Visitors to the WMA will find mature hardwood forest, young hardwood forest, and dense vegetation along crystalline streams, as well an open oak savanna community. The Wartburg entrance leads visitors to a place where the forest understory is outstanding, hosting high densities of bigleaf magnolia, eastern redbud, slippery elm, devil’s walkingstick (Aralia spinosa), sourwood, and evergreen rhododendron. In the eastern section of the site, the forest canopy is dense, setting a mysterious mood through dim light. Uncommon birds on the Cumberland Plateau find habitat at Catoosa. Such species include Red-headed Woodpecker (very high densities), Prairie Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, White-eyed Vireo, and Common Yellowthroat. Occasionally a Swainson’s Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, or a river otter can be seen through the dense foliage along the stream edges. Wild Turkey, White-tailed Deer, and Ruffed Grouse are also present on the site.
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