Key Ecological Features

South Hill Natural Area in Late Winter. [Photo Courtesy of Jack Haurin]

Featured Document

Complete Rare Species List: South Hill

Featured Document

Forest Types Map: South Hill Natural Area

Featured Document

South Hill: Color Coded Forest Type Map

The South Hill Natural Area encompasses a Tompkins County Unique Natural Area. The Tompkins County Environmental Management Council describes Unique Natural Areas as "sites with outstanding environmental qualities...that are deserving of special attention for preservation and protection."

South Hill Natural Area has received this designation because of two rare communities found here, the perched Swamp White Oak swamp and the Pitch Pine heath barrens.

Perched Swamp White Oak Swamp: This community is rare at both the local and state levels. Shallow depressions in the bedrock at the top the hill retain water, creating seasonal swamp conditions despite the elevated position. Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) is the dominant tree species. The native hirsute and glaucous sedges are found here.

Pitch Pine Heath Barrens: on the western rim. Species include Maleberry, Pitch Pine, Scarlet Oak, Red Cedar, Red Maple, American Crabapple, and Quaking Aspen. This community is very shallow to bedrock with a high cover of shrub species.

Click here for a map depicting the UNA (Unique Natural Area) designations of Tompkins County. South Hill Natural Area is UNA-154.