whimbrel
T
Spotted Sandpiper
T
Willet
PR*
Greater Yellowlegs
WR
Lesser Yellowlegs
T
Red Knot
T
Pectoral Sandpiper
WR
Least Sandpiper
WR
Dunlin
WR
Short -billed Dowitcher
WR
Semi -palmated Sandpiper
T
Western Sandpiper
WR
Marbled Godwit
WR
Sanderling
WR
Great Black -backed Gull
WR
Herring Gull
WR
Ring -billed Gull
WR
Laughing Gull
SV
Gull -billed Tern
SR*
Forster's Tern
WR
144

Common Tern
Least Tern
Royal Tern
Sandwich Tern
Caspian Tern
Black Tern
Black Skimmer
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Eastern Kingbird
Tree Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Purple Martin
Fish Crow
Carolina Wren
Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Starling
White -eyed Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
House Sparrow
Bobolink
Eastern Meadowlark
Red -wing Blackbird
Boat -tailed Grackle
Common Grackle
Brown -headed Cowbird
Cardinal
.Indigo Bunting
Painted Bunting
Rufous -sided Towhee
Seaside Sparrow
Eastern Cottontail
Whitetail Deer
MAMMALS
145
SR*
SR*
PV
SV
T
T
PR*
PV
PR*
SV
PV
SV
WR
T
SV
SV
PV*
PV
PR*
PV
PV
SV
T
SV
PV
T
PV
T
PR*
PR*
PR*
PV
PV
PR*
SV
SV
PR*
PR*

NATURAL AREA INVENTORY
Basic Information Summary Sheet
1. Natural Area Name:
2. County: Pender
Rocky Point Marl Forest
3. Location: The original location of the Rocky Point Marl Forest was
north of NC 210 and SR 1516, about 1.5 miles northeast of the village
of Rocky Point, and situated on the old McRae property, now owned by
Oleander Corporation. This area was examined intermittently from
1968 until 1980, and a preliminary site description was prepared by Alan
S. Weakley. Around 1978 or 1979, the area was timbered, and while
none of the threatened species which were known from there were
harvested, it may be decades before this tract returns, if ever,
to any semblance of its former condition. Being familiar with the
original Rocky Point Marl Forest, we searched for other examples of
this unique vegetation assemblage in the area, and found two potential
candidates. One site, located on Batts property, northeast of the
McRae place, is comprised of little more than a small springy drainage
with very sparse outcroppings of the Castle Hayne limestone. A second
area was located which contains a sizeable population of nutmeg hickory --
one of the -dominant indicators-- and is now described as the Rocky
Point Marl Forest. This timber stand is located east of US 117, on
both sides (north and south) of SR 1517, beginning just east of Rocky
Point School, or about 0.6 miles east of US 117. Coordinates: 34°25'N,
770521W (FIGURE 23).
4. Topographic Quadrangle(s): Rocky Point, NC 1970, Mooretown, NC 1970
5. Size: 400 ac
6. Elevation: 25 ft to 30 ft above mean sea level
7. Access: Natural area may be reached by travelling east on SR 1517
from US 117, a road which is paved as far as Rocky Point School.
Continue on this road to a major overhead power line which passes
through the natural area, as does the right-of-way for Interstate 40.
8. Names of Investigators: S. W. Leonard Ricky Davis
•P. 0. Box 3475 126 Duncansby Court
Wilmington, NC 28406 Cary, NC 27511
9. Date(s) of Investigation: May -September 1981
10. Priority Rating: High
11A. Prose Description of Site: In southeastern North Carolina, outcrops
of the Castle Hayne limestone are usually restricted to bluffs along
146

St
117
?
vvdh
\ _ Fi'P Iyk
L ni
77
;410
W,
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FIGURE 23. Rocky Point Marl Forest Natural Area. Map scale: 1 in.
= 2 mi.
10VA

