Soils of RI #1: Narragansett Traditional Cache
Soils of RI #1: Narragansett
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(regular)
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This is the first in a series of caches honoring the 58 different types of soils found within the State of Rhode Island. Soils were a major factor in the settling and early farming of RI, and soils continue to influence our industry, recreation, wildlife, and homes. As you complete this series, please take note of how the soil is in-part determined by the landscape position (summit, sideslope, drainageway), which in turn affects the vegetation.
I felt it was fitting to start this cache series with the unofficial state soil, the Narragansett. Although this soil series is not officially adopted by the legislature, local soil scientists have given the series the "official" distinction.
Narragansett soils occur on 12,000 acres in Rhode Island and also occur in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Narragansett soils are excellent agricultural soils that are are well-drained, supporting upland forest environments dominated by oak, beech, and white pine.
These soils formed from loose, unsorted material deposited by glaciers during the last glacial advance, roughly 14,000 - 18,000 years ago. The upper layers of this series are dominated by a silty material called loess. Loess is an excellent soil for agriculture.
Cache container is a plastic container containing some swag, official series description, and a nice color picture of a Narragansett soil.
Please use stealth, as the cache area is very busy in the summer months and not very far from the parking area. Please cover the cache well! This should be an easy find, but don't get complacent... Adrian muck is coming soon!
Congrats to Stewj for the FTF!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)