When Polk County Environmental Lands was approached in 2005 about placing caches on their properties they asked that we not place any caches along the Shady Oak trail. As most cachers don't hike this trail I thought I would create a Wherigo that will have you walk the trail. Hope you enjoy the hike and watch out for the beach sand.
Lakeland Highlands Scrub is a 551-acre conservation area that is like no other in Polk County. Located in south Lakeland, it is home to one of the largest undeveloped scrub properties on the Lakeland Ridge, one of a series of elevated sandy ridges along the backbone of an area known as "peninsular Florida." This area used to be surrounded by water, but now, the Lakeland Highlands Scrub rises more than 230 feet above sea level.
The site is home to rare plant species and widllife such as: gopher tortoises, Florida scrub-jay and indigo snakes, the wilderness area is located just south of Lakeland and is a beautiful place…and, rest assured, you absolutely WILL NOT find a physical cache of ANY kind along the Shady Oak trail. However, through the wonders of Whereigo technology, you will have the unique opportunity to explore this area. Upon completing the cartridge, there will be a physical cache to find along one of the hiking trails where you are allowed to place caches. Total walking distance is just over a mile and is family-friendly. There is no need to leave the trail at anytime, except to find the cache and for understandingly environmental reasons, Polk County Environmental Lands would not appreciate if you stayed on the trail. So please don't try to straight- line bushwhack, just follow the trails.
Please take the time to sign in and note that you're there to geocache. Polk County's Environmental Lands Program is receptive to caching. Signing in shows that you appreciate this. Please be respectful of this property, its vegetation & wildlife. Stay on marked trails.
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