Smokey Bear 75th Anniversary GeoTour
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has taught millions of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. 75 years later, Smokey is celebrating a milestone birthday. Honor him and this timeless message of wildfire prevention by finding all 75 caches in this GeoTour.
About This Specific Location
Placed with the permission of the Ohio Division of Forestry. This is 1 of 10 Smokey Bear geocaches in OH and 1 of 75 hidden on the entire GeoTour which is located in the following 7 states: VA, MD, OH, DE, NJ, PA and WV.
The 2-mile self-guided Stewardship Trail at Maumee State Forest showcases silviculture techniques and provides great examples of how sound forest management leads to a productive and healthy forest. Maumee State Forest is located 15 miles southwest of Toledo in northwestern Ohio and covers about 3,300 acres.
The flat topography and natural features are a result of the Wisconsin glacier passing through this area about 18,000 years ago. This area, with its poorly drained soils ranging from fine yellow sand to dark muck soil, is known locally as the Oak Openings region. Acquisition of land for Maumee State Forest began in 1946. In 1948, the first plantations were established on abandoned farm fields. By 1954, approximately 600 acres of old fields had been planted to red and white pine.
A Windbreak Arboretum was established in 1990 to demonstrate tree and shrub species suitable for use in windbreak plantings.
More About This GeoTour
By visiting all of these locations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why it is so important to prevent wildfires - whether in your backyard or out in the forest. The Middle-Atlantic Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact are the Hosts of this GeoTour. We offer several trackable prizes so please use this GeoTour Passport to keep track of your progress.