CCVA Fact Sheet: Meadows and Marshlands
Meadows are open grasslands where grass and other non-woody plants are the primary vegetation. With no tree
coverage, meadows are typically open, sunny areas that attract flora and fauna that require both ample space and
sunlight. These conditions allow for the growth of many wildflowers and are typically important ecosystems for
pollinating insects. Marshlands are like meadows in that they typically have no tree coverage and host primarily
grasses and woody plants. However, a defining characteristic of marshlands is their wetland features.
Predicted climate change will largely impact changes in temperature and moisture availability in meadows and
marshlands systems, likely having a cascading effect on a species habitat and increasing stress to many of these
species. The Appalachian LCC funded NatureServe to conduct vulnerability assessments on a suite of plants,
animals, and habitats within the Appalachians. These assessments can be used as an early warning system to alert
resource managers about changing conditions.
Publication Date: 2018
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