Bouteloua Barrens in Lincoln County is named for the beautiful side-oats grama grass (Bouteloua curtipendula) that grows there. Dedicated on September 8, 2004, this 261-acre preserve protects a native grassland that is the largest known in the Bluegrass Region and one of the largest in the entire state. The barrens communities consist of a patchwork of grassy cedar barrens and open glades with exposed gravel. Other rare species known from the site include state endangered hairy false gromwell (Onosmodium hispidissimum), and two special concern species: Eggleston’s violet (Viola septemloba var. egglestonii), and Crawe’s sedge (Carex crawei).
The preserve is not open to the public except by Commission-sponsored hikes. Research may be conducted with written permission.
