Cave-In-Rock Quarry
| Unique ecosystems exist at Cave-In-Rock Quarry including a high quality limestone glade |
The Lafarge / Collier Limestone Glade is a
oak-hickory mosaic containing dry oak
woodlands and limestone glades. It is one of
largest remnants of what was once the largest
continuous glade system that existed in Illinois.
Due to dry soil conditions, occasional fire and
periodic grazing, historically these glades were
much more open, and prairie grasses and
wildflowers were able to thrive. To restore these
fragile communities Lafarge is working with the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the
Nature Preserve Commission to progressively
manage and preserve these areas.
Recommendations for the area to improve and
maintain native plant and animal diversity within
the glade and adjacent dry upland forest
communities include: selective tree and shrub
removal to reduce successional species such as
eastern red cedar and flowering dogwood; and
prescribed burning every 3 to 5 years to improve
vegetation composition and maintain open areas.
These actions will ensure that this very rare
glade community continues into perpetuity.
oak-hickory mosaic containing dry oak
woodlands and limestone glades. It is one of
largest remnants of what was once the largest
continuous glade system that existed in Illinois.
Due to dry soil conditions, occasional fire and
periodic grazing, historically these glades were
much more open, and prairie grasses and
wildflowers were able to thrive. To restore these
fragile communities Lafarge is working with the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the
Nature Preserve Commission to progressively
manage and preserve these areas.
Recommendations for the area to improve and
maintain native plant and animal diversity within
the glade and adjacent dry upland forest
communities include: selective tree and shrub
removal to reduce successional species such as
eastern red cedar and flowering dogwood; and
prescribed burning every 3 to 5 years to improve
vegetation composition and maintain open areas.
These actions will ensure that this very rare
glade community continues into perpetuity.
