Buffalo National River Plants

The vegetative community at Buffalo National River is rich and diverse. The ridges, bluffs, hillsides, and valleys provide a variety of habitats that support over 1500 plant species. The major forest types are the Floodplain, Mixed-Hardwood, Oak-Hickory, Oak-Pine, Cedar Glade and Beech. Forests, cultivated fields, and abandoned fields at different stages of ecological succession throughout the area support small herds of elk and other wildlife. These distinct habitats need various levels of management intervention to maintain their community composition. Management efforts range from simply protecting an area of concern from overuse to intense seasonal prescribed fire that maintains early succession communities.