Cedar Glades

Stones River National Battlefield is home to limestone cedar glades, a rare ecosystem found primarily in the Central Basin of middle Tennessee. Limestone cedar glades are characterized by their exposed limestone, rocky soil, cedar trees, and ability to withstand extreme climate conditions. They support many plant species that exist almost nowhere else in the world.

 

 

A limestone cedar glade at Stones River National Battlefield.

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Flat Rock Cedar Glade and Barrens State Natural Area

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What are cedar glades?

Cedar glades are rocky, open areas surrounded by trees. A better name is limestone cedar glades because the open areas are characterized by exposed limestone bedrock and thin, gravelly topsoil. These ecosystems are defined by their unique environmental conditions, receiving intense sunlight in the center and minimal light under surrounding forest cover. The spectrum of light, temperature, and moisture allows a wide variety of life to occur here. Limestone cedar glades are rare, found primarily in middle Tennessee, but a few are known to exist in surrounding states.

• Limestone: A soft rock that easily breaks down through chemical weathering.

• Cedar: The tree species that typically surrounds the area, the eastern redcedar, which is actually a juniper.

• Glade: An open area surrounded by trees.
  
  Other types of glades include dolomite glades, chert glades, sandstone glades, and igneous glades.

 

Tennessee's only native cactus, the eastern prickly pear, thrives in cedar glades in desert-like conditions.

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What makes cedar glades unique?

Limestone cedar glades are special because of their geologic history. The exposed limestone bedrock formed over hundreds of millions of years ago in a shallow sea. Shifting tectonic plates formed a raised dome in the area and new layers of rock were deposited. Over time, the upper layers of rock eroded, exposing the limestone rock layer. Exposed limestone bedrock and rocky soil provide a variety of surfaces, cracks, and crevices for a diversity of plants, animals, fungi, and cyanobacteria.

Environmental factors and harsh elements shape these habitats and life in them. Many of the plants, animals, and other living things in cedar glades have developed traits to help them survive throughout the year, experiencing cold winters, wet springs, and hot, dry summers. During some parts of the year, native species thrive in desert-like conditions.

Cedar trees produce long root systems that grow through cracks and fissures in the rock to find water. Other plants grow shallow roots outwards to absorb surface water. A few plants, such as the eastern prickly pear cactus, can go long periods of time without rain because they store water. Mosses and lichens thrive on rocky surfaces where they create their own microclimate, regulating temperature and moisture.

 

Tennessee Coneflowers

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Endemic Species

Several plant species in this area are endemic to cedar glades. Endemic means they only live in a specific habitat or geographic location. Species endemic to cedar glades develop traits that help them survive in the harsh environmental conditions. They can become highly specialized, but this often means they can't survive as well outside of their habitat or small geographic range.

An Icon of the Cedar Glades

The Tennessee coneflower is one of many endemic plants that live in the cedar glades, but it has a special story. This iconic purple flower was one of the first plants to be listed as endangered. However, successful conservation efforts resulted in a remarkable recovery for the species and the coneflower was in delisted in 2011.

The story of the Tennessee coneflower is a symbol of successful conservation. This is just one example of how individuals, organizations, and federal agencies such as the National Park Service can work together to protect natural resources for future generations.

 

Light intensity and temperature are highest towards the center of glades, soil depth and moisture increase further away from the center of glades.

MTSU Center For Cedar Glade Studies

Restoring Cedar Glades

Over the last several decades, limestone cedar glades have gained attention for their ecological significance, which was previously not well understood. More recently, individuals, organizations, and agencies such as the National Park Service have stepped in to restore and protect cedar glades for future generations.

Natural resource management continues ongoing restoration of the limestone cedar glades in the park. Nonnative exotic plant removal allows native species to thrive in their natural habitat. Prescribed fire mimics the naturally occurring wildfires that shaped the land. Natural resource management uses prescribed fire to keep glades open and prevent overcrowding that shades smaller plants living close to the ground. Reducing foot traffic ensures delicate plant root systems and other living things are not damaged or harmed.

For more information, visit Friends of Stones River National Battlefield.

 

Flat Rock Cedar Glade and Barrens State Natural Area

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Studying Cedar Glades

Scientists studying cedar glades break the glades into zones to better understand these ecosystems and what lives in them.

• Zone 1: Exposed rock with no soil
  • Plants do not grow here.

• Zone 2: Gravel glades with 0-2 inches of soil
  • Cyanobacteria and some small flowering plants can grow here.

• Zone 3: Grassy glades with 2-8 inches of soil
  • Annual grasses and taller flowering plants grow here.

• Zone 4: Xeric limestone prairie with 8-12 inches of soil
  • Perennial grasses, lichens, and mosses can be found here.

• Zone 5: Cedar woods with greater than 12 inches of soil
  • Dominated by redcedar trees, upland privet, coralberry, and aromatic sumac.

• Zone 6: Oak hickory forest with greater than 12 inches of soil
  • Full of oak and hickory trees.

To learn more, visit Middle Tennessee State University Center for Cedar Glade Studies.

 

Cedar glades are protected areas.

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The Future of Cedar Glades

Limestone cedar glades are extraordinary ecosystems that support life found nowhere else on Earth. Stones River National Battlefield protects both the natural and cultural resources of the park, including the rare limestone cedar glades and the specially adapted species that live there. The glades are significant to the battle story, helping us interpret one of the more important battles of the Civil War.

How you can help protect the natural resources in the park:

• Stay on marked trails

• Keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife

• Dispose of waste properly

 

Tennessee Coneflowers

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