BEST Geo-Art: B09/09
Bern Township, Berks County, PA
Blue Marsh National Recreation Area is an artificial lake located in western Berks County. In the middle of the lake is a large, uninhabited island (claimed by Bern Township). The lake is a popular recreation area in the summer, where people can fish, swim, and boat.
Blue Marsh was the name of the village that was located where the lake now is. It was the first settlement in Lower Heidelberg Township. The land was very fertile. It was also a heavily forested area with abundance of wildlife. There were many Farms, and 18th and 19th century homes. The village also had a church, schoolhouse, post office, and Pyles General Store. Some buildings were spared, such as Gruber Wagon Works, which was originally in Blue Marsh but was moved a safe distance away before the dam was created. Residents were put under eminent domain and had no choice but to move out. The United States Army Corps of Engineers began constructing the lake in March 1974 and it was completed in September 1979.
The Creek that feeds Blue Marsh is called...
A. Maiden Creek (N 40° 28.263 W 075° 55.482)
B. Tulpehocken Creek (N 40° 28.269 W 075° 55.474)
C. Mill Creek (N 40° 28.263 W 075° 55.466)
D. Stony Creek (N 40° 28.275 W 075° 55.466)
Note: Blue Marsh is located at N 40 22.800, W 76 01.883
Note: This cache has the hunting attribute selected. Hunters wear orange, and when the time is right, and so should you. During hunting season, it is best to do this series on a Sunday. The majority of the cache containers are hidden within 10 - 20 feet from the trail. Since these caches are hidden in the woods, you will encounter things like wildlife, poison ivy, bugs, ticks, etc. That is just part of geocaching in the great outdoors. Good Luck.