larger creeks and rivers. Seldom are these outcrops exposed above
the ordinary water level, and if they do occur at higher elevations,
any unusual plants which may temporarily become established there
are soon swept away by flood waters. In contrast to these rare
occurrences along creeks and rivers is a large area of Castle Hayne
limestone that crops out on the surface, or is buried beneath a few
inches of soil, in the vicinity of Rocky Point. The calcareous
substrate is mapped on the Pender County Soil Survey (1972) as an
Invershiel-Meggett soil association, but the better exposures of rock
are located between US 117 and the Northeast Cape Fear River.
Along SR 1517, a flat wooded area has been recognized for several
years by the senior author as floristically unusual, but never
examined extensively. These woodlands can be immediately recognized
by several botanical indicators. Wet, swampy areas often have a
very dense understory (shrub stratum) of the dwarf palmetto, Sabal
minor. The dominant forest is usually a mix of hardwood species,
but not the common oak -hickory association which is found elsewhere
in the State. Basswood is a common canopy component along woodland
borders, and pines are very infrequent, if at all present in any given
stand. In deciduous forests the spring flora is sometimes notable;
here, it is not unusually diverse, but the associates may be uncommon.
For example, the red buckeye is very abundant, and in some parts of
the woodlands, the wild ginger, Asarum. Species more commonly found
in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge sometimes reach their eastern range
limits in these forests. In woodlands with circumneutral soils, we
have collected such taxa as Collinsonia canadensis, Thalictrum
thalictroides, Anemone virginiana, and Silphium asteriscus. A few
noteworthy southern species reach the northern limits of their distribution
in this area.
Because the soil is sometimes rocky, gravelly, or fossiliferous,
the area is occasionally frequented by paleontologists or others
seeking sharks teeth, bones, or other animal remains. The natural
area provides many opportunities for research, and is one of the
most distinctive habitats in Pender County.
11B. Prose Description of Site Significance: Significant features of the
Rocky Point Marl Forest include a broad spectrum of geological, edaphic,
and biological elements. The most important feature to us is the
uniqueness of the total habitat-- a mixed hardwood forest developed
over a calcareous substrate. Plants of interest in this natural area
are nutmeg hickory (Carya myristicaeformis) which was first reported
from the McRae farm (only known county where it occurs in NC), Ruellia
strepens, also known only from this area in NC, Scirpus fontinalis, a
rare member of the sedge family, Cornus asperifolia, known only from
New Hanover and Pender Counties, and Carex willdenowii var. megarhyncha,
a variety collected only once from the McRae farm, and found elsewhere
in Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. Futher botanical investigation
will doubtlessly disclose other species of interest. With the exception
of the Maple Hill area, the Rocky Point Marl Forest probably has the
highest potential for new species occurrences as any place in the county.
148

12. Significance Summary (See TABLE 10)
Legal Status, Use, and Management
13. Ownership type by percent area: Private 90%; Public 10%
14. Number of Owners: At least 8
15. Name(s) of owner(s) and/or custodian(s) (with addresses, phone numbers,
and other pertinent information): State of NC (Interstate 40 right-of-way)
Harry Williams, Mrs. J. R. Croom, Rocky Point Elementary School, S. W.
Causey, Richard Shew, Daisy R. Ford Scott, Georgia-Pacific Co.
16. Name(s) of knowledgeable person(s) (with addresses, phone numbers, and
other pertinent information): None
17. Attitude of owner or custodian toward preservation (contacted?):
Owners were not contacted.
18. Uses of natural area: Hunting, timber harvest
19. Uses of surrounding land: Wildland 30%; Agricultural land 50%;
High -intensity forestry 10%; Developed 10%
20. Preservation Status: Category 3, 10%; Category 7, 90%
21. Regulatory protections in force: None known
22. Threats: Construction of I-40 will likely increase the potential
threat of development along the highway corridor. Other threats are
potential limestone extraction, borrow material for road fill, timber
harvest, clearance for agriculture.
23. Management and Preservation Recommendation: Protection of the forest
through acquisition is recommended. In this case, exclusion of fire
is required since the dominant woodland species to not have fire
tolerance.
Natural Characteristics Summary
24A. Vegetation - Biotic Community Summary
Community type: Mixed hardwoods/Sabal minor
Community cover type: Mixed hardwoods
General habitat feature: Hardwood forest over marl
Average canopy height: 50 ft
Estimated age of canopy trees: Various; 50 years
Canopy cover: Closed
Estimated size of community: 400 ac
Successional stage: Transient
Sere type: Lithosere?
149

TABLE 10. Significance summary of Rocky Point Marl Forest Natural Area.
Feature
Map Legend
Description of feature
Comparative assessment
Endangered or threatened sp.
1
Nutmeg hickory
Only known population in
NC in this area
Unusual species assemblage
2
Disjunct occurrences
One of two sites in county
and unique species
with Invershiel-Meggett soil
associations
assoc.; limestone at surface
or very shallow
Outstanding geologic feature
3
Castle Hayne limestone
Exploited resource; important
fossils and type locality in
general area
H
Ul
0

