Deerpath Farm 3 Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is the third of a series of three caches within the beautiful Deerpath Farm nature preserve in Mettawa, IL.
In the beginning, a vast ocean once covered this area. As it receded, a complex landscape of native plants developed. Tallgrass and hardwood forests covered the prairies, vernal ponds scattered amidst the trees. Native crawfish evolved to survive on dry land (they are still here... look for the little 1" holes!). Within the last 10,000 years, native people settled here. By 1695, Prairie Potawatami lived and hunted in the area. The US government forced the Native Americans out of the area in 1836, but their memory lives on in the form of bent trail marker trees, arrowheads, and marker stones that can still be found in the present day.
Deerpath Farm was established in 1922 as a country retreat and working dairy farm until 1980s. Part of the property is currently being developed into private lots, but 140 acres are being restored and protected by the largest conservation easement in Mettawa, and these preserved areas are available to the public for exploration and enjoyment. The current owners of Deerpath Farm have very kindly allowed me to place three caches, so you and your family can experience this historic and beautiful natural site.
For more information on Deerpath Farm, please visit http://www.lfola.org/ourlands/landwemanageforcity.aspx
The third cache in this series is located within a forested area near ancient Native American camping and hunting sites. You are looking for a dark green plastic ammo box (a bit bigger than your average lunchbox). You’ll be walking through a rough wooded area with brush; make sure your legs and feet are protected. Please recognize that while this area is a protected nature preserve, it is surrounded by private propery; please show respect not only for the native flora and fauna of the forest, but also for the human neighbors as well. This cache is stocked with a few little treasures, such as glow sticks, a pretty green stone, a rainbow prism viewer, a shark paper punch, and a big rubber spider.
9/26/12: Congratulations to jwheels1 on the FTF!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Jvguva n irel znfphyvar-ybbxvat gerr.