To complete this earthcache please e-mail the answers to the following questions from the lakeside educational display board at the listed coordinates.
1. Estimate how many feet of natural pervious ground cover seperates the roadway (impervious ground cover) from the lake?
2. What is the largest source of water pollution to lakes, streams, and rivers?
3. What is the difference in percentage of runoff between impervious ground cover and natural pervious ground cover? (Subtract second from first)
4. List two of the five ways to keep lakes clean and healthy.
5. (Optional) Pictures of the lake and/or birds are always welcome.
Please do not post answers in your log - e-mail or message cache owner only.
Some information about Lake Morton. Lake Morton is one of 38 named lakes within the Lakeland city limits. Lake Morton has an average depth of 11.8 feet, with a surface area of 40 acres. Lake Morton serves a drainage basin area of 143 acres. Facts about Lake Morton: Lake Morton is located in the heart of downtown Lakeland and is a designated bird sanctuary - boating and hook and line fishing are prohibited due to the presence of large numbers of domestic waterfowl. The presence and feeding of waterfowl can constitute a significant source of nutrient and bacteria loading to lakes. Lake Morton discharges to Lake Horney and Hollingsworth. Recreational activities include picnicking and walking. Lake Morton has lakeside educational displays located on the eastern shoreline.
Lake Morton and all the lakes of the area are affected by stormwater runoff. Stornwater runoff is rain water flowing from impervious areas such as roofs, roadways, and parking lots. Stormwater runoff carries pollutants such as motor oil, gasoline, grease, pesticides, fertilizers, and sediments. Many storm darins and ditches discharge to surface waters, the pollutants are washed by the runoff directly into the lakes and streams.
There are multiple ways to help combat the pollution from stormwater runoff. In this area source controls are used to help prevent pollutants to reach the lakes and rivers. Source controls include barriers of natural pervious ground cover and maintaning vegitation in these buffer areas around property to help filter out pollutants. These practices are called Best Management Practices and are used to reduce pollutants at the source.
There used to be another cache within 30 ft of this one called Bring some bread which would be a good idea as there are lots of ducks and swans in the area.
The original sign here has been removed. Some of the info it contained is included here. The way in which land is used plays a very important role in keeping Polk county lakes clean and healthy. The changing landscapes from a natural pervious ground cover (where you are standing)to impervious rooftops and parking lots has contributed to an increase in water pollution.
In developed areas where there are more paved surfaces, the rainwater is unable to easily infiltrate or soak into the ground, replenishing the Floridian aquifer system. Instead, it flows as stormwater runoff into nearby water bodies carrying a variety of pollutants with it. Stormwater runoff is the largest source of water pollution in our lakes, streams and rivers. It also had pictures of where the rainwater goes in pervious versus impervious ground cover. Natural pervious ground cover has 25% deep infiltration, 25% shallow infiltration, 10% runoff and 40% evaporation. The impervious ground cover only allows 5% deep infiltration, 10% shallow infiltration, 55% runoff and 30% infiltration.
Enjoy
Seekerfamily