Just Call Me Henry EarthCache
Hidden : 6/25/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Just Call Me Henry Earthcache

Glacial Retreat
As many as three glaciers advanced (grew) and retreated (melted) over this area causing different elevations of the surrounding areas. The most recent of these retreats was from the Wisconsin Glacier about 6000 years ago.

From Farmland to Wetland
Lake Henry is the most prominent feature of Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve on Pelee Island. Lake Henry has a very unique history. Prior to 1972 this large area was used for farming. It was protected from Lake Erie by a sand barrier. However, high waters breached the barrier and it was inundated (flooded) with water. It has been evolving ever since primarily by erosional effect. Today, due to erosion of the remaining barriers on the west shore, Lake Henry has been reduced to a shallow coastal wetland of Lake Erie. This coastal wetland is an area of "transition" between dry land and Lake Erie. These coastal wetlands provide a unique habitat which allows for a diverse variety of wildlife and plants.

So what is 'Henry'?
After the flooding of 1972, this area was (and is) known locally as 'Lake Henry'. However, over the last 40 years, the deposit of sediment and organic matter has caused Henry to slowly evolve. Today, Henry exhibits characteristics common to both lakes and marshes (a type of coastal wetland). Henry's lake characteristics include a main body of water with little plant growth. Henry maintains this feature due to wave action from Lake Erie which prevents plants from gaining a strong foothold in the soil below. In contrast, Henry's marsh characteristics are identified by areas of plant growth where the combination of reduced water movement and the deposit of organic material and sediment due to the erosion has allowed a variety of aquatic plants to grow and flourish.

The Future
The balance of 'lake' to 'marsh' characteristics is constantly changing. Researchers predict that the continued reworking (erosion) of the existing barrier sediments may result in natural closure of the breach and thus permit re-establishment of a natural barrier and may result in Lake Henry becoming a lagoon marsh. Only time (many decades) will tell!

Access to Pelee Island is by ferry, boat, or plane only! (Hence the higher terrain rating). Once on the island, the posted coordinates (terrain more of a 1) lead you to an area where you can appreciate the size and composition of Lake Henry. Parking is located here too.

In order to log this Earthcache, you must email team wiji (see profile for email) the answers to the following questions:

1. Observe the wetland area. Based on the knowledge you learned above, estimate what makes up the majority of this wetland; A)lake component ; or B) marsh component.

2. Using your GPSr take an elevation reading. Knowing that the mean elevation of Lake Erie is 571ft, are you standing HIGHER or LOWER than Lake Erie? How many feet? Does this explain why this area flooded?

3. -OPTIONAL- Post a photo of your team and/or your GPSr with Lake Henry in the background. You may post this photo with your log.

++ Congratulations to cldisme on the FTF!! ++

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This cache was placed and is maintained by an essexcountygeocachers.org member.

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