In the most general sense, aglade orclearing is an open area within aforest.[1][2] Glades are often grassymeadows under the canopy ofdeciduous trees such asred alder orquaking aspen in westernNorth America. They also represent openings in forests where local conditions such asavalanches, poor soils, or fire damage have created semipermanent clearings. They are very important toherbivorous animals, such asdeer andelk, forforage anddenning activities.
Sometimes the word is used in a looser sense, as in the treelesswetlands of theEverglades ofFlorida. In thecentral United States,calcareous glades occur with rocky,prairie-like habitats in areas of shallow soil.
Glades are characterized by unique plant and animal communities that are adapted to harsh and dry conditions.[3]
Media related toGlades at Wikimedia Commons
