Access to Head of the Plains is via Red Barn Road from Madaket or Barrett Farm Road off of Madaket Road. One can drive a four wheel drive vehicle right up to the cache at anytime, it can even be found without too much difficulty in the dark of night while owl watching. However this geocache adventure is best enjoyed when sought after by bike or on foot in the late afternoon. Follow the deer trail one foot in front of the other from the clear dirt road so as to not harm this fragile ecosystem which is dependent on the success of the local grassland restoration efforts. Widening the deer trail would encourage hunters to hang out at the geocache's location in late fall.
This geocache is best enjoyed when pursued at night or by foot. This cache simply isn't much fun as a grab and go. Park at least a half mile away and seek this one at night or durring the sunrise or sunset for the most enjoyable geocaching experience. This area is one of the best examples of Sandplain Grassland in the world. The Head of the Plains area contains 450 acres of grasslands, shrub thickets, wetlands, and woodlands. Abutting this area to the north and east is the is Sanford Farm, Ram Pasture and the Woods forrest. The area is criss-crossed by several miles of trails and rugged dirt roads and is an excellent place to see hawks and other birds of prey hunting as well as deer and butterflies. Visitors to this Nantucket Conservation property can enjoy miles of hiking trails, beautiful views across Clark’s Cove and spectacular sunsets across the shoreline. Hunting is permitted in season, so please wear bright clothing and keep your dog on a leash.
This area was part of the “common land” that was set aside by Nantucket’s original shareholders for grazing sheep and cows and for farming. Once these practices ceased in the early 1900’s, grasses, sedges, wild flowers, and low shrubs that are adapted to growing in disturbed soils became established. This unique habitat supports several species of rare plants and provides nesting and hunting habitat for short-eared owls and northern harriers, two endangered birds of prey. Snowy owls have frequently been seen here in winter. The area is also home to rare plant species such as Blazing Star and New England silvery aster.
The original cache went missing in Jan. the new container and log are hidden at the new coordinates.