Conservation Status and Classification

How vulnerable is a natural community to being eliminated? How similar or dissimilar is it to other natural communities? These questions are answered by naming and classifying natural communities, which helps us identify them and understand where each is found.

The U.S. National Vegetation Classification is the standard often used to classify natural communities.

Conservation Status

Conservation status indicates how vulnerable a natural community is. Learn more about conservation status, which can be measured globally and regionally.

Global Conservation Status: G2 – Imperiled

Subnational Conservation Status:

MD: SNR – Not yet assessed

;

VA: S2 – Imperiled

Classification

Official names reduce the confusion by providing a common language for talking about natural communities. Why so many names?

Abbreviated Common Name: Basic Woodland

Common Name: Basic Woodland (Central Appalachian)

Scientific Name: Fraxinus americana - Carya glabra / Muhlenbergia sobolifera - Helianthus divaricatus - Solidago ulmifolia Woodland

Scientific Name Translated: White Ash - Pignut Hickory / Rock Muhly - Woodland Sunflower - Elmleaf Goldenrod Woodland

Classification Code: CEGL003683

Associated Ecological System: Mafic Glades and Barrens Ecological System in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park