Soils of RI #5: Rippowam Traditional Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This is the fifth 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 determined in-part by the landscape position (summit, sideslope, drainageway), which in turn affects the vegetation.
Cache is located within the Ten Mile River Greenway in a wetland area formed in Rippowam soils (formerly known as Rumney). Rippowam soils formed in recently deposited sediment that was deposited by streams and rivers.
Rippowam soils are classified as poorly drained floodplain soils. These soils are regulated as freshwater wetlands and are usually found along the banks of streams and rivers. Rippowam soils have a water table at or near the surface for much of the year, and they are frequently flooded during the spring time.
These soils are not suited to development because of flooding and high water table. Most areas are undeveloped swamps or marshes and provide habitat for wildlife. Typical plants include red maple, willow, and alder.
This cache site completes a drainage sequence going from upland (Hinckley), to transitional land (Sudbury), to wetland. The changes in topography and vegetation should be obvious.
As for the cache, you are looking for my usual duct-taped plastic container. Easiest parking is in Slater Park. From there, you have a short walk on the bikepath to the abandoned train trestle. Once past the trestle, you will see a path through the woods to your left. This path will lead you through some swampy terrain that is not for the faint of heart. Waterproof shoes are good, knee boots are even better. You'll even have to do some tussock sedge "hopping" to get through the wetter spots. Please go slow and be careful! Please make sure the cache is secure when you are finished.
Congrats to HoboCP on the FTF!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Raq bs gur yvar naq va cynva fvtug, ohg hfr pbzzba frafr... Evccbjnz fbvyf erthyneyl trg sybbqrq.
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures