Bike Trail - Shaw Run EarthCache EarthCache
Hidden : 2/25/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


Shaw Run Wetland Complex

Shaw Run is a calcareous fen. These wetlands are a unique type of wetland for West Virginia becasue of its marl substratum (layer beneath the surface soil layer) which contains substantial amounts of calcium carborate. This causes the spring water to become extremely alkaline. These alkaline waters provide ideal conditions for many species of plants and animals, which would not be normally found in this part of West Virginia.

Calcium carborate is an inexpensive dietary calcium supplement  (TUMS).

Shaw  Run Wetland Complex is protected  under the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act  of 1986. The  WV Department of Highways purchased 11 acres of this sensitive stream/wetland complex as part of the agreement to build the road you will see between you and the wetlands. Where the road is now was a marshy area. The purchase will protect if from possible future development. The WVDOH has deeded the property to the WV Department of Natural Resources for conservation and preservation purposes.

More about Wetlands

Cattail

"Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season. Water saturation largely determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal communities living in and on the soil. Wetlands may support both aquatic and terrestrial species. The prolonged presence of water creates conditions that favor the growth of specially adapted plants and promote the development of characteristic wetlands soils."

Wetland Types
  • Marshes
  • Swamps
  • Bogs
  • Fens

MARSHES

Marshes are defined as wetlands frequently or continually inundated with water, characterized by emergent soft-stemmed vegetation adapted to saturated soil conditions. There are many different kinds of marshes, ranging from the prairie potholes to the Everglades, coastal to inland, freshwater to saltwater. All types receive most of their water from surface water, and many marshes are also fed by groundwater. Nutrients are plentiful and the pH is usually neutral leading to an abundance of plant and animal life. For the purposes of this publication, we have divided marshes into two primary categories: tidal and non-tidal.

SWAMPS

A swamp is any wetland dominated by woody plants. There are many different kinds of swamps, ranging from the forested Red Maple, (Acer rubrum), swamps of the Northeast, to the extensive bottom land hardwood forests found along the sluggish rivers of the Southeast. Swamps are characterized by saturated soils during the growing season, and standing water during certain times of the year. The highly organic soils of swamps form a thick, black, nutrient-rich environment for the growth of water-tolerant trees such as Cypress (Taxodium spp.), Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), and Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica). Some swamps are dominated by shrubs, such as Buttonbush or Smooth Alder. Plants, birds, fish, and invertebrates such as freshwater shrimp, crayfish, and clams require the habitats provided by swamps. Many rare species, such as the endangered American Crocodile depend on these ecosystems as well. Swamps may be divided into two major classes, depending on the type of vegetation present: shrub swamps, and forested swamps.

BOGS

Bogs are one of North America's most distinctive kinds of wetlands. They are characterized by spongy peat deposits, acidic waters, and a floor covered by a thick carpet of sphagnum moss. Bogs receive all or most of their water from precipitation rather than from runoff, groundwater or streams. As a result, bogs are low in the nutrients needed for plant growth, a condition that is enhanced by acid forming peat mosses.

FENS

Fens, are peat-forming wetlands that receive nutrients from sources other than precipitation: usually from upslope sources through drainage from surrounding mineral soils and from groundwater movement. Fens differ from bogs because they are less acidic and have higher nutrient levels. They are therefore able to support a much more diverse plant and animal community. These systems are often covered by grasses, sedges, rushes, and wildflowers. Some fens are characterized by parallel ridges of vegetation separated by less productive hollows. The ridges of these patterned fens form perpendicular to the downslope direction of water movement. Over time, peat may build up and separate the fen from its groundwater supply. When this happens, the fen receives fewer nutrients and may become a bog.

At the posted coordinates you will find a sign with most of the information to complete the earthcache. With a little observation and some reading you will have all the answers you need. We hope you enjoy this earthcache, it is our first. We also encourage you to take a photo of yourself and post it. This is not a requirement of the cache but we would enjoy getting to know those who do this earthcache.

In order to log this Earth Cache you must:

E-mail cache owner the answers to the following questions. Please include Shaw Run in subject line of the e-mail.

  1. What two sources of water are present on this wetland?
  2. Name three plants that are common to this wetland?
  3. Facing the wetlands at the sign what water feature is behind your right shoulder?
  4. What are reasons wetlands are so scarce in West Virginia?

This earthcache is wheelchair accessible but the paved bike trail surface has some steep hills coming from both directions.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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