23. Chert Glades
(Wildcat Park)
Formed some 300 million years ago, the massive brecciated chert (Elsey Formation) can be viewed on the ground surface for nearly 30 acres. These chert glades are the largest formation in Missouri and represent half of the world1s total acreage. The glades are unique both biologically and geologically. The 150 species of plants that survive on the barren chert have adapted to the most difficult living conditions in Missouri. Some of the plants in the glades can be found nowhere else. The silica bedrock on which the natural community survives is solid chert up to 100 feet thick. Ten thousand years ago, man used the rock for primitive implements and tools.