Fern Gully Traditional Geocache
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(regular)
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Located within the boundaries of La Riviere Park just outside of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, this cache will take you on a trail along an oak forest ridge and into the middle of a fern community, which blankets the hillside on a north-facing slope. The fernery is best enjoyed in the non-winter months. La Riviere Park is on Vineyard Road 1 mile east from Highway 18. Parking is available at N 43° 01.324’ W 091° 06.135’ near the barn and picnic area.
Start your hike past the house on the “Dan La Riviere Trail” and continue on the “Lost Valley Nature Trail” as marked by the signs. There is no need to bushwack between trails. Extra care should be taken during muddy or icy conditions on the “Lost Valley Trail” for this is a more rugged trail. The cache is located just a few feet uphill from the trail. The trail makes a small loop reconnecting to the “Dan La Riviere Trail” so I suggest that you continue on it after finding the cache. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the peaceful scenery along the way.
The cache is an ammo can containing a logbook, pencil, and several starting trade items. Please return the cache to its original location and state of concealment.
La Riviere Park is a 320-acre city park comprised of hills, woods and open fields located in the unglaciated/driftless area of southwest Wisconsin. The land was originally owned and farmed by the late Daniel La Riviere and his wife, Elsie. In 1977, it was given as a gift to the city of Prairie Du Chien to be used as a public park and recreational area and to preserve its unspoiled, natural state for future generations.
Hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, picnicking, and general nature appreciation are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed in the park. Restrooms, drinking water, and primitive and horse camping are also available. Many trails crisscross the park through the remnant prairies, grasslands, hardwood forests, and wildlife-inhabited edge. (See the park map shown here.) A nature center is on the grounds with limited hours.
While you are in the area, you may also want to check out the “Welcome to Marquette 1974” cache that I helped place on the same day as this one.
Additional Hints
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