Williston
Ecological Landscape
Williston’s ecological landscape is a tapestry of interactions among its component parts, as well as with the physical landscape and the cultural landscape.
Vegetation grows in close association with certain types of soils and is significantly influenced by past and current human land use.
Wildlife habitats vary according to each individual species. The topography, climate, and types of vegetation present are important factors that determine where an animal can live. Grassland birds, such as the bobolink and the savannah sparrow, inhabit Williston’s agricultural fields while medium-sized mammals like the fisher and the bobcat inhabit the forested foothills. Many animals, in turn, play important roles in the lives of plants by dispersing seeds and pollinating flowers. Certain animals can also tell us about the condition of the landscape. Amphibians require clean water to breed. Bobcats require relatively large tracts of intact forest in which to hunt for food.
There are many stories written on the ecological landscape that are exciting to explore. They can tell us a great deal about how all of the pieces Williston’s natural and cultural features fit together.