Rock and Shoals Flatrock
(Information)

Clarke County, GA
Oil on Canvas
30"x36"
February, 2001


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Location photo

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The grassy openings, or outdoor rooms of the outcrop are punctuated by a loose arrangement of characteristic cedars. Obscured from a distance by the soft monotone of broomsedge, the ground plane is patterned with beautiful arrangements of rock, lichens, mosses and herbaceous plants. In open, savannah-like environments such as this, the abundance and depth of space can allow the viewer to travel into the scene while plentiful light helps to make the elements tangible. This is an uncommon effect for a natural piedmont community where forests cover is the norm. Though Rock and Shoals is a somewhat degraded granitic outcrop, understanding that this environment is nonetheless rare and that its visual attributes and its very existence are due to its extremely harsh growing conditions adds a layer of significance to the image. Two of the species found in this location are protected in Georgia (Draba aprica and Sedum pusillum). Much of Rock and Shoals flatrock is owned and protected by the Georgia Natural Heritage Program. It is located about a mile west of Barnett Shoals Road and Whit Davis Road in Clarke County, Georgia.

-Philip Juras

The following is an excerpt from a Flagpole Magazine article dated 3/19/97.

A distinctive feature is a sizable granite outcrop known as Rock & Shoals, which provides habitat for several rare and sensitive plant species. In fact, Rock & Shoals contains four of the most significant outcrop species in Georgia (Eriocaulon koernickianum -- Dwarf hatpins; Draba aprica -- Open-Ground Whitlow Whort; Anemone berandieri -- Glade Thimbleweed; and Sedum pusillum -- Elf Orpine). Two of these species (Draba and Sedum) are listed and protected in the state of Georgia. Other common granitic species such as Confederate daisy, early saxifrage and beavertail cactus thrive at Rock & Shoals. Some of these unique plants are just beginning to bloom, and most will hit their stride in early- to mid-April, cascading the landscape with vivid hues. Panoramic broomsage glistens at the outcrop year-round.