Soils of RI #7: Merrimac Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is the seventh in a series of caches honoring the 58 different types of soils found within the State of Rhode Island. Soils were a major factor in the settling and early farming of RI, and soils continue to influence our industry, recreation, wildlife, and homes. As you complete this series, please take note of how the soil is determined in-part by the landscape position (summit, sideslope, drainageway), which in turn affects the vegetation.
Another cache along the Ten Mile River Greenway. This cache is within an area of Merrimac soil. Merrimac and Hinckley soils are extremely common along the western portions of Narragansett Bay and along several of the major rivers within RI. Merrimac soils formed in sandy materials deposited when glaciers were melting in this area around 14,000 years ago. These torrents of meltwater created large expanses of flat plains and terraces that are well suited to building cities. TF Green was built on a large area of Merrimac. Merrimac soils are similar to Hinckley soils, but the Hinckley soils are sandier and contain more gravel.
Most Merrimac soils have been developed as urban land or are used for cropland. Areas that are still forested are dominated by white pine, red maple, and a variety of oaks. Septic systems installed in Merrimac soils may need special design because the very sandy soil does not treat the wastewater well.
Cache is the typical duct-taped plastic container containing an official series description and assorted swag. Cache is located very close to the bikepath with only light bushwhacking required. Please be sure to cover the cache well. Cache is available during winter if there isn’t too much snow. Most people will park in Slater Park and enjoy the bike path, but if you’re looking for a park-n-grab, you can park on Narragansett Park Drive and walk up the trail to the cache.
Congrats to KATnDOGZ for the FTF!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
GVZZZZOREEEEEE!