Common canopy species in community cover or community type (but not
dominant): Morus rubra, Quercus shumardii, Ulmus americana
Common sub -canopy or shrub stratum species in community cover or
community type (but not dominant): Cornus florida, Cercis canadensis,
Myrica cerifera
Common herb stratum species in community cover or community type
(but not dominant): Cardamine bulbosa, Dryopteris ludoviciana
Geranium maculatum, Arisaema triphyllum
24B. Soil Summary (by community type)
Soil series: Invershiel and/or Meggett
Soil classification: Alfisol
Soil association: Invershiel-Meggett
pH class: Depending upon depth of underlying limestone, strongly
acidic to moderately alkaline
Moisture class: Hydric
Source of information: Natural area inventory (preliminary) prepared
by Alan S. Weakley for McRae tract; Pender County General Soil Map,
USDA, SCS, 1972.
24C. Hydrology Summary (by community type)
Hydrologic System: Terrestrial to palustrine
Hydrologic subsystem: Mesic to interaqueous
Water chemistry: Fresh
Water regime: Intermittently flooded for palustrine system
Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Hydrology characterization: Somewhat poorly drained loamy sands and
calcareous clays over Eocene Castle Hayne limestone, intermittently
flooded, and draining into the Northeast Cape Fear River Basin.
24D. Topography Summary
Landform: Lowland plain
Shelter: Open to moderately sheltered
Aspect: Not applicable
Slope angle: Nearly level
Profile: Flat
Surface patterns: Flats, pans, slightly dissected by drainages
Position: Not applicable
25. Physiographic characterization of natural area: A mixed mesophytic
forest of a pelosere on a nearly level lowland plain, underlain by
limestone of the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain.
Geological Formation: Eocene Castle Hayne limestone
Geological Formation age: 40-50 million years
26. Summary - Endangered and threatened species
(1) Name of species: Carya myristicaeformis (JUGLANDACEAE) Nutmeg
hickory
Species legal status and authority: NC Endangered peripheral (Cooper
et al. 1977)
151

7
Number of populations on site: 1
Number of individuals per population: 40
Size or Maturity of individuals: Immature and mature
Phenology of population: Vegetative: 70%; Flowering: 0%; Fruiting 30%
General vigor of population: Vigorous
Disturbance or threats to population: Some trees were cut during
clearance for I-40; no other disturbances visible or known.
Habitat characteristics:
Plant community: Mixed hardwoods
Topography: Smooth
Soil series: Invershiel or Meggett
Microclimate: Not determined
Drainage basin: Northeast Cape Fear River
Other plants and animals present: Plants: Cornus asperifolia,
Cercis canadensis, Sabal minor, Quercus nigra, _Q. michauxii,
Tilia caroliniana; Animals: see attached master species lists.
(See FIGURE 24 for detailed map of endangered and threatened species locations)
152

FIGURE- 24. Significant features of Rocky Point Marl
Forest Natural Area. Code: (1) Endangered or threatened
species, (2) Unusual species assemblage, (3) Outstanding
geologic feature. Map scale: 1 in. = 1500 ft.
153

27. Master Species Lists:
VASCULAR PLANTS
(listed alphabetically by family)
ACANTHACEAE
Justicia ovata
Ruellia caroliniensis
R. strepens
ACERACEAE
Acer negundo
A. rubrum
A. saccharum ssp. floridanum
AIZOACEAE
Mollugo verticillata
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus radicans
ANNONACEAE
Asimina triloba
APIACEAE
Centella asiatica
Chaerophyllum tainturieri
Cryptotaenia canadensis
Sanicula canadensis
r S. marilandica
Sium suave
APOCYNACEAE
Apocynum cannabinum
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex opaca
ARACEAE
Arisaema triphyllum
Orontium aquaticum
Peltandra virginica
ARALIACEAE
Aralia spinosa
ARECACEAE
Sabal minor
ASPIDIACEAE
Athyrium asplenioides
Dryopteris ludoviciana
Polystichum acrostichoides
Thelypteris palustris
ASPLENIACEAE
Asplenium platyneuron
ARISTOLOCHIACEAE
Aristolochia serpentaria
Asarum canadense
ASCLEPIADACEAE
Asclepias variegata
Matelea gonocarpa
154

