Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area EarthCache

the "Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area" clearly demonstrates the importance of wetlands and why conserving them is so important!

In the early 1900's a lot of effort was put into draining this area for crops an estimated 95% was wiped out, however due to the 70% clay base it was a constant battle keeping it drained.

* GPFWA is condered a marsh(.5ft-2ft) deep and early topo maps even show a shallow lake bed originally created by glaciers. The battle to keep it farmland was to much and in 2005 funding was raised which allowed IDNR to purchase an area of 8,064 acres, restoration will include 1300 hundred acres of grassland, and 300 acres of bottom land hardwood trees. This area has one of the lowest elevations in Greene county, even lower then the White River, it is also a part of the Ohio River Ecosystem, the and is drained by Black Creek and Brewer Ditch. There is about 240 species of birds, not to mention turtles, frogs, deer and a few areas where squirrel and turkey might be viewed all of these contribute to the nutrients of the soil by fecal waste and death.

Marshes are poorly drained mineral soil and are dominated by plant life rather than trees. Deeper water and trees usually would be classified as a swamp Marsh water levels can fluctuate seasonally. The aspects of a marsh are 1.)drainage is poor. 2.)low flat elevation. 3.) soil is fine and rich in nutrients and organic materials. Pools may have submerged or floating plant life while the land portions may be covered in savanna style grasses. marshes typically have a buildup of organic matter resulting from plant decomposition. Soil microbes help contribute to the decomposition of dead plant and animal life (mostly plant). The changing of the seasons and fluctuation of a marsh (some times drying mostly up) helps fuel this process. Marshes typically have a PH level of around 7-8

1.)Your quest will begin at the north end of the property, there you will find a self service booth. Some parks require a fee this one does not, just go up to the booth look for the ONE DAY ACCESS PERMIT- MISCELLANEOUS, sign the book and take a card to the left, on the card under "other" just put Earth Cache. At the end of your task you will return this here and rate your visit on the bottom of the card and place it in the drop box. This is a common requirement at most state facilities. As Brad Feaster stated when he gave me the permit for this Earth Cache he will have record of your being there. Tan card in hand head down to the given coords, where you will find a large sign stating the name of the property.

2.) Straight in front of you you will see a concrete slab 3ft high with a plaque on it. What does this plaque inform you of ?

3.) Standing at the plaque near the waters edge use your shoe or a stick to expose the soil, does it have sand in it and what color is the soil.

4.) as you walk along the waters edge do you notice any bubbles, if so what do you believe is causing this?

5.) At the time of your visit were the nearby creeks higher or lower than the water in Goose Pond and what roles do you believe the creeks play here at Goose Pond ?

6.) As you observe the area around you what type (plant or animal) of decomposing material can you observe? If you see Brad the property manager be sure to tell him hi, and please if you see a piece of trash take it with you. Finally return the brown card. to the Drop box where you got it from, It's the Black mailbox. Then Email Your observation and answers to me.

Enjoy!