IATCC - Scuppernong Spring EarthCache EarthCache

This is not your typical geocache, it is an earthcache, you will not a "cache container" rather, an earthcache is designed to bring you to a geological feature. See http://www.earthcache.org/ for further details.

Wisconsin is said to be one of the best places to witness the many landforms created by the Ice Age glaciers. Your quest for this Earthcache is a visit to the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit.

Scuppernong Springs is located in a Wisconsin State Park so a yearly sticker or daily admission fee is required. Parking can be found at N 42 56.132 W88 28.405. Your visit here will be a hike along an old railroad grade to regular hiking trail. Be advised, the mosquito’s can be REALLY thick along the trails – bug spray is a MUST during the summer months. Hours are dawn to dusk.

Scuppernong Spring is the headwaters for the Scuppernong River. Scuppernong River is a tributary of the Bark River in Jefferson County. The entire area was a prime camping ground for many Native American nations over the centuries before white settlers arrived. There was plentiful food in the surrounding forests, fields and marches. Before development, the marsh here was more than 20 miles long. We hope that you enjoy your walk along the trails here as much as we have.

Scuppernong Springs was formed by the movement of the Ice Age Glaciers. As the glaciers flowed over the area, it softened and lifted out blocks of rock, which were moved out of the area by the moving ice. (This process is known as plucking). The rate of glacier erosion is variable and is controlled by several factors. Some of these factors include: Velocity of glacial movement, thickness of the ice, shape and hardness of rock fragments contained in the ice at the bottom of the glacier, and permeability and water pressure at the glacier base.

As you can see, the glaciers excavated the side of the hill where the spring is located. The spring was formed because there was a natural flowing body of ground water at or below the local water table where the subsurface material was saturated with water. A spring is formed as a result of an aquifer being filled to the point where the water overflows onto the land surface.

1) BRING YOUR CAMERA. We would like a photo of your team with your GPSr at the Spring. However, if you are solo caching, a photo of your GPSr with enough of the Spring in the background that can be identified, will also be accepted. Please upload your photo(s) with your “found it" log.

2) BRING a thermometer. Take the temperature of the water at the Spring. Email your answer when posting your “found it” log. (A thermometer such as a pool variety will work just fine.)

Please be advised, failure to complete the TWO tasks listed above (emailing the answer and posting your photo will result in log deletion without notice.

You do NOT have to wait for comfirmation from me before logging your find. Please do not make any reference to these answers in your log.

The Ice Age Trail is one of seven nationally designated trails by the National Park Service and of these seven, the only trail that is unique to just our state.

To visit an Earthcache near you, click on the Earthcache Listings, and find a site that interests you.

This cache placed by a member of: (click to visit our website)

A Geocache Notification Form has been approved by Paul Sandgren, Forest Superintendent of theSouthern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at: http://www.wi-geocaching.com/hiding