This forest is found on many of the park’s upper slopes, often facing south or west—which means lots of direct sunlight that can dry out the soil. That’s why “dry” is in the name of the community. However, the slopes are not as exposed and the soil is not as dry as in areas where Chestnut Oak Forest grows. But it is certainly drier than soil lower on the slope or in coves, where moisture and soil can accumulate to create a rich environment for plants. Ecobit: How Topography Creates Microclimates

Weverton quartzite, the bedrock beneath this natural community, doesn’t contain many minerals that would act as plant nutrients, so the soil is acidic and infertile.