🏆🏆 Named for TN’s Pioneering Botanist — Cedar glade honoring the scientist who championed glade conservation
Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade State Natural Area honors Dr. Elsie Quarterman (1910–2014), the Vanderbilt University ecologist who spent six decades studying and advocating for the conservation of cedar glades. Dr. Quarterman was among the first scientists to recognize the global significance of Nashville Basin cedar glades and their endemic species, and her advocacy led to the protection of numerous glade sites across Tennessee. This natural area preserves one of the glades she studied and fought to protect.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Nashville, TN |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Habitat | Cedar glade (globally rare) |
| Namesake | Dr. Elsie Quarterman (1910–2014), Vanderbilt ecologist |
| Significance | Pioneer of cedar glade conservation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elsie Quarterman?
Dr. Elsie Quarterman was a Vanderbilt University plant ecologist who studied cedar glades for over 60 years. She identified them as globally unique ecosystems, discovered endemic species, and fought to protect them from development. She is considered the “mother of cedar glade conservation.”
About Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade
Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade State Natural Area in Davidson County honors Dr. Elsie Quarterman — the Vanderbilt University botanist who spent decades studying and advocating for cedar glade preservation. The glade protects globally rare limestone outcrop habitat with endemic plants. Dr. Quarterman’s research helped establish cedar glades as a distinct ecosystem worthy of protection.
Things to Do
Observing endemic cedar glade plants, learning about Dr. Quarterman’s pioneering conservation work, botanical photography, and studying one of the world’s rarest ecosystems — right in the Nashville metropolitan area.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Long Hunter State Park (a short drive away) or Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area (a short drive away).
🌼 Visit Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade SNA
Named for the scientist who saved Tennessee’s cedar glades — globally rare endemic wildflowers.
Wildlife & Nature
Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glade SNA — named for the Vanderbilt botanist who pioneered cedar glade ecology — preserves a globally rare limestone cedar glade. The park’s endemic wildflowers bloom on thin-soiled limestone outcrops. Eastern fence lizards and box turtles inhabit the glades.
Nearby Attractions
Nashville area — surrounding. Long Hunter SP — nearby. Percy Priest Lake — nearby.