ASTERACEAE
Ambrosia artemesiifolia
Antennaria solitaria
Aster pilosus
Baccharis halimifolia
Elephantopus carolinianus
Erechtites hieracifolia
Eupatorium capillifolium
Senecio glabellus
Silphium asteriscus
Vernonia noveboracensis
BALSAMINACEAE
Impatiens capensis
BERBERIDACEAE
Podophyllum peltatum
BETULACEAE
Carpinus caroliniana
Ostrya virginiana
BIGNONIACEAE
Anisostichus capreolata
Campsis radicans
BLECHNACEAE
Woodwardia areolata
BRASSICACEAE
Cardamine bulbosa
C. pensylvanica
BROMELIACEAE
Tillandsia usneoides
CALLITRICHACEAE
Callitriche heterophylla
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Lonicera japonica
Sambucus canadensis
Viburnum dentatum var. lucidum
V. nudum
V. prunifolium
CELASTRACEAE
Euonymus americanus
CONVOLVULACEAE
Ipomoea lacunosa
I. pandurata
I. purpurea
I. trichocarpa
CORNACEAE
Cornus asperifolia
C. florida
C. stricta
CYPERACEAE
Carex debilis
C. glaucescens
Scirpus fontinalis
155

DIOSCOREACEAE
Dioscorea villosa
EBENACEAE
Diospyros virginiana
ERICACEAE
Vaccinium stamineum
FABACEAE
Amphicarpa bracteata
Cassia fasciculata
Cercis canadensis
FAGACEAE
Quercus alba
Q. lyrata
Q. michauxii
Q. nigra
Q. phellos
Q. shumardii
GERANIACEAE
Geranium carolinianum
G. maculatum
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Liquidambar styraciflua
HIPPOCASTANACEAE
Aesculus pavia
A. sylvatica
A. pavia X sylvatica
HYPERICACEAE
Hypericum mutilum
IRIDACEAE
Sisyrinchium sp.
JUGLANDACEAE
Carya aquatica
C. cordiformis
C. glabra
C. myristicaeformis
Juglans nigra
LAMIACEAE
Salvia lyrata
Teuchrium canadensis
LAURACEAE
Lindera benzoin
Persea borbonia
Sassafras albidum
LILIACEAE
Allium bivalve
Amianthemum muscaetoxicum
Smilax bona-nox
S. glauca
S. laurifolia
S. rotundifolia
156

LOGANIACEAE
Gelsemium sempervirens
LORANTHACEAE
Phoradendron serotinum
LYTHRACEAE
Lythrum lanceolatum
MAGNOLIACEAE
Liriodendron tulipifera
MENISPERMACEAE
Cocculus carolinus
MORACEAE
Morus rubra
MYRICACEAE
Myrica cerifera
OLEACEAE
Chionanthus virginicus
Fraxinus pensylvanica
F. tomentosa
Ligustrum sinense
ONAGRACEAE
Circaea lutetiana ssp. canadensis
Ludwigia palustris
L. virgata
Oenothera laciniata
OPHIOGLOSSACEAE
Botrychium virginianum
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea
PASSIFLORACEAE
Passiflora incarnata
P. lutea
PHRYMACEAE
Phryma leptostachya
PHYTOLACCACEAE
Phytolacca americana
PINACEAE
Pinus taeda
POACEAE
Arundinaria gigantea
Briza minor
Calamagrostis cinnoides
Digitaria sanguinalis
Echinochloa walteri
Eleusine indica
Elymus virginicus
Melica mutica
Panicum sp.
Poa autumnalis
Uniola laxa
157

POLYGONACEAE
Polygonum punctatum
Tovara virginiana
POLYPODIACEAE
Polypodium polypodioides
PORTULACACEAE
Claytonia virginica
PRIMULACEAE
Samolus parviflorus
PTERIDACEAE
Pteridium aquilinum
RANUNCULACEAE
Anemone virginiana
Clematis crispa
C. virginiana
Ranunculus carolinianus
R. recurvatus
RHAMNACEAE
Berchemia scandens
Ceanothus americanus
ROSACEAE
Agrimonia pubescens var. microcarpa
Duchesnea indica
Geum canadense
Prunus caroliniana
Rosa palustris
A Rubus argutus
R. betulifolius
R. flagellaris
R. hispidus
RUBIACEAE
Diodia virginiana
Galium circaezans
Houstonia purpurea
SALICACEAE
Salix caroliniana
S. nigra
SAXIFRAGACEAE
Decumaris barbara
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Mecardonia acuminata
Mimulus ringens
Penstemon australis
Verbascum blattaria
SELAGINELLACEAE
Selaginella apoda
STERCULIACEAE
Melochia corchorifolia
TILIACEAE
Tilia caroliniana
158

