This geocache has been placed with the explicit permission of the USFWS Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex.
Wassaw NWR is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset, except during scheduled Refuge Hunts.
Transportation to the refuge is not provided; visitors must use their own boats or make arrangements with a charter service. Pets (including leashed dogs) are prohibited on the refuge. Also, there are no public facilities (water, latrines, etc.)
Upon arrival at GZ you will be standing on one of the highest natural elevation points of Chatham County that is the result of the cataclysmic Sea Islands Hurricane of 1893. While it may appear to be just another arbitrary ridgeline, what you're standing on is actually a sand dune!
Coastal dunes are geological features that are formed when the forces of wind and/or water move sand onto a beach or island. Sand dunes presence are critical in protecting inland areas from coastal water intrusion. They absorb the impact and help protect inland areas from storms and act as a resilient barrier to the destructive forces of wind and wave erosion.
Fore Dunes - Are closest to the actual beach, they consist of sand deposited by wind on a vegetated portion of the shore and generally remains unstable.
Second (older) Dune - Are classified as around 5 meters high, covered in vegetation such as grasses and continue the stabilization process.
Rear Dune - The oldest and more established is formed when additional plants take hold, populated by shrubs, vines, small trees and ultimately maritime forest.
TO CLAIM YOUR SMILEY
Send the answers to the following questions to me via Email or messenger:
1. Looking around at the posted coordinates, describe the terrain you see. What type of vegetation do you observe? How much sand is exposed here? Be as specific as possible.
2.Based on your observations and the definitions in the cache description, would you classify this dune as a Fore, Second, or Rear Dune?
3. * Optional* Post a picture of yourself or group.
Sources:
coastalcare.org.
landforms.eu.
wikipedia.org.
This Earthcache was placed with explicit permission of Refuge Management, and falls under the official Refuge-specific compatibility determination conducted by the USFWS and communicated to Groundspeak, INC. on behalf of USFWS (2016). Geocaches of any type, and their related waypoints, may only be allowed under an existing Special Use Permit with and a Compatibility Determination by the USFWS Agency.