Mixed hardwood - pine forest by Jerry Schoen

A mixed hardwood forest, with some pine. Oak is the predominate hardwood in this stand; maple and yellow birch are also present. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is common in the understory of this forest stand, particularly in the center portion, which is lower, wetter ground. Pine saplings can be seen on far left, distant middle left, and far right, all of which are on higher ground.

This area lies within the Worcester Plateau subregion of the Northeastern Highlands ecoregion, (according to the EPA classification scheme: www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions/level_iii.htm  . See also a map of level iv (sub) ecoregions:
www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions/mactri_eco.htm 
According to EPA, "The Northeastern Highlands contain nutrient poor soils blanketed by northern hardwood and spruce fir forests... The Worcester Plateau includes the most hilly areas of the central upland with a few high monadnocks and mountains. Forests are transition hardwoods and some northern hardwoods. Forested wetlands are common."