Base of Staircase

This area’s forested slopes, floodplain forest, wetland, meadow, seeps, and stream banks allow for a rich variety of plants to grow in this 15-acre preserve. The soil of the forest floor is exceptionally high in nutrients carried by rainwater flowing from the forested slopes. The path of Fall Creek once followed the base of these “bowl-shaped” hillsides before finding its current path. The slight depression left by the old path of the creek, called a meander scar, is home to wetland species such as skunk cabbage (pictured) and marsh marigold (pictured). The loose soil on the hillsides, primarily glacial deposits, is ideal for fox to make their dens.