This Cache is placed as part of the New York State Park Saratoga/Capital District Regional Geocache Challenge. There are 52 geocaches hidden within 16 state parks and historic sites in this parks region, and geocachers finding 35 or more will be eligible to enter their names in a drawing for valuable prizes. The first 75 people to find 35 or more caches will receive a special geocache challenge coin. If you are interested in taking up the challenge, you can pick up a geocache passport at any of the participating parks and sites or download it at www.nysparks.com
This cache contains a unique stamp which must stay with the cache. Use this stamp to stamp your passport. This stamp is NOT a trade item. Some of the items in the cache are park souvenirs and do not need to be replaced with a trade item.
Parking is available in the Crescent Avenue pull off area for the Dog Park. When Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has concerts the parking lots can become extremely congested. To check on concert dates please see their calendar http://www.spac.org/calendar.php.
Parking Coordinates: N 43 03.520 W 073 46.992
This cache is located in the Karner blue butterfly habitat at Saratoga Spa State Park. Please stay on to designated trail until you get close to the cache. In 1977, the Karner blue butterfly was declared endangered in New York State. It was placed on the federally endangered species list in 1992. It is in decline due to habitat loss from agriculture expansion, urbanization, and fire suppression. These butterflies were historically found from Minnesota to Maine. Currently they are found in scattered locations from Minnesota to New Hampshire. In New York, the Karner blue occupies sections of the Hudson Valley sand belt from the Albany Pine Bush to Glens Falls. Saratoga Spa State Park contains 20 acres of suitable Karner blue habitat, and together with the Saratoga Airport comprises most of the local population. Karner blues thrive in sandy soiled areas dominated by wild lupine. Caterpillars eat lupine, and adult females lay their eggs on it. Eggs are laid late in the summer and must survive overwinter until hatching in the spring. Because there are Karner blues at this site year long, it is important to protect the habitat during all seasons. The park mows open fields once a year, plants wild lupine, removes unwanted species, and prevents disturbance from occurring. Another important component of successful management is public outreach. It is important for visitors to understand why this habitat is important, and how disturbing it is detrimental. State park staff monitors the Karner blue population and provides education to the public. Ask the park naturalist for programs on the Karner blue to learn more about how you can protect this important species!