Marsh Madness EarthCache
Hidden : 2/9/2014
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


Arboretum Information:

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, a regional center for conservation, recreation, and education in the Jacksonville area, is host to over 120 acres of ecological wonders. The Arboretum & Gardens showcases a huge diversity of wildlife, plant life, and landscapes common to the Florida area. The trails are open to the public daily from 8 AM – 5 PM (closed Christmas). No entry fee is required to access the facility though a donation of $2 per visitor is requested. What makes this location unique in its natural setting is the uncommonly close proximity of its many species varieties and landscapes. All of the trails are kid-friendly, but make sure you remain aware of your surroundings. Dogs are also welcome, just make sure to keep them on a leash and pick up after them. Please note that there are no dogs allowed on the Rosemary Scrub Vista connector trail. You do not need to hike it, but you will pass it on the way to complete the requirements for this earthcache.


Bottomland Forest

Bottomland forests develop in low-lying flatlands, which are normally bordered by streams with distinct banks that prevent overflow. The bottomland forests sport high water tables, so only become submerged during infrequent heavy rains or floods. Native trees grow straight and tall from soil consisting primarily of clay and other organic materials, creating a dense cover overhead. The dense, closed canopy prevents air movement and light penetration, allowing for only minimal ground cover or some small plants, including ferns and grasses, to emerge. Natural conditions in the bottomland forest foster a constant high humidity coupled with a persistent low burn risk. These communities mature over the course of at least a century, sometimes developing into bogs under “ideal” conditions.

Xeric Hammock

Xeric Hammocks develop from Scrub of Sandhill communities, which have not burned for at least 30 years. Because of its development from old dune systems, xeric hammock soil conditions consist of deep, heavily-drained sands. The sandy soil promotes a low, dense canopy of scrubs with little more than palmettos as ground cover. Though generally only developing in small patches, xeric hammocks are considered the pinnacle of sandy upland community development. The natural conditions and incombustible ground cover tend to keep this community safe from going up in flames. However, when a fire does occur, the xeric hammock is usually completely destroyed, beginning again from an earlier stage in ecological community development. A healthy upland community consists of a mosaic of burned and non-burned patches at multiple levels of development.

Depression Marsh

Depression Marshes usually form in shallow, round depressions in sandy soil conditions. The sand falls in around a sinkhole, creating a conical cavity that is filled by rain, runoff, and seepage from surrounding upland areas. Plants tend to grow in concentric rings as a result of differences in moisture levels around the bowl. The center ring consists of plants that thrive best in water-logged conditions whereas the outer rings tend to host plants more tolerant to dry conditions. Physically, depression marshes are very much like the larger basin marshes, often populated with many of the same plant and animal species. However, because of the small size of the marsh and its relative isolation (a leading factor in its state of depression) there are many forms of wildlife that flourish better here than in other environments. Unchecked, the formation of peat and invasive shrubs/trees from the outer rings can eventually encroach on the sustainability of the environs. Drainage poses one of the biggest threats to this ecosystem as a lower water table will leave it standing high and dry.

Tidal Marsh

Tidal marshes develop along coasts and estuaries where the tidal movements determine the flooding characteristics of the area. Soils in these marshes are composed of poorly drained muck, sandy clay loams, and usually maintain high sulfur content. The soil conditions, frequent submersion, unobstructed exposure to sunlight, and occasional fires make the area inhospitable to all but the hardiest of species. The unique conditions make the tidal marshes crucial for their natural abilities to buffer other ecosystems against storms and filter out pollutants. Despite their critical role in sustaining adjacent ecosystems, tidal marshes tend to foster the most desirable coastal locations and often find themselves the victims of urban development.


Trail Information:

To complete this EarthCache you will need to hike around the Rosemary Ridge Trail. To get to this trail, cachers must first cross a small portion of Lake Loop Trail and then make a short jaunt over the Live Oak Trail. Step 1 and Step 2 can be approached interchangeably, depending on the route taken. Total hiking distance will vary around a mile and half. Wheelchairs and strollers can make their way around the Lake Loop Trail, but are not recommended on the Rosemary Ridge Trail. There are signs posted all along the way educating visitors about how the landscapes are formed, the ecological systems necessary to maintain the environments, and the various plants and wildlife you may see while walking the trails. Both locations you will need to visit are located on marked trails so please DO NOT LEAVE THE TRAILS for any reason.


Earthcache Requirements:



Step 1: Proceed to the following coordinates N 30 21.000 W081 32.355 on the NorthWest end of the Rosemary Ridge Trail. You will see an informational display regarding the formation of depression marshes. Using the informational display, fill in the blanks below:

A. “A depression marsh forms when surrounding ______ and ______ wash into a fracture in the underlying ______ layer.”

B. “The ______ ______ seal the fracture and then the ______ _____ form an almost porcelain-lined bowl that collects water during heavy rains.”

Step 2: Proceed to the following coordinates N 30 21.075 W081 32.310 on the NorthEast end of the Rosemary Ridge Trail. You will see an informational display regarding the formation of estuarine marshes. Using the informational display, fill in the blanks below:

C. “Estuarine mashes are ______ ______ areas where ______ from the land mixes with ______ from the ______.”

Step 3: Critical Thinking - Compare and contrast the 2 marsh areas you have visited.

D. Describe some of the differences you noticed between the two marshes with regards to soil conditions, flora, and fauna (if any).

E. Which marsh do you think has a higher salt content and why?

F. Which marsh do you think would benefit more from fire and why?

(Optional): Take a picture somewhere along the Rosemary Ridge Trail or while visiting one of the marshes. Post this picture to your log entry.

Summary: To claim credit for this EarthCache you will need to email your answers from Steps 1-3 to the owner of the cache at the time of posting. Posting a picture from your adventure on the trail or at the marshes is optional, but encouraged.

Thanks to Florida Natural Areas Inventory for providing the information regarding the formation of the natural communities of Florida:

Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Dept. of Natural Resources. 1990. Guide to the natural communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Dept. of Natural Resources, Tallahassee, FL.

Also, a special thanks to the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens and the members of the board for their support in the creation of this EarthCache to share with the geocaching community.

Happy Caching!

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