TN Division of Natural Areas

Description: Vesta Cedar Glade and Cedars of Lebanon State Natural Areas Hike

Location: TN Division of Natural Areas

Come enjoy spring wildflowers at Vesta Glade and Cedars of Lebanon State Natural Areas. Vesta Cedar Glade is a 150-acre natural area and Cedars of Lebanon is a 2,690-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 a guided hike through Vesta Glade and into a portion of the adjacent Cedars of Lebanon state natural area. During the walk participants will hike throughout the natural areas visiting its glades, barrens and forests. A hiking trail will be used at Vesta but no hiking trail exists on the area to be visited at Cedars of Lebanon so participants should wear sturdy boots. Attendees should also bring a snack, water and bug spray. The trip will be canceled if there is heavy rain or severe weather predicted.