Sandhills Treasure (Henry Cowell SP) Earthcache EarthCache
Sandhills Treasure (Henry Cowell SP) Earthcache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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As an earthcache, there is no “box” or “container” to discover. Rather, with this cache, you discover something about the geology of the area. For more info, consult www.earthcache.org
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park preserves ?rst- and second-growth redwoods in a tranquil Santa Cruz Mountains setting.
This earthcache is at the Observation deck, a mere .7 mile hike from the campground and above the Redwoods. From this point you can see down into the stands of Redwoods and out from the pines and scrub oak that surrounded you on your walk.
THIS EARTHCACHE HAS 4 LOGGING REQS! Take a piece of paper and pen with you!
Logging Requirements:
Send the answers to #1-#4 to me through my geocaching profile (Message the Owner). DO NOT post the answers to any logging requirements on this site.
1.List the name “GC2EV8X Sandhills Treasure of Henry Cowell SP Earthcache” in the first line of your email. Also, list the number of people in your group.
2.Observe the Sandhills flora and fauna and mention two animals and/or plants you identified that were mentioned in park brochures or area signage.
3.Feel the sand at your feet. Is it fine or sharp and granular? where do you think it originated (near or far)?
4.According to brochures and/or signage, what types of fossils have been found in the sand? What do they tell us about where this sand originated?
I will only respond if you have incomplete logging requirements. Go ahead and log your cache
Geology:
The information panel at the Cords reads:
“The sand beneath your feet was once part of an ancient sea floor. Many years ago, this area was under a vast ocean. How do we know? Scientists have found fossils of _____ _______, ______ ________, and other evidence of the marine animals that once lived here.” (see logging requirement to fill in the blanks)
Today, the unique combination of sand and moist coastal climate create the unique Sandhills ecosystem present today. This fragile habitat is like a treasure chest. Its jewels are these plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world (Zayante band-winged Grasshopper, Ren Lomond Buckwheat, Mount Hermon June Beetle, and Ben Lomond Spineflower to name just a few). In addition, Ponderosa Pines, normally native to the Sierra Nevadas, also grow in this unique habitat.
Another nearby sign reads:
“Why all the sand? No, park staff did not haul all this sand up here and dump it on the trails. You are standing on an ancient ocean floor. Perhaps as recently as four million years ago, a shallow sea covered much of this area. A combination of _____ _______ and ________ _________ ________ left this rise high and dry. (see logging requirement to fill in the blanks)
Today, the relatively poor soil and nearly constant sun exposure have created conditions for a plant community known as the __________. Manzanita, Yerba Buena, and Chamise are the common shrubs that provide protection for the animals surviving in this community.”(see logging requirement to fill in the blank)
History:
“Henry Cowell and Joseph Welch, who in the 1860s acquired the former Mexican land grant Rancho Cañada de Rincón, shared a similar commitment to protect the Big Trees Grove (now Redwood Grove). Welch’s holdings were purchased by Santa Cruz County in 1930 and became parkland; in the 1950s this land was combined with 1,500 acres donated by Cowell’s heirs to become a state park.
Thanks to the preservation efforts by these men, the “Big Trees” are as stirring a sight now as they were a century ago when railroad passengers bound for Santa Cruz from San Jose made a lunch stop amongst the tall trees.”
Congrads for FTF (First to Finish logging reqs) to a group: da_ewoks, Geokashers, Evil Cow Pie, and Darkzen for completing all the logging requirments about 1/2 hr prior to next log :)
Resources:
Signage at the Observation Deck.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park website (parks.ca.gov)
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)