Buckhannon in Upshur County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
West Virginia Wesleyan College
A Study of Ecological Succession
Photographed by Bradley Owen, March 10, 2025
1. West Virginia Wesleyan College Marker
Students in several biology classes at Wesleyan are using this area to study the process of ecological succession, the gradual change in species in a community over time. What you are viewing is secondary succession in four plots, each is 13m x 14m. The two rear plots were plowed in July 1999 while the two front plots were maintained as lawn until October 1999. Since that time the area has been undisturbed except for the students surveying the vegetation each fall. What differences in the front and rear areas do you notice? Do you notice any differences between the two rear plots? Can you think of any environmental factors that might be responsible?
Erected by West Virginia Wesleyan College Department of Biology.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Environment • Science & Medicine. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1999.
Location. 38° 59.558′ N, 80° 12.744′ W. Marker is in Buckhannon, West Virginia, in Upshur County. It can be reached from the intersection of Wood Street and Walktrail Lane, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on the Buckhannon
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Two Buddies & An Angel (within shouting distance of this marker); Juglans nigra (black walnut) (within shouting distance of this marker); Juglans cinerea (butternut, or white walnut) (within shouting distance of this marker); Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) (within shouting distance of this marker); Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental bittersweet) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Castanea dentata x mollissima (Dunstan chestnut)
Photographed by Bradley Owen, March 10, 2025
2. West Virginia Wesleyan College Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, March 10, 2025
3. Marker Located Across The Walking Trail
A cooperative program between the City of Buckhannon and West Virginia Wesleyan College is preserving the natural areas along the River Walk and at the same time protecting the river bank from erosion. Each fall these areas are used by several classes at Wesleyan, and they also decorate the River Walk with colorful wildflowers. In order for the native flora to flourish, mowing in these areas will only take place every 2-3 years. Get out your wildflower books and see how many species you can find!
Credits. This page was last revised on March 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 12, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
