GC25KWQ Miller-Showers Park: Urban Wetland (Earthcache) in Indiana, United States created by djhobby

GC25KWQ ▼

A cache by djhobby Message this owner

Hidden : 3/26/2010

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Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

To log a find of this earthcache email me the answers to the following questions:

1: What percent of Indiana was once covered by wetlands?

2: What caused the depressions in the land that would later become wetlands?

Please don't include any of the answers in your online log.

Welcome to Miller-Showers Park. A man made urban wetland designed to help maintain the rate, and quality of storm water that flows into Cascades Creek. Prior to 2001 this 9 acre strip of land was a little used park that the city bought for $1 in 1929. After a $6.2 million facelift this park is now not only a beautiful gateway to our fair city, but it's also a state of the art storm water management system.

Before the new construction, storm water from the surrounding 170 acres would carry pollutants and sediments nearly unimpeded to Cascades Creek. As in all urban settings, shingles, blacktop and concrete do not slow down the torrent, or absorb much water. After a heavy rain, the water washes all of the oil off the roads from our cars, and all of the fertilizer and chemicals from the surrounding lawns and deposits these pollutants down stream.

Now with the help of a native-plant wetlands and some clever water diversions, downstream is much more habitable. The wetlands accomplish this in three ways:

First it acts as a sponge, absorbing excess water and releasing it gradually into Cascades Creek, reducing downstream flood damage.

The park has 5 ponds capable of holding 1.2 million gallons of water. The water is controlled between the ponds by weirs and waterfalls. Weirs are a method to maintain an exact flow rate downstream. The waterfalls help oxygenate the water for fish and other wildlife.
Weir.jpg picture by djhobby

Second it uses the native plants to remove pollutants from the surface and groundwater, protecting the ecosystems beyond Bloomington that the water flows into.

The native plants ingest pollutants, helping to purify the water. The tall vegetation at the waters edge deters Canada geese, but provides habitat for more desirable wildlife species. Native vegetation includes aquatic plants, wildflowers, native grasses and prairie plants. The plant at the waters edge were selected for their ability to absorb pollutants and improve water quality.

plants.jpg picture by djhobby

Third it collects sediment by slowing down the water, letting the sediment drop here and improving water clarity in Cascades Creek and beyond.

All of the water that enters the park first travels through some custom made "Swirlies." These vortex separation devices whirl the water to make the impurities fall out. Swirlies can remove some pollutants, including sediments, suspended solids, oils and grease, trash and other debris. Then the sediments and debris are periodically vacuumed by the parks department. Swirlies.jpg picture by djhobby

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

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Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

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Miller-Showers Park: Urban Wetland EarthCache

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