Strawberry Creek Watershed Earthcache EarthCache
Strawberry Creek Watershed Earthcache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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in our disclaimer.
(trail is handicap accessible, the interpretive signs are low enough to read from a wheelchair)
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
The Hammond trail heads south for several miles. However, this earthcache is located only about 200' south of the day use parking lot for Clam Beach County Park, an easy “off-on” point on US 101. While the earthcache may only take you a few moments, the experience in tranquilty may take you a lot longer.
Logging Requirements:
Send the answers to #1-#5 to me through my geocaching profile. DO NOT post the answers to any logging requirements on this site.
1.List the name “GC2H3CB “Strawberry Creek” Watershed Earthcache” in the first line of your email. Also, list the number of people in your group.
2.At the time of your visit, estimate the width of the stream under the bridge. POST THIS WITH YOUR LOG
3.Observe Strawberry Creek. What GEOLOGICAL actions (trapping, filtering, decreasing stream energy) do you see evidence of? Signage on the bridge provides further detail.
4.Compare the sediment grains of this location with that of grains on the beach. Are they coarser or finer. Based on the explanation below AND area signage, why do you believe there is a difference (GEOLOGICALLY)?
5.How large is the Strawberry Creek watershed? Does it join a larger watershed (a river) or flow directly into the ocean?
6. Post a picture of yourself and/or your GPS with your log that shows You on the bridge or in the parking area (with ocean/creek in background. DO NOT show any of the pertinent information panels in your picture or your log may be deleted. OR tell me what dates the railroad used the Hammond trail route (19xx to 19yy) for logging this area (sign posted on Strawberry Creek bridge).
I will only respond if you have incomplete logging requirements. Go ahead and log your cache
Geology:
“Strawberry Creek is part of a small system that drains a ___ (see logging requirement) miles watershed. Here it passes through a coastal riparian (from Latin 'ripa' meaning riverbank) area before emptying into _______________ (see logging requirement). Riparian areas, including streambank vegetation and wetlands provide wildlife migration corridors in addition to aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Some environmental scientists estimate that more than half of bird species are dependent upon the riparian habitats that encompass a mere 1% of the total western land surface.
Geologically, the riparian habitats bridge the mountains or inland “upland areas” and the oceans or deserts of the west. Thus, the geology is diverse. Typically the soil is richer and composed of sand, silt, or mud that has been released from the upland areas and that has combined with decomposing matter from the rich flora and fauna that help create this micro-system. However, geologically, this minute habitat helps the environment in at least the following ways:
The riparian habitat helps:
1.Trap sediments – creating less turbid, or cloudy, water
2.Filter pollutants from stormwater – enhancing water quality
3.Decrease stream energy – reducing flood damage
4.Create habitat – providing food and shelter for wildlife
Sign developed by Natural Resources Services, Redwood Community Action Agency, 2008.
History/Extraneous Information\:
If you were here between 19xx and 19yy, you would hear trains rolling along the route that is now the Hammond Trail between Samoa and Crannell sawmill areas, with millions of tons of Redwood harvested durin that timeframe (dates are a logging requirement).
Resources:
Location signage.
Elk Horn Slough “Riparian Habitats” online article. 1988.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)