Into the Den Trees Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache is located in Chapman State Park ~ a wonderful area for many recreation activities.
What are “den trees”? Den trees are those large, standing trees that are used by animals for nesting, roosting, cover, food supply and other critical functions. Many species of woodland wildlife benefit from the presence of "den trees". Many animals, including squirrels, raccoons and mice, occasionally move into den trees for the winter. A good den tree almost is a must for some animals to survive the harsh winter months. Once a tree becomes a good den tree, wildlife will be provided a home for 20 to 30 years. A good den tree will be used as both a winter den and a litter den and will be used year after year, being taken over by the offspring when the parent animal dies.
Some den trees are formed when lightning, wind, ice or fire injure a tree. When a limb breaks off of a hollow tree, the inside of the tree is made accessible, and a den is formed. Many birds, most woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees and even horned owls, will nest in the hollow of a tree.
The breaking off of a large limb from a solid tree often opens the interior, and a new wildlife community of microscopic plants, animals, bacteria, fungi and gnawing insects move into this new home. These new residents loosen the inside of the tree, and, in time, what seems to be dirt appears at the opening. At this time, larger insects, such as carpenter ants and spiders, move into the forming den. Once decay has started, it can take 12 to 20 years, depending on the type of tree, the climate and where the hole in the tree is located, before it becomes a den for larger animals. In the meantime, moisture enters the tree and water collects, forming a tiny pool at the bottom of the tree cavity. Once this occurs, mosquitoes, beetle larvae, round worms, small frogs and toads move in. The tree then is set upon by woodpeckers that hammer to enlarge the holes in search of grubs and insects. This quickly is followed by gnawing animals, such as squirrels, that make the den even larger. The cuttings from this gnawing fall to the bottom of the tree cavity, making the nest clean and dry. In time, the tree becomes so weakened that it is toppled by the wind; however, by that time, it has acted as a home for all kinds of wildlife.
Even when the tree is lying on the ground, it will be used as a den tree by amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and insects. Eventually, the tree decays to the point where the tree trunk collapses, allowing the tree's debris to return nutrients to the soil, ultimately fertilizing the ground and helping other trees grow.
Trees take a long time to form and, in some cases, more than 100 years is required before a tree contains a hollow large enough to become a good den tree. Within the forest, a tree cavity is a wildlife community all in itself. Keep an eye out for den trees as you walk through the forest.
Cache is placed by permission from DCNR. Special thanks to James B. McCorkle, Park Manager, for encouragement and help in establishing this cache.
The cache is on Hunters Ridge hiking trail. Round trip is 1.8 miles. The trail is well marked and open. About two-thirds of the trail to the cache is relatively level before the elevation increases moderately. You are looking for a 30 caliber ammo can hidden in traditional style in the woods! Take a little hike and find this swag loaded cache. A special surprise awaits FTF!
Link for more info about Chapman State Park ~ http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/chapman.aspx
CONGRATULATIONS… FTF… FTF… LooneyBin … FTF
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Orra fanttrq!