The Ridge and Valley ecoregion stretches a long way from north to south. It is tucked between much higher and more rugged mountain ranges. This region covers parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. The landscape is made of long, parallel ridges and rolling valleys that run from the northeast to the southwest. These ridges were created by extreme folding and faulting of the earth's crust a long time ago. Some of the higher ridges reach up to 4,921 ft (1,500 m). Because the ground is made of many different materials like limestone, sandstone, shale, and marble, the valleys are very diverse.

The weather changes quite a bit as you travel from north to south. In the northern parts, winters can be severe with freezing temperatures and heavy snow. In the southern parts, the winters are much milder. Throughout the whole region, summers are usually hot and very humid. Rain and snow fall throughout the year, typically between 35 in (900 mm) and 53 in (1,350 mm). The number of frost-free days can range from 125 to 235 depending on where you are.

Water flows through this region in a very special way called a trellised pattern. Small streams run down the sides of the ridges and meet larger, slower rivers in the valleys at right angles. The region is also known for having many natural springs and caves, and there are several large reservoirs in the southern areas.

The plants and animals here are very varied. In the north, you will mostly see Appalachian oak forests. As you move south, the forests change to include more hickory and pine trees. The soil is very diverse and healthy, which helps all these different plants grow. The woods are home to many animals like white-tailed deer, black bears, and bobcats. You can also find red foxes, gray foxes, raccoons, and skunks. Small animals like muskrat, mink, and cottontail rabbits live here too. Birds like the bald eagle, wild turkey, and bright red cardinal are common. In the water, you can find different types of fish such as sculpins, minnows, and darters.

Much of the land is a mix of woodlands, pastures, and crop fields. About half of the region is still covered by forests, but much of the rest is used for farming. In the south, farmers often grow crops like corn, soybeans, tobacco, and cotton. Other areas are used to raise cattle for beef and dairy. A fun fact about this region is that the way the streams flow makes the landscape look like a garden trellis when viewed from high above.

My Sweet Heaven

Planting Areas

East

West

Bog/Pond

Wildlife Features

About the Ridge and Valley ecoregion

About the Mahannon Creek-Schuylkill River watershed