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Description of Natural Values 



These ponds are scattered throughout southeastern North 

 Carolina. While it is generally recognized among ecologists 

 that they represent unique natural communities of great 

 Interest, no detailed studies have been accomplished. Mr. 

 David Duinond of Wilmington, North Carolina has, however, been 

 making observations on the natural history of these ponds for 

 about two years. His work represents the only attempt to 

 characterize these ponds. He has prepared a preliminary 

 report which includes observations on the Sunny Point ponds 

 as well as others in Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender 

 counties. Mr DuMond's report is included with his permission. 



Upland Natural Ponds in the Coastal Plain of Southeastern 



North Carolina 



David Dtj>iond 

 Route 2, Box A51-D 

 Wilmington, N. C. 



Scattered through southeastern North Carolina are severcil 

 hundred natural ponds of generally unknown origin. These 

 ponds are particularly apparent where they occur in sandy 

 upland woods composed of long leaf pine (Pinus palustris) , 

 turkey oak ( Quercus laevls ) , and wire grass ( Aristlda stricta ) 

 in Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties. Matrix 

 terrestrial vegetation is not limited to this type. 

 Origin H ypothesis : 



Several hypotheses, both published and unpublished, have 

 been generated by geologists as to the origins of these ponds. 



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