Description: Discovered in 1992 by Jim Allison while surveying the Cahaba River for Sedum neviusii, these glades are home to over 60 rare plants, 8 of which are endemic. The glades are comprised of dolomite with high levels of magnesium, an element usually toxic to plants. The soil formed from this rock has induced adaptations leading to unique species. For our trip, we expect to see Alabama pinkroot (Spigelia alabamensis), Cahaba prairie clover (Dalea cahaba), Cahaba paintbrush (Castilleja kraliana), Mohr’s Barbara buttons (Marshallia mohrii), Cahaba daisy fleabane (Erigeron strigosus var. dolomitica), and possibly small horsenettle (Solanum pumilum), a plant that was thought to be extinct for over 100 years. The second day of our trip will see us return to the glades to look for plants we might have missed on Saturday, then finish up at the Cahaba River to catch the last of the Cahaba lilies (Hymenocallis coronaria).

Meeting Places/Times: Lobby of Hampton Inn, Calera at 9:15 AM CDT (preferred place to stay and meet) or the parking area of Kathy Stiles Freeland Bibb County Glades Preserve at 10:00 AM CDT.
Difficulty: Moderate. The glades are on hillside slopes and the rock outcrops are jagged.
Lunch: Bring to eat in the field.
Facilities: At hotel. There are no facilities at the glades.
Leaders: Bart Jones, email – bjones7777@hotmail.com, Ph. 901–485–2745. Plus, special guest leader Jim Allison.