Research primarily entails a floristic study of vascular plants of Highland Heights Community Park and adjoining territory. The study site is natural land within an urban area, i.e. a mix of developed and undeveloped land. Much undeveloped land remains, exhibiting an endangered species for Ohio (Solidago puberula) and certain species previously unreported for Cuyahoga County. The coexistence of different wetland subtypes – shallow marsh, wet meadow, shrub swamp, wooded swamp and wet forest make the study site ideal for floristic study and statistical comparisons. As a result of a floristic survey of the Park conducted during the first phase of the project, it has been determined that the entire study site is a part of a large wetland system with several distinct subtypes. Random observations of soils throughout he study area revealed hydric soil characteristics and study of the County level soil survey verified this. The inventory includes ca. 375 vascular plant species represented by four pteridophyte families, one gymnosperm family and about 77 angiosperm families. 31 obligate wetland indicators and 60 facultative wetland indicators have been documented. A Floristic Quality Assessment Index (FQI) for the research site was calculated based on the coefficient of conservatism values assigned by Andreas et al. A value of 50.5 was determined, indicating high quality habitat containing high fidelity plants. Research also includes description of the soil, geology, geography and climate of the area. This project will culminate with a description of areas worthy of preservation. The project has social ramifications. Underlying is the intention to assist Highland Heights in determining how best to use its undeveloped land and how best to allocate different portions for preservation versus recreation.

Key words: flora, floristic qualitative assessment index, inventory, wetland