Meadows can be defined as an ecosystem in transition from an open
disturbed condition to a forested state having a variable mixture of
grasses, herbaceous plants and often small shrubs or trees. It is a grassy
area; a treeless area within a forest.
Meadows are important natural components of the lower montane foothills
ecosystem. They support a variety of wildlife and create a unique
transitional environment from the forested areas that surround them,
increasing the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. Historically,
stand-replacing fires would occur in patches or mosaics throughout the
landscape; the open areas created from these fires can be considered meadows
/ openings, grassland or shrub lands.
Some foothills forests are in an end stage of ecological succession; this
stage is a final stage that is “re-set” by either a natural disturbance
(fire) or with human manipulation (tree removal). An end stage of
ecological succession will have multiple tree generations, resulting in very
high tree densities. In Genesee this is often identified by the presence of
shade tolerant trees (Douglas-fir) growing in the understory of shade
intolerant trees (ponderosa pine). In other areas of the foothills forest
relatively recent disturbances have occurred, and the vegetation present in
these areas consists of herbaceous plants, grasses, forbs and shrubs.
The different ecosystems found in Genesee and the front range of Colorado
illustrate a change in vegetation communities or succession over time,
shifting from herbaceous plants and forbs to shrubs to shade-intolerant
trees and finally the presence of shade tolerant trees.
In contrast to other nearby Front Range foothills communities, Genesee
has an abundance of meadows within its property. This is partially due to
past grazing and farming in the area, as well as Genesee’s mining history.
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