Fresh water streams in NYS are the homes of many different species of macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates lack a backbone and can be seen by the naked eye. In our streams you may find mayflies, water pennies, riffle beetles, gilled snails, dobsonflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, among others. One of the most exciting aquatic insects to find is the mayfly, because its presence indicates the stream has few pollutants and is healthy.
Mayfly nymphs range from a quarter of an inch to an inch in size. They have 6 large hooked legs, antennae, and 2 or 3 long, hair-like tails. Nymphs live primarily in streams under rocks, in decaying vegetation, or in sediments.
They often live longer as nymphs in the water, than they do in their adult form above water. Adult mayflies are relatively primitive in structure, exhibiting traits that were probably present in the first flying insects, like their long tails and wings that do not fold flat over the abdomen. They can detect ultraviolet light, which is thought to be used during courtship to detect females flying above them.
With the current health of the streams, it is unlikely that we have mayflies, but maybe! It is certainly what we strive to see.
Dogs are allowed on leash.
This cache is placed and maintained by West End 2.
There is a $6 daily parking fee, unless you have a New York State Empire Pass, A Golden Park Pass, or a Group/Individual Access Pass.
Additional Information: Observe all parking signs on Route 448. Trail Maps available at Main Parking/Welcome Center. This cache is not part of the 2018 Taconic Region Geocaching Challenge. It has been placed for your geocaching pleasure. Enjoy!!!