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, eastern redcedar trees, and ability to withstand extreme climate conditions. They support many endemic species that exist almost nowhere else in the world.

 

 

A limestone cedar glade at Stones River National Battlefield.

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Cedar Glade Zones

MTSU

What is a cedar glade?

A cedar glade is a rare habitat found primarily in middle Tennesse. Cedar refers to the eastern redcedar trees that surround the glades, which are open areas with little to no trees. A better name is limestone cedar glades because they are characterized by exposed limestone bedrock and thin, rocky topsoil.

• Limestone: A soft rock that can easily be broken down through chemical weathering.

• Cedar: Refers to the tree species that typically surrounds the area, the eastern redcedar.

• Glade: An open area surrounded by trees.

Not all limestone cedar glades look the same. This is because they can be categorized into 'zones' ranging from exposed rock where nothing grows (zone 1) to cedar, oak, and hickory forest (zones 5-6).

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

 

Flat Rock Cedar Glades and Barrens State Natural Area

NPS

What makes cedar glades unique?

The exposed limestone bedrock we see today 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.

Climate events and harsh elements shaped these habitats and life in them. Many of the plants, animals, and other living things that live in cedar glades have developed traits to help them survive cold winters, wet springs, and hot, dry summers. Throughout the year, native species thrive in somewhat desert-like conditions.

Some plants 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 can go long periods of time without rain because they can store water.

 

Tennessee Coneflowers

NPS

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 agencys such as the National Park Service can work together to protect natural resources for future generations.

 

Stones River National Battlefield Cedar Glade and Barrens were designated as a Tennessee State Natural Area in 2003.

NPS

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 occuring 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.

 

Cedar glades are protected areas.

NPS

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

NPS