EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find. Enjoy the journey (learning adventure) as well as the destination (smiley earned). Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. To get credit for this Earthcache, complete the following tasks:
1. MESSAGE …. Is what you see here considered a sand dune? Explain.
2. MESSAGE …. Describe (color, texture, etc.) the soil. What does this tell you?
3. MESSAGE …. There is something growing here that is unique to this small area, and is considered rare in Ohio. What is it?
4. LOG …. Post a picture at or near the posted coords. This picture is your log signature verifying that you were at the earthcache.
OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in finding and creating this earthcache by adding A and B to your log.
A. JOURNEY OF THE MIND ... Science explains what we observe. Relate (in your own words) something you found interesting in the reading. This adds to your learning adventure and your log.
B. JOURNEY OF THE HEART ... Art shares our personal experience of what we see. Share something special you found on site, and why it is special to you. This is a memorable addition to your log and will make other hearts smile.
THANK YOU Cav Scout, Platinum Earthcache Master for discovering and sharing this location.
SANDY SPRINGS
The dry nature of this sandy soil is habitat for several species of plants considered rare or endangered in Ohio. The Ohio River Sand Terrace Community is one of the rarest plant communities in Ohio. Several rare species (prickly pear cactus, passion flower, speading sandwort, little whitlow-grass, silkgrass) only survive in the oldest sections of the Sandy Springs Cemetery, a short distance west of here. Here in the rest area, management techniques such as soil disturbance, prescribed burning and mowing may be used to help these rare species survive. Collection or disturbing plant material is prohibited.
FORMATION
The sandy soil found here began as a high terrace deposited by the Ohio River thousands of years ago. The earliest Ice Ages occurred between 2.5 and 3 million years ago, damming portions of north flowing rivers. The Teays River was the largest of these rivers, and the modern Ohio River flows within segments of this ancient river.
SANDY SOIL
This soil has the largest particles allowing rapid drainage. It is granular and consists of small rock and mineral particles that give a gritty texture. These particles are formed by the disintegration and weathering of rocks such as limestone, granite, quartz and shale. Sandy soil is made up of weathered rock fragments, decaying remains of plants and animals, and varying amounts of air, water, and micro-organisms. Most Ohio sandy soils developed under desert or scrub vegetation. However, because of the wide variation in elevation and climatic conditions found throughout the state, there are wide differences in the types of soil profiles found. The color of the soil can be a good indicator of drainage. Red/brown soils usually indicate good drainage while yellow soils have medium drainage and gray soils usually have poor drainage.
SAND DUNES
These are hills of loose sand built by aeolian processes (wind) or the flow of water. Dunes occur in different shapes and sizes, formed by interaction with the flow of air or water.