Coupling of vegetation layers and environmental influences in a mature, second-growth Central Hardwood forest landscape

▶ The Ironton Unit of the Wayne National Forest is transitioning from oak-hickory to maple dominance. ▶ We quantified forest canopies as strong direct drivers of sapling and ground-flora vegetation. ▶ In our study, the canopy was the only direct driver of the sapling communities. ▶ Maple canopies provide a challenge for management designed to favor oak-hickory recruitment.