Draper Wetlands Park EarthCache
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The Draper Wetlands is a beautiful park that is created from water runoff.
When you look across the Wetland you will notice 2 storm water pipes. Water from rain, snow, and, sprinklers is collected into an underground water system that diverts the runoff into the Draper wetland. Notice how the wetland elevation is much lower than its surroundings.
Storm water carries water and pollutants such as antifreeze, oil, grease, fertilizer, litter, and pet waste as it flows across streets, parking lots, and lawns.
The soil layer and the tangle of stems, leaves and roots in a wetland slows the flow of water and acts as a natural filter for pollutants. As wetland plants pull water through their stems they absorb some of the water pollution as well.
You will notice that the plants that thrive in the Draper Wetlands are different than the typical plants that are found in Utah's arid environment. This is due to the hydric soil.
Hydric soil is caused by the soil being saturated with water. The saturation of water causes the soil to have a lack of oxygen. Wetland plants such as cattails and bulrushes have adapted to thrive in hydric soil.
In the summer there is a large mosquito population. While mosquitoes are a nuisance to humans they are an excellent food source to the frog and bat populations.
Depending on the season you will see blackbirds, herons, marsh wrens, and other birds at the Draper Wetlands. The birds use the wetlands to rest from their summer homes. Here the birds are able to rest and refuel before continuing their long journey.
Requirements to log the cache:
1. From the cache coordinates what direction are the 2 storm water pipes?
2. Who contributed the art work and poetry on the information signs?
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)