The complex topography in the Central Appalachians will potentially provide refugia for the mixed mesophytic and cove forest ecosystem where some disjunct populations may persist.

Even the relatively flat areas of the Central Appalachians contain complex ridge systems and associated soil moisture regimes that support a high diversity of species. Although climate will largely determine a species’ potential range, the complexity of landscape characteristics, such as geophysical setting, landscape complexity, and connectivity create areas of microhabitat offering refugia against the effects of climate change. In the mountains, species may be able to migrate upwards more easily than northwards to escape warming temperatures.