Butler Hollow Glades Natural Area

Butler Hollow contains an outstanding dolomite glade system. Glades are rocky, barren openings on moderate to steep slopes. They are dominated by grasses and flowering plants, with sparse woody vegetation. As a result of erosion and resistance to weathering, the bedrock is partially or completely exposed and the soil depth is very shallow, from 0-15 inches. Hot, dry conditions are common on glades during the summer, but soils may be seasonally saturated with water during spring, fall, and winter. This natural area represents a unique and irreplaceable facet of Missouri's natural heritage.

The glades at Butler Hollow are scattered along both sides of the valley. In a typical stair- step arrangement, regular outcrops of dolomite rock alternate with level areas of shallow soil and loose rock fragments. The glades can be as large as 10 acres and are located on the lower slopes of the hillsides. More than 350 species of plants contribute to the incredible floristic diversity of this natural area. Native grasses such as Indian grass, little bluestem, and sideoats gama are present on Butler Hollow Glades, with a few eastern red cedar and deciduous shrubs sprinkled about. The stark beauty of the glades is heightened by everchanging splashes of color provided by the array of wildflowers. Among them are wild hyacinth, pale purple coneflower, Missouri primrose, shooting star, Trelease's larkspur, orange puccoon, Indian paintbrush, and compass plant. Woody species include eastern red cedar, winged elm, fragrant sumac, gum bumelia, and Ashe's juniper. Bush's poppy mallow is one of the rare and uncommon wildflowers which occurs on the glades at Butler Hollow. The high quality of vegetation is indicated by the lack of exotics (plants brought to America from Europe or Asia).

Aside from the excellent example of a dolomite glade, in the dry limestone and dolomite forest of the upper ridges and in the drainageways, deep soil sites support mesic (moderately moist) forest species. Yellowwood (wl), black walnut, and basswood occur there, as does spicebush which is more commonly found in ravines and bottomland forests.

Wildlife at Butler Hollow Glades

The arid conditions on Butler Hollow Glades provide habitat for some species specialized for this desert-like setting. Perhaps one of the most interesting is the collared lizard, which is rarely seen in Missouri except on glades. This colorful animal, which can reach 14 inches in length, will bask on exposed rocks to absorb the sun's warmth. If you interrupt its sunbath, it will rise up on its hind legs and dash under a rock or into a crevice. Glade communities are home to some snakes, including the rough earth snake, eastern coachwhip snake (considered Missouri's fastest snake), Osage copperhead, and western pygmy rattlesnake. Listen for the call of the eastern narrowmouth toad, sometimes seen on the glades. It sounds like the "baaaa" of a lost lamb.

The Bachman's sparrow, endangered in Missouri, and the greater roadrunner, on the state watch list, might be spotted here. Invertebrates found on Butler Hollow Glades include the tarantula and the Missouri woodland swallowtail butterfly.

Ownership and Management

Owned and managed by USDA Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest - Cassville Ranger District.

Horseback riding, vehicular traffic, and collection of plants or animals are prohibited. Enjoy all other recreational activities allowed on the National Forest.

Additional Natural Areas

You may wish to visit nearby natural areas on the same day. Listed below are Mark Twain National Forest, National Park Service, and Missouri Department of Conservation natural areas. For more information on a particular site, check ownership and contact the Forest Service District Ranger office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service - Ozark National Scenic Riverways, or the Department of Conservation Wildlife District Supervisor in the town listed.

Size, Location, and Access

Three hundred eighty-five acres in Barry County. Portions of section 22 and 27, T21N, R27W, Eagle Rock 7.5 topographical quadrangle. There is no easy access to this natural area. General directions follow, but check with Cassville Ranger District office for further advice before visiting Butler Hollow Glades. From Cassville take state highway 112, nine miles south, turn left on Forest Service road 197 (Sugar Camp Scenic Drive). Follow 197 two miles to forest road 1004 on the right. Go up the hill 0.5 miles to the Sugar Camp Lookout Tower. Check the bulletin board here for current information about the natural area, then turn left at the gate and travel another 0.5 miles to parking.

Butler Hollow Glades Natural Area Map

Vicinity Map

BARRY 152 Butler Hollow Glades

Dolomite glade at Butler Hollow Glades Natural Area

Dolomite glade at Butler Hollow Glades Natural Area

A 385-acre area of the Mark Twain National Forest located east of Seligman in the E2/3 of Section 22 and the NE1/4, NW1/4 of Section 27, T21N, R27W, Eagle Rock 7.5 min. topographic map. Access is by Forest Service Roads 197 and 1004. Designated September 6, 1990.

Natural Features

An outstanding example of a dolomite glade in the western portion of the White River Section of the Ozark Natural Division. The area contains a diversity of glade species including Bush's poppy mallow, yellowwood, Ozark chestnut, Trelease's larkspur, narrowleaf gayfeather, glade goldenrod, soapberry, sideoats grama, wild hyacinth, shooting star and Missouri evening primrose. The presence of limestone glades and some unusual areas of mesic forest contributes to the diversity of natural communities on the area. For further information and a brochure of the site contact the District Ranger, Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District, P.O. Box 188, Ava, MO 65608, phone 417/683-4428.

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