“Basswood for Bees” Traditional Cache

This geocache is placed in partnership between The Morris County Park Commission, (MCPC) and The Northern New Jersey Cachers, (NNJC). This geocache is part of the Giralda Farms Preserve geocaching program, an educational geotrail that features beautiful specimen trees throughout the preserve. The Morris County Park Commission added this historic Geraldine R. Dodge estate to the Loantaka Brook Reservation in 2015.

“Basswood for Bees Cache"

This cache begins just past the entrance to the Giralda Farms tract, once part of the historic estate of Geraldine R. Dodge. The second stage in this multi-cache will bring you to a beautiful American Basswood or Linden tree (Tilea Americana) with huge branches that come all the way to the ground. Notice the asymmetrical leaves that help identify this species. The Native Americans used the inner bark of the Basswood to make strong rope, but today, the tree is renowned for the honeybees it attracts, creating what is said to be the tastiest kind of honey. There are 7 other caches along this trail, most of which offer views of and information about significant trees.

Giralda Farms History

Giralda Farms was preserved in December 2014 when Morris County Park Commission, Chatham Township, the Open Space Institute and others banded together to raise more than $14 million to acquire the 136 acre property.

Once a part of the famous Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge estate, Giralda Farms Preserve consists of footpaths through maintained fields and forested areas and a network of streams and wetlands. Because the land is within the watershed of the federally protected Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, its protection also benefits water quality and wildlife, including more than 244 species of birds.

Dodge was the youngest child of William Avery Rockefeller, who co-founded the Standard Oil Co. When Mrs. Dodge lived there, the estate had bridal paths, specimen trees and gardens as well as a kennel for her beloved dogs. The nearby St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare enter was founded by Mrs. Dodge.

MCPC’s geocaching guidelines

This geocache is located on Morris County Park Commission land. All geocachers must adhere to MCPC rules and regulations while in this area, must stay on authorized trails and “leave no trace” or negative impact on habitat. This cache has been placed in accordance with the MCPC’s geocaching guidelines and will not require “bushwhacking” to access. Please help us to protect these beautiful natural areas! Caches may only be accessed between dawn and dusk. To view the MCPC rules and regulations on geocaching, download a map of this area, check the hunting schedule or get more information about our parks, please visit www.morrisparks.net . Rules and regulations for all sites can be found on site maps and on the Park Police link at www.morrisparks.net.