Milwaukee's Changing Lakefront EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

Pawn-of-Chaos: Yes the sign has changed and unfortunately there is nothing I can write about sturgeon that would suffice for the geological aspect of an earthcache.

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Hidden : 6/10/2012
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

This is an EarthCache. There is no physical container to be found. It is a learning opportunity. Visit the sign at the posted coordinates and read the information below.

Welcome to Lakeshore State Park, Wisconsin’s newest and only urban state park which opened in 2007. However, even before the creation of this park, Milwaukee’s lakefront had already seen many changes.

Milwaukee’s three rivers and surrounding wetlands first attracted Native Americans to the area. The water provided game, waterfowl, fish and wild rice. In the early 1800’s, these same waters attracted European immigrants who also appreciated the area’s natural harbor, abundant water and fertile soils. However, these early settlers decided to modify the wetlands and rivers to improve the harbor and provide better access to the rivers.

From the map on this sign, you can see that Jones’ Island was, at one time, an island and not a peninsula as it is now. Walker’s Point actually came to a point, not just another urban district with indistinct boundaries. It shows how the entire Milwaukee shoreline has been filled in and extended eastward into Lake Michigan. The land under Lakeshore State Park was the last of the lakefront fills.

Please send answers for the following questions to the cache owner before posting your “Found It” log.

1. How far did the immigrants move the river entrance?
2. What three wetland areas were filled in?
3. How far was the original shoreline to where this sign is now?
4. Where did the rock for this “island” come from?
5. The changes mentioned so far have been man-made. Now, observe the large rocks that form the current shoreline. What attribute do you think they would require to resist natural changes that can occur here? What force is at work? Do you think this type of rock can do the job?

The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to Thomas Kroeger of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at: (visit link)

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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