Evaluation of the Nottingham Park Serpentine Barrens, Chester County, Pennsylvania,

(for its merit in meeting National Significance Criteria as a National Natural Landmark in Representing Serpentine Barrens as a Natural Feature in the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont Region).

by Lookingbill, T.R., Engelhardt, K.A.M., Florkowski, L.N., Churchill, J.B. and Ashley, L.J.

University of Maryland, Center for Environmental Science (2007)

Executive Summary

The National Natural Landmark (NNL) Program encourages the preservation of the Nation’s
biological and geological features. To qualify for NNL designation, a site must be one of the best
examples of a geological or biological feature within a biophysiographic province. A portion of
Nottingham County Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania has been identified as a potentially
outstanding example of a Serpentine Barren natural history sub-theme in the Piedmont
biophysiographic province of the Mid-Atlantic United States. The owners of the park have
consented to allow the site to be evaluated as a Potential National Natural Landmark (PNNL).
This evaluation considers whether the resources at Nottingham Park Serpentine Barrens are
intact, nationally significant, and deserving of NNL designation. It includes a characterization of
Serpentine Barren Ecosystems as they occur within the Piedmont, a site description of
Nottingham Park Serpentine Barrens PNNL, a comparative assessment of other serpentine sites
in the region, a final recommendation for designation, and a map of the recommended boundary.
Serpentine soils are unique geologically because they contain high concentrations of iron,
chromium, nickel and cobalt that are toxic to many plant species. This toxicity, in combination
with low nutrient concentrations and shallow soils, contributes to the development of unique
vegetation communities containing many rare and endemic plant species. These serpentine
communities are unusual in the Piedmont province of the Mid-Atlantic and therefore contribute
significantly to the natural history of the province. As such, consideration of a serpentine barren
in the Mid-Atlantic region is warranted to encourage the preservation of the region’s unique
natural features.

It is our recommendation that Nottingham PNNL meets the national significance criteria
required for the NNL Program. The proposed site supports shallow serpentine rock outcrops and
unique vegetation communities, especially serpentine grassland and open savanna communities.
Historic mine sites provide glimpses of the underlying geology, illustrate the history of human
use of the area, and also serve as good habitat for rare species. Prescribed burns and
mechanical removal will need to be continued on an annual basis to maintain open grasslands
and prevent invasion by invasive species, especially greenbriar (Smilax rotundifolia).
Nottingham PNNL supports several rare and endemic species, maintains a well-designed trail
system to provide access to the site, and is actively engaged in research and education. A
comparison with other serpentine barrens in the region identified Soldiers Delight Serpentine
Barrens in Maryland as equal in many significance criteria. Soldiers Delight is larger than
Nottingham PNNL and is in the midst of an ambitious restoration program. However,
Nottingham supports an intact pitch pine (Pinus rigida) population, which is uniquely illustrative
and occurs on few other barrens in the region. Nottingham is also centrally located with regards
to other Mid-Atlantic serpentine sites.

After considerable research, discourse with experts, and site visits we have come to the
conclusion that Nottingham PNNL contains the required biological and geologic feature to be
listed as a National Natural Landmark. We include a map of the proposed landmark boundary,
which delineates a total of 179 hectares.

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