ULMACEAE
Celtis laevigata
Ulmus alata
U. americana
URTICACEAE
Boehmeria cylindrica
VALERIANACEAE
Valerianella radiata
VERBENACEAE
Callicarpa americana
Verbena brasiliensis
V. urticifolia
VITACEAE
Ampelopsis arborea
Parthenocissus quinquefolius
Vitis aestivalis
V. rotundifolia
AMPHIBIANS
Slimy Salamander
Southern Toad
REPTILES
Eastern Box Turtle
Black Racer
BIRDS
Key
PR = Permanent resident
SR = Summer resident
WR = Winter resident
T = Transient, spring or fall
PV, SV, WV - Visitor; permanent, summer, or winter
* = Breeding or suspected breeding at site
Great Blue Heron PV
Green Heron
SV
Wood Duck
PV
Turkey Vulture
PV
Red-tailed Hawk
PV
Red -shouldered Hawk
PR*
Bobwhite
PR*
Rock Dove
PV
Mourning Dove PR*
Yellow -billed Cuckoo SR*
159

Chimney Swift
SV
Ruby -throated Hummingbird
SR*
Common Flicker
PR*
Pileated Woodpecker
PR*
Red -bellied Woodpecker
PR*
Hairy Woodpecker
PR*
Downy Woodpecker
PR*
Eastern Kingbird
SV
Great Crested Flycatcher
SR*
Eastern Phoebe
WR
Acadian Flycatcher
SR*
Barn Swallow
SV (?)
Purple Martin
SV (?)
Blue Jay
PR*
Common Crow
PV
Fish Crow
PV
Carolina Chickadee
PR*
Tufted Titmouse
PR*
White -breasted Nuthatch
PR*
Brown -headed Nuthatch
PR*
Carolina Wren
PR*
Mockingbird
PR*
Brown Thrasher
PR*
Wood Thrush
SR*
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
SR*
Starling
PR*
' White -eyed Vireo
SR*
Yellow -throated Vireo
SR*
Red -eyed Vireo
SR*
Black -and -white Warbler
T
Prothonotary Warbler
SR*
Swainson's Warbler
SR*
Northern Parula Warbler
SR*
Yellow Warbler
T
Black -throated Blue Warbler
T
Yellow -throated Warbler
SR*
Blackpoll Warbler
T
Prairie Warbler
SR*
Ovenbird
T
Louisiana Waterthrush
T
Kentucky Warbler
SR*
Common Yellowthroat
PR*
Yellow -breasted Chat
SR*
Hooded Warbler
SR*
American Redstart
T
House Sparrow
PV
Bobolink
T
Eastern Meadowlark
PV
Red -winged Blackbird
PV
160

Orchard Oriole
SR*
Common Grackle
PR*
Brown -headed Cowbird
PR*
Summer Tanager
SR*
Cardinal
PR*
Indigo Bunting
SR*
Rufous -sided Towhee
PR*
Field Sparrow
pp
White -throated Sparrow
WR
Opossum
Raccoon
Marsh Rabbit
Whitetail Deer
MAMMALS
161

a
REFERENCES
Cooper, John E., Sarah S. Robinson, and John B. Funderburg, eds. 1977.
Endangered and threatened plants and animals of North Carolina.
Proceedings of the Symposium on Endangered and Threatened Biota
of North Carolina, Meredith College, Raleigh; November 7-8, 1975.
N. C. St. Mus. Nat. Hist. publication, Raleigh.
Renfro, H. B. and Dan E. Feray. 1978. Geological Highway Map of the
Mid -Atlantic Region. American Association of Petroleum Geologists,
Map No. 4, Tulsa, OK.
Soil Conservation Service. 1972. General Soil Map of Pender County,
North Carolina. U. S. Dept. Agri., Raleigh.
Wells, B. W. 1946. Vegetation of Holly
Area. N. C. Dept. Cons. and Dev.,
No. 2, Raleigh.
162
Shelter Wildlife Management
Game and Inland Fisheries Bulletin