Lynx Prairie was preserved to save the best of the few remaining rem-nants of the once extensive prairies of this area. This preserve fea-tures a series of natural grassland openings that appear as islands in an otherwise forested area. These natural openings, called cedar bar-rens or glades, are prevalent throughout the preserve system. Prairie-like in nature, cedar barrens have thin, shallow soils overlying dolomitic (Silurian) bedrock, a significant amount of tree and shrub growth and an abundance of native grasses and wildflowers. The latter are at their peak from late July through September.