Get the DIRT on the Saint Marys River (EarthCache) EarthCache
Hidden : 3/26/2013
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Glen Shoals Park is open Daylight to Sunset seven days a week. Park entrance and parking cords are listed below.

Please do not enter the park after dark.

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The St. Marys River is one of the best-preserved and most unique blackwater river systems in America. The 125 mile long winding river forms the northeastern border between Florida and Georgia. The river’s headwaters originate within the Okefenokee Swamp and drain into the Cumberland Island National Seashore in the Atlantic Ocean. The waters of the St. Marys River have long been known for its outstanding quality. Old sailing vessels would come from hundreds of miles off their course to fill the hulls of their ships with St. Marys River water to be used as drinking water for their voyages. I don’t suggest you do that today.





The physiography of the river basin reflects a geologic history of repeated periods of land submergence, which is typical of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The Atlantic Coastal Plain extends from the coast, west to the Trail Ridge. The Trail Ridge is a topographic high that runs north to south. It is a former barrier island, with a maximum elevation of approximately 160 feet. It borders the eastern edge of the Okefenokee Swamp and is also what creates the large “U” turn in the river. The river chooses the path of least resistance as it flows around the relatively high topography.

The Trail Ridge is composed of sand that accumulated as beaches and offshore bars on the terraces of the Eastern Valley, and is characterized by thick sand sections at relatively high land surface elevations. Ridges are important water resource features because of their ability to absorb and store significant quantities of rainfall. Terraces are features of low relief that marked the location of the ocean bottom at times when the sea level stood higher than at present. When these areas were covered with seawater, they collected deposits of silt, mud, and organics. As the ocean receded to its present level, these features were eroded and partially masked, leaving the topography and soil types present today.

There are four main types of soils in the St. Marys River basin.

1.Histosols. Comprised of mostly peat, and are commonly found in the upper reaches of the river, in lower topographic features (swamp). This type of soil is identified by a thick surface layer that is very high in organic material.

2.Ultisols. Commonly known as red clay soils. The color results from the accumulation of iron oxide (rust) which is highly insoluble in water. These can be seen in cliffs overlooking the river.

3.Spodosols. These are poorly drained soils in depressions and along drainage ways. There’s usually standing water in these areas.

4.Entisols. Found in the floodplain regions along the river. These are quartz sand dominated with little organic content. They make great swimming areas along the river.

The St. Marys Basin creates a wildlife corridor between the Okefenokee Swamp and the estuary at the mouth of the river. The river and floodplain provide an important corridor for osprey, bald eagle, white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, raccoon, otter, beaver, gopher tortoise, alligator and indigo snake. The St. Marys River and its tributaries provide good fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, warmouth, crappie, and several catfish species.

To receive credit for this earth cache you must send me the answers via my profile to the following questions.

1) Based on the Four listed soil types, what type of soil do you think is at GZ?

2) Based on your Altimeter reading, do you think you are standing on the Trail Ridge? Why?

3) In your opinion what is the width of the river at this point at the time of your visit?

4) In your opinion what is the clarity of the river at the time of your visit?

5) Not required but a Photo opf you near Ground Zero.

Sources: waterinstitute.ufl.edu; gaepd.org; wikipedia.org; sjrwmd.com

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