Clover Lick is one of several barrens plant communities which offer a mid-summer wildflower-viewing site in contrast to the floral bloom of spring ephemerals. This rare natural community offers the forest visitor the opportunity to see a spectacular display of wildflowers and grasses more often seen in a prairie setting. The area contains a variety of habitat from mesic forests and ponds to more open communities of dry forest and fields. The most significant and noteworthy feature in the area are the remnant barrens communities. Barrens occur primarily on rocky, steep slopes on southern and western aspects. Stunted trees of post oak and blackjack oak typically dominate barrens with an exceptional diversity of prairie forbs often found in adjacent small openings. Mid-summer to early fall provide the best opportunity to view these showy wildflowers. Due to the diversity of plants a broad variety of grassland insects, including many moths, butterflies, and skippers also inhabit these barrens areas. For a downloadable flier and map of the area click here.

For information on wildflower viewing click here.