Mercury Finger Trap: Cachers Beware

Over thousands of years, life has evolved to cope with even the harshest conditions. An example of one grouping of these "extremophiles" is the carnivorous plants.

The carnivorous plants grow in unusually low-nutrient environments. In Vermont, our native insect-eating plants grow in bogs and fens, in extremely acidic, low-nutrient conditions. Those species found in Vermont include Pitcher Plant and Sundew.

The Sundew plant catches insects using sticky pads that cover its leaves. The plant's prey is lured in by a sweet nectar-like secretion from glands within the leaves. The insect is then digested, making up for the lack of minerals in the peat soil where the Sundew grows.

About the Cache: A rare carnivorous plant lives deep within the 127 bike path. A strange creature known as the Mercury Finger Trap lurks at the rivers edge. Travel .45 miles from the suggested parking (.9 miles from alternate parking), and descend a steep hillside and you will find it, guarding the key that will gain you access to the cache. The coordinates are for the key, but you'll find the cache nearby. a code is contained within the cache that will help you to find Scientists: Charles Darwin. Cache owner takes no responsibility for lost fingers. Good luck!