Where Were the Mines? EarthCache

Logging requirements: Hike the Gypsum Hollow Trail (see directions below). E-mail the GPS coordinates of an area on the Gypsum Hollow Trail where you think you see evidence of former mining activities and answer the following question: What aspect of the area you selected makes you think it was once mined? (Hint-compare the land surface along the trail to the land surface near the parking lot.)

Between the early 1800’s and early 1900’s the mining and milling of gypsum contributed to the economy of Garbuttsville, employing up to 300 people at one time. Evidence of this mining activity can still be seen within Oatka Creek Park. Even though the mines and the mills are long gone, they left behind  a legacy of sink holes and collapse features. Gypsum is a hydrated calcium sulfate mineral (CaSO4.2H2O). It is used as a soil additive, and in the manufacturing of plaster, wallboard and fire-resistant building materials. Sinkholes form when the surface of an underground void collapses forming a hole or depression. Sinkholes may form by natural processes such as when the ceiling of an underground cave collapses; or by artificial processes such as when the roof of an old mine shaft collapses. A 4 square mile maze of underground mines occurs beneath this area of Wheatland. Sinkholes from where the old mines collapse and abandoned shafts have opened up may be up to 5 feet deep.

The above coordinates take you to the trail head. Start on the Black Billed Cuckoo trail (black blazes) and pick up the Gypsum Hallow Trail (orange blazes) after 0.2miles.

Optional Loop: At N43^o 00.426’ W77^o 47.811 there is an unnamed trail marked with light yellow blazes that will take you past some abandoned mine buildings and close to the traditional cache GCA5DC.

Suggested parking at N43 ^o 00.354 W77 ^o 47.541. You can park by the lodge but be warned the gate closes at 3:00pm.

A detailed map of Oatka Creek Park is available at https://www2.monroecounty.gov/parks-oatka.php