Shallow Limestone Upland Glade/Woodland

Description

Glade/Woodland reference sites harbor a wide diversity of plants and animals. Many, like little bluestem, Indiangrass, and sideoats grama, are also found on prairies. But others, such as Missouri coneflower and calamint are only found on limestone/dolomite glades. Desert-adapted animals, like scorpions and tarantulas, also occupy healthy glades. The glade/woodland complexes range from wide open grassy areas with shallow soils and bare bedrock, to areas with widely scattered chinkapin oak and post oak on locations with soil depths at the deeper extreme of the range for this soil component. On protected slopes, open woodlands are more common. Here the deeper soil depth range for this soil component and protected aspects allow more woody components to dominate. While many have suffered from grazing and fire suppression, good examples can still be found.

Submodel

Description

This state is dominated by eastern redcedar with large increases of oak density due to extended periods of fire suppression. This state can form relatively even-age stands, dating to when fire suppression became the dominant management characteristic on the site. Canopy closures can approach 100% with little or no ground flora. Transition back to the reference state may require a number of prescribed fire events and thinning out of excess woody species. This state also can transition to a grazed state (State 3) with the introduction of domestic livestock.

Submodel

Description

The Grazed Glade/Woodland State has reduced cover, diversity and vigor of native glade/woodland flora. Woody species encroachment, particularly by eastern redcedar, has also increased in this state. Potential physical site damage by uncontrolled livestock grazing may further degrade this State.

Submodel