The Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) was designated the official state reptile of Tennessee in 1995.
In the heat of the summer, box turtles largely restrict their activity to mornings and after rain. When it gets too hot, they hide under decaying logs and leaves, crawl into mammal burrows, or into mud. When it is really hot, they go into shady pools and puddles to cool off. In the spring and fall, they may be out foraging during all daylight hours, and they sometimes bask in the sun to get warm.
In the northern regions, box turtles go into hibernation in October or November, but farther south they remain active later in the year. They usually emerge from hibernation in April.
Box turtles may live more than 100 years.
When frightened, box turtles retract their head, tail, and limbs into their shell and clamp it shut. They wait in this position until the perceived threat is gone.
Sourced from: http://www.statesymbolsusa.org
~~~~~~
About Timberland Park –
For many generations, the wooded property comprising Timberland Park was owned and logged by local families and old logging roads can be observed today throughout the park.
In 1975, the Maxson family sold the 80 acres comprising Timberland Park to the State of Tennessee which had plans to build a folk arts center on the property. That idea never came to fruition, and the property was declared surplus by the state in 1996 and placed at auction. Representatives of Williamson County lobbied to acquire the property, and after 18 months, an agreement was reached to retain the land for its originally intended public use. The transfer of deed to Williamson County was finalized in May 1999.
The development of the property into the present-day Timberland Park was a journey of perseverance, cooperation and vision that took two decades.
The park provides opportunities for hiking, bird watching and wildlife observation. Walking sticks made from trees on the property are available for use by hikers. There is an ADA accessible trail with an over-look plus a number of rustic, challenging trails throughout the property. The forest features oak and hickory as well as other tree and plant species native to Middle Tennessee. Deer, raccoons, foxes, wild turkeys and squirrels roam the area.
There is no entrance fee to the park, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. November through March; and from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April through October.
The park is located at mile marker 437.2 on the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, a National Park Service property. To reach Timberland, access the Natchez Trace Parkway from Highway 96 West. At the top of the access ramp, turn left (south). The park is immediately on the right.
~~~~~~
About the geocache –
A camo container that is suitable for small items and travel bugs.
Enjoy the park and hunting the cache. FTF gets an inactivated “turtle” trackable ;-).
Congratulations to seit4 for FTF.