A cache by res2100 Message this owner

Hidden : 4/25/2012

Difficulty:

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Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

Completion of the tasks associated with this Earthcache will require the use of a thermometer. Please make sure you bring one with you.

Coldwater Streams

Coldwater streams are, as their name implies, cold year-round. In southern Ontario, they are dependent upon clean and cold groundwater that originates from glacial formations such as moraines, (like the Oak Ridges Moraine), eskers, drumlins or kames. Some of the characteristics of a typically healthy coldwater stream are:
• they are perennial and fast flowing due to their gradient and the width of their channel.
• they are bounded by native vegetation
• made up of a series of riffles, runs and pools.
• maximum summer water temperatures of usually no more than 20°C and are quite often 15°C or less.
The streams that are located in the headwaters (source area) are first order systems; they experience the lowest annual water temperatures, have a high gradient and are typically low in nutrients and aquatic biodiversity. As it moves downstream the more nutrients it will pick up, in turn these nutrients will support larger populations of fish and insects, increasing the overall biodiversity within the system.

The Importance of Coldwater Streams

riparian – of or relating to or located on the banks of a river or stream.

Coldwater streams are the primary systems within a watershed making their health extremely important to all of the connected streams, rivers and ultimately, lakes throughout the watershed. These vitally important coldwater streams act to control excess sediment and nutrients from entering the lower portions of a watershed, which means better overall water quality, biodiversity and improved recreational opportunities. They are also vital in controlling water levels, whether it is in times of drought or in the event of a flood. A healthy coldwater system will sustain the larger, lower portions through a steady base flow from the headwaters. Their importance also extends to terrestrial wildlife as the native vegetation that binds the riparian zones are effective wildlife corridors.

Impacts Upon Coldwater Streams

Coldwater streams are highly susceptible to poor land-use management, such as:
• habitat destruction
• urbanization
• channelization
• increased nutrient levels
By removing or displacing the native vegetation that borders coldwater streams, processes such as erosion, poorer water quality and the introduction of non-native species can occur. In Southern Ontario, the effects of urbanization are all around us and the impact that it can have on streams can be profound. Activities that often accompany urbanization are erosion, sedimentation and an increase in impervious surfaces (ie. roads and parking lots). Improper water control activities, like the straightening of channels can increase the chances of a stream drying up during low water flow periods. By following established best management practices in and around streams the abovementioned impacts could be greatly minimized, if not avoided all together.

Coldwater Stream Inhabitants

There is a diverse range of flora and fauna that are associated with Ontario’s coldwater streams. Listed below are some of the fish, insect and plant species that you can expect to find in and around Ontario’s coldwater streams:
streams:
Fish: Brook Trout - Brown Trout - Blacknose Dace - Slimy Sculpin - Redside Dace
Insects: Mayflies - Caddisflies - Hellgrammites - Stoneflies - Water Penny’s
Plants: Dogwoods - Willows - Watercress - Speckled Alder - White Cedar

**Information provided by Kortright Centre for Conservation and The Community Stream Steward Program.

Logging Tasks

You will need a thermometer in order to complete the following tasks. Please make sure you bring one with you.
The posted coordinates will put you along Marigold Creek, which is a Coldwater Stream and the subject of this earthcache.

1) Using a thermometer, take the following measurements. When taking a temperature reading in the water, make sure you thermometer is submerged long enough to get an accurate reading. Usually about five minutes should be good.
A) Air temperature
B) Water temperature of Marigold Creek
C) Water temperature of the Humber River (a good spot to take this temperature reading would be at N43° 49.892 W79° 35.882, but anywhere that the Humber River is accessible from a trail will do).

2) Based on what you have learned from the information on the earthcache page, take some time to make some observations as to what inhabitants you see along Marigold Creek.
A) Fish
B) Insects
C) Plants

You may post your findings in your found it log. This will allow the park attendants and others to see the changing characteristics by season and over time.

This cache was placed under direct supervision of park staff. Please use the provided trails and visit this geocache only during park hours.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Lbh jvyy arrq n gurezbzrgre.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

Marigold Creek - Coldwater Stream EarthCache