This geocache is one of twenty Community Lands GeoPassport geocaches within the South Nation Jurisdiction. For more information on this series of geocaches, please visit South_Nation.
Park carefully on the shoulder of the road near the posted coordinates and proceed to this ammocan geocache hide.
A wetland is an area that is seasonally or permanently saturated with water – and home to a distinct ecosystem. It may be surprising to learn that wetlands also play an important role in local forest cover, the two often coexist. In Canada, around 70% of wetlands have disappeared or degraded in settled areas due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and even invasive species.
Natural wetlands and temporary ones like vernal pools, offer many important ecosystem and environmental services, which we rely on. Vernal pools, or wildlife ponds, are shallow depressions in the ground where seasonal run-off water can collect. These temporary pools serve as a home and breeding ground to many distinct and at-risk plant and animal species such as the Western Chorus Frog. Healthy wetlands can reduce the occurrence of floods, sustain water during dry spells and can increase spawning opportunities for fish. Although most vernal pool habitats are small, their complex food webs sustain many larger species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and complement a healthy ecosystem.
Fun Fact: 14% of land in Canada is wetland habitat.
