Glade

The most unique community of plants and animals at SNR are the numerous glades which occur within the Ozark upland forest. Glades are naturally occurring open areas dominated by herbaceous flora. At SNR, glades only occur on outcrops of thin-bedded dolomitic rocks. The combination of rock type, steep slopes, and direction of slope (south or west) produces a hot, extremely dry environment with thin, rocky soil which will not support the growth of trees. However, the wildflowers which bloom there are breathtakingly beautiful. Missouri evening primrose, pale purple coneflower, birdsfoot violet, Indian paintbrush, and the rare Fremont's leather flower bloom during the period of April to July. The plains scorpion and tarantula spider are both found in the desert-like conditions of the glades.

Cresent Knoll Glade Overlook

The Crescent Knoll Overlook, # 9 on the SNR map , is located a short walking distance to the west of the Maritz Trail House. This beautifully crafted structure provides panoramic views of the Meramec River valley and acres of dolomite limestone glade habitat. A diversity of plant and animal life can be observed at this location, including numerous species of wildflowers, butterflies and birds. Seasonally changing interpretive flip cards provide photographs and natural history information for commonly observed species. A viewing scope gives visitors the opportunity to take a closer look at the diversity of plants and animals that inhabit this area. The overlook is accessible to wheelchairs from the west end of the Maritz Trail House parking lot.

Glade boardwalk

Just 100 yards south on the Wildflower Trail from the Maritz Trail House, # 8 on the SNR map, is the glade boardwalk. This 300 foot structure was built using eastern red cedar lumber milled from trees harvested at SNR as part of the ongoing glade restoration effort. The boardwalk provides visitors a closer look at the glade ecosytem while proteching the fragile plant life and thin soil of this unique natural area. In spring the glade is alive with Indian paintbursh, bird's foot violet, Fremont's leather flower, pale purple cone flower, Missouri evening primrose and other species of native wildflowers and grasses that thrive in glade habitats.