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Roadside Ditches

Description

Roadside ditches are like small, intermittent streams that are regularly disturbed by clearing. They are usually shallow, almost level, and slow-moving. They are usually filled with weedy and introduced plants and form an important habitat for reptiles and amphibians.

Shallow roadside ditch

Shallow roadside ditch

Two of the most characteristic ditch weeds, Phragmites communis (Reed) and Lythrum salicaria (Purple loosestrife) are not common in the forest and are not found in forest ditches. These species are very invasive, though, and should be expected. Cattails (Typha X intermedia) grow in ditches outside the forest but inside, they are only found near dams.

Occurrence

Roadside ditches occur along the main forest roads, especially Continental Road.

Ecology

The plants found in any particular ditch are determined by chance and water level. Many ditches dry up completely between rains, and these are usually filled with grasses and hay-scented fern. Ditches that hold water or at least maintain a saturated soil are the most diverse, usually supporting many different plants, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.

Ditches are regularly scraped clear of sediment, so pioneer plants grow directly on mineral soil. If the ditch is not kept clear, organic material accumulates and forms a rich muck.

History

Ditches are temporary features of the landscape. Unless they are periodically cleaned, runoff brings in organic matter and soil, gradually filling the ditch.

Also Called

For general references see the reference page.

Photos: Kerry Barringer