Riveredge Nature Center is a true treasure of Ozaukee County!
At Riveredge and you will find one of the most diverse ecosystems in the State. The 380-acre beautiful sanctuary includes eleven miles of trails around ponds and fens, through woodlands and prairies, through the unique 47 acre Riveredge Creek and Ephemeral Pond State Natural Area and a mile and a half of trails along the Milwaukee River.
Hours and Fees: The trails are open daily, dawn to dusk. Trail fee is $4.00 for Non-Members to be paid at the registration desk or deposit in box by front door if the Visitor Center is closed. Visitor Center Summer Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays & Noon to 4:00 PM on Sundays.
June 16, 2012 is a family free day at Riveredge! That’s right; find this cache and the others that are on the grounds for free!
This geocache is hidden at the Larsen Rock Pile. To find this geocache, start at the east parking lot and follow the gravel trail south to the outdoor class room and then south-east to the rocks and don’t forget to bring your own pen. Please stay on the trail until you reach the rock pile area! Beware that Poison Ivy has been reported east of ground zero in years past. Use caution during your search and look before you touch just in case it spreads over time! Remember, leaves of three – let it be! A special thank you goes to Moriah Butler & Sunny Knutson from Riveredge for granting permission and helping with the placement of this cache!
Andy Larson was Riveredge's first executive director. The rocks were assembled in his honor and dedicated on November 7, 2009. The mission was to create an outdoor space that would reflect and celebrate his legacy at Riveredge and be a visible reminder of his life work. It was decided that the “rock pile” would to be a fun, creative space where kids of all ages could explore, climb, find a special niche to hide in, or just sit and reflect. The Rocks are located within easy walking distance northeast of the main building. They are a feature of the Larsen Loop, a short section of trail dedicated to Andy, where visitors will see a prairie establishment, the Grass Wheel - a prairie plant demonstration plot, and the Engineered Wastewater Treatment System, an innovative method of recycling waste utilizing native plants. All are visible evidence of Andy’s impact on Riveredge. This is just a small part of his legacy. Andy is an integral part of this place – his spirit and influence can be felt throughout the sanctuary, whether or not you know the man. When you walk the trails and experience the wonder of the land, take time to appreciate the artist’s hand, the visionary who saw what it would be before it became so.
More opportunities for geocaching can be found at these Ozaukee County treasures:
· Tendick Nature Park – Flying discs, flying arrows and quick waters: GC3JTXR
· Cedarburg Bog – A State of Wisconsin Treasure – Geo-Challenge: CX48C5
· Bike Path Island – Recently named: GC29H4E
· Grafton Historical Corner – Site of the former Chair Factory & the birthplace of Grafton Blues
· Mequon-Thiensville Dam – Bringing the fish back home: GC3KHB3
· Ulao Waterfowl Production Area – Nesting and Migration Haven: GC2V37K
· Forest Beach Migratory Preserve – Restoration: GC29W4F