Soils of RI #16: Ipswich Traditional Cache
Massquerade: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note. The cache owner should retrieve any remaining cache contents at their earliest convenience.
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This is the 16th 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.
This cache is located on the western shore of Hundred Acre Cove, a large tidal estuary where the Runnins River and Barrington River meet. This protected cove is the ideal place for the development of Ipswich soils. Ipswich soils are wetland soils that have formed in deep deposits of salt marsh grasses. The grasses decompose to become marsh peat. Ipswich soils are similar to other tidal soils, such as Matunuck, Pawcatuck, Westbrook, and Sandyhook. Ipswich soils have greater than 50” of peat from the soil surface. In fact, it is not uncommon to have some marshes with peat depths approaching 10 feet! Other salt marsh soils have less thick layers of marsh peat.
Ipswich soils are flooded twice daily by tidal waters. This regular tidal flooding causes only salt-tolerant vegetation to grow, such as saltwater cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), and salt marsh hay (Spartina patens). Salt marshes are important areas for flood control, denitrification, and pollution retention. In addition, salt marshes provide important habitat for wildlife and are nursery grounds for a variety of shellfish and fish species.
Ipswich soils are obviously hydric soils and are classified as coastal wetlands. Historically, these areas were often used as pasture and hayed. These soils are poorly suited to building, even if they are drained. Draining these soils often results in a collpase of the marsh peat and the potential for a dramatic decrease in soil pH (increasing acidity of the soil).
Ipswich soils are dear to my heart... I spent my grad school days studying these soils. In fact, the nearby marsh at Walker Farm was one of my study sites. Nothing like trekking through stinky marsh mud on a hot summer day!
Due to tidal flooding, I wasn't able to place the cache within an actual area of Ipswich peat. Instead, the CC is located within the Osamequin Nature Area, just off the green trail. As you walk towards the coast on this trail, you will encounter an amazing view of Hundred Acre Cove and the large expanses of salt marsh (Ipswich soils) within the cove. There are numerous benches to sit, relax, and do some bird watching. It is best to come at low tide, as some trails get flooded during high tide.
Virtual fist bump to digdr for the FTF... two soil FTFs in one day!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Irel uvtu gvqr sevraqyl