Alaska Research Natural Areas. 3. Serpentine Slide

摘要

The 1730-hectare Serpentine Slide Research Natural Area (RNA) contains exposuresof serpentinite that are toxic to most vegetation. Bupleurum triradiatum is the vascular plant most tolerant of serpentine. A 9-hectare natural earth flow has destroyed most vegetation in its path. The RNA contains 150 year-old flood-plain white spruce forest, shrubland, and open gravel bars; slope forests of white spruce, aspen, and mixed paper birch and white spruce; and treeline and alpine tundra. The area contains several beaver dams, lodges, and ponds that modify the flood plain and provide habitat for waterfowl and shore birds. The flood plain serves as a habitat corridor for grizzly bear and other wildlife. Warm, dry, south-facing bluffs support one of the northern-most known populations of the grass Agropyron spicatum.