Filmy Fern Cave Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

GEO.JOE: This cache has been removed from the natural area because the Shawnee National Forest geocaching policy no longer allows caches in natural areas.

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Hidden : 12/18/2011
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

A huge shelter cave with seasonal waterfall - one of the few locations in Southern IL where the Filmy Fern was known to grow and the only place that it had been seen to grow on the sand and not attached to the bluff. The cache is not hidden in or near the cave - do not disturb any vegetation.

I did not know about the Filmy Fern when I visited this site. I was impressed with the size of the cave and I enjoyed walking on and around all the boulders in the cave. While researching the area I came across the Filmy Fern of IL book. (visit link)
and saw that this cave was one of the few places in southern IL that the Filmy Fern was growing in 1960. I have not seen any updated data on how the fern is doing in southern IL now. From 1920 to 1960 there was a sharp decline in the growth due to cutting of forests. This area was set aside as an ecological area and no trees have been cut since then.

There are no trails in the area and the terrain can be tough due to lots of ups and downs and hidden rocks and hidden holes. But the things you will see are well worth the effort. There are a couple other shelters along the bluff before you reach this big one and there is plenty more to see further along the bluff.

You can park near N37 30.631 W88 42.558 - no parking area, just along the road. Park near the exposed sandstone next to the road then work your way below the bluffs at N37 30.650 W88 42.460 and pick a direction. There is an old road/trail that goes through the middle of the valley that makes for pretty easy walking if you need a quicker way in or out of the valley. As you go down in the valley you can see the old road to the right.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ebpx/gerr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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