Nature Bats Last...Plains Cottonwood Tree Traditional Cache
poudrecacher: We thank all of you for all the geocaching memories...you are mighty fine folks. A special thanks to Denali41 who hooked us on geocaching years ago. It's time for us to be a gettin' along. Keep the outdoor spirit alive...cache on! Miss Katie, Sturgie, Bear & Stevie
Nature Bats Last...Plains Cottonwood Tree
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Head out through LaPorte, turn left at Vern's and head up towards Rist Canyon, cross the two bridges, turn right, turn right at the fork in the road, head on around this beautiful lake and meet the awesome Poudre River on your right.
Welcome to Watson Lake and the Bellvue Dome (check out the awesome Bellvue Dome Earthcache GC39D0D). Watson Lake is a manmade lake. It was quarried out to provide rocks for the Horsetooth Reservoir dam back in the day. Folks, coords may well jump around out here. The tree you're looking for is located between the fork in the trail. This is a female Plains Cottonwood tree. Enjoy!
While here at Watson Lake, be sure to check out the two cool caches by Huskersden (GC1MVW2 & GC2JZFZ).
The Plains Cottonwood tree is the state tree of Wyoming...Colorado's is the Blue Spruce. Nebraska (GO BIG RED!) and Kansas' state tree is the Eastern Cottonwood...a closely related subspecies of the Plains Cottonwood.
A few interesting Plains Cottonwood tree facts:
-The Plains Cottonwood was widely planted by early settlers.
-Plains Cottonwood trees are subject to attack by gall insects which make them unsightly but cause little harm.
-The wood is weak and subject to breaking in storms.
-Female cottonwood trees produce the cottony seed which is distributed by the wind.
-The male cottonwood trees produce pollen.
-Plains Cottonwood trees can live to be 100 years old or more.
-Plains Cottonwood trees are in the willow family.
-Plains Cottonwood trees are typically found growing along streams, irrigation ditches, and around lakes.
-The pioneers were always glad to spot one of these trees in the distance, since it represented the chance of finding water, shade, and wood...this tree likes to keep its feet wet.
-These trees had to survive prairie fires and developed a very thick, corky bark.
If you really enjoy these Plains Cottonwood trees, stop by the first Fort Collins Water Works building on North Overland Trail just inside the gate to see the 2nd largest Plains Cottonwood tree in Larimer County. It is 28 feet in circumference and well over 100 years old...neat stuff!
Enjoy the natural beauty all around you, after all, Nature still bats last.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Tbggn ybir ebpx-a-ebyy...