Glacial Sand Dunes EarthCache
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During the last ice age, the landscape of Michigan changed greatly as the glaciers receded. Not only did the glaciers create the Great Lakes, but the receding ice left behind many deposits of rock and sand, creating morains, till fields, and sand dunes.
This cache will take you to an example of a series of glacial sand dunes. These sand dunes used to cover most of the Saginaw Valley and are unlike the sand dunes normally found at many of Michigan's coastlines. Over the years, many of these smaller dunes were mined for sand and lost. These dunes, originally up to 40 feet tall, created a series of wetlands separated by upland woods. Just 100 feet to the south, Bullock Creek flows through the sanctuary. When you reach the posted coordinates, look around. There are many small valleys between higher dune areas left behind when the glaciers receded.
Because of the wind and erosion, the landscape changes often. These quick changes in the landscape allow for a wide variety of plant and animal life. Watch for deer and turkeys. This wildlife sanctuary is also home to badgers, long-tailed weasels, and green herons.
This 80-acre preserve is owned by the Michigan Nature Association and is open to the public.
To claim a find on this cache, please email the cache owner the answers to the following questions:
1. When you reach the posted coordinates, look at the flora around you. Which type of flora do you believe grew first - the grasses or the trees? Why do you think so? How would this affect the dune?
2. At the posted coordinates, describe the soil color and texture. Why do you think the soil is this color rather than the normal beige "sand color?"
3. Drive to the waypoint listed below (the coordinates are taken from the side of the road). Look at the dune nearest the road. Estimate its height in feet.
Please email the answers to these three questions to the cache owner. Do not post your answers in the log or it will be deleted.
4. (Optional) We'd love to see a photo of yourself taken near the posted coordinates! Please post this photo with your log.
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Treasures
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