Lemont's Limestone Fen EarthCache
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
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IMPORTANT NOTE: If you log a find on this EC without providing the appropriate answers, I will exercise the right to delete your log without explanation. So please read the full listing & take appropriate steps to ensure this does not happen.
This is located in Heritage Quarries Park in Lemont, Illinois. Thanks to the Village of Lemont with whom permission was obtained to establish this earth cache.
You may know Lemont by its historical limestone quarries and the I&M Canal, but in this area lies a mostly-ignored yet uncommon natural feature.
The Heritage Quarries Park contains a limestone fen -- an ecologically rare ecosystem that has mineral rich groundwater and may be associated with deposits of limestone bedrock. The ground may consist of limestone and silt deposits from the decomposition of plants. Common plants that identify a fen are cattails and sedge grasses.
A fen is further defined as a wet meadow fed by an alkaline water source such as a calcareous (containing or characteristic of calcium carbonate) spring or seep. The deposition of calcium and magnesium in the soil results in an elevated soil pH (a measure of acidity or alkalinity), and gives rise to a variety of unique plants adapted to surviving these conditions.
Fens are most commonly found in the northeast corner of the state, and in isolated areas along the Illinois River valley. Per the IL DNR, no specific classification code exists for fens, so the wetland maps cannot be used to pinpoint their location. In general, they will most often be listed as an emergent wetland. Notice that this fen may or may not share waters with the nearby "Icebox Quarry"; it mostly depends on the weather.
Enjoy the view, be it winter or summer. Take satisfaction in knowing you not only got to see what a limestone fen is, but you also learned something about it!
NOTES:
- Do not enter then fen! Standing at the provided coordinates (or elsewhere on the crushed limestone trail) will provide ample viewing of the fen.
- Respect all park policies and hours of operation.
- Check out Lemonster's "Earth Day Cache 2006" which begins nearby, as well as the other caches within Heritage Quarries.
TO LOG THIS EARTH CACHE
Please complete the following tasks and
send your results through my Geocaching profile.
Failure to do so will result in deletion of your log.
1. At the listed coordinates: approximately how deep is the soil surface on which you're standing? In other words, it would only require digging ___ feet of soil before hitting the limestone surface. Do not mistake this for the depth of the water.
2. Estimate the size of the fen
3. Is there algae in the fen? Why/why not? (winter-exempt question)
4. What is the first name on the stone-mounted plaque near the shelter?
5. Waypoint L1: Post a picture of your GPS device at this informational sign (It is optional to include yourself in the pic).
Website Sources:
Lemont Area Historical Society
Illinois D N R
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