Habitats

The UM Field Station lies within the Eocene Hills of the interior coastal plain of the Southeastern U.S. and is characterized primarily by sandy and sandy-loam soils. Research opportunities include wetlands, grasslands and closed-canopy forests. The forested stands are mixtures of shortleaf pine and oaks with loblolly pine, sweetgum, red maple, winged elm and black gum. Sandy seepage areas at the base of slopes support the highest plant diversity. Natural and constructed wetlands, including more than 200 experimental ponds ranging from 0.1 to 2 acres available for comparative studies, are fed by springs and small streams. Pond water depths are typically about 1 meter but can be adjusted. An aviary for study of wild turkeys is located in a remote area.