TN Division of Natural Areas

Description: Vesta Cedar Glade and Cedars of Lebanon SNA Forest Bathing

Location: TN Division of Natural Areas

Come Forest Bathing at Vesta Glade and Cedars of Lebanon Forest State Natural Areas. This will be a morning of forest bathing Middle Tennessee style! Forest Bathing is what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku which means bathing in the forest atmosphere. Vesta Cedar Glade is a 150-acre natural area and Cedars of Lebanon Forest is a 1,043-acre natural area in Wilson County. Vesta and Cedars of Lebanon are comprised of cedar glades, barrens and cedar-hardwood forest communities. It is a flat landscape with exposed limestone outcropping and sinkhole features that are characteristic of the karst topography that influences cedar glade ecology. Vesta is most noteworthy because it supports a large abundance of Tennessee coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis), which was delisted as a federally endangered species in September 2011.  Cedars of Lebanon Forest is part of the largest contiguous cedar glade-barrens complex in public ownership and was one of the first natural areas designated in 1974. The landscape scale size of the natural areas encompasses nearly all the plant communities associated with the karst topography in Middle Tennessee that supports cedar glades and barrens ecosystems. The natural areas also provide many excellent examples of cedar-hardwood and hardwood forest community types, particularly where topography varies and there are rolling hills. David Lincicome will offer an opportunity to explore these areas while utilizing your senses and focusing on relaxation. During the morning participants will visit three separate areas within the natural areas visiting its glades, barrens/savanna and forests. A hiking trail will be used to navigate to the sites but at each site we will take an opportunity to slow down, relax and utilize our senses to experience the uniqueness of these natural communities. Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket or stool to sit on at each site and a journal to keep track of your experience or thoughts after each stop. Participants should wear sturdy boots, bring a snack, water and bug spray. The trip will be canceled if there is heavy rain or severe weather predicted.