Welcome to Old Baldy EarthCache!

Get ready to witness a geological wonder that stands out from miles away—you won’t even need to leave your car to spot it! But trust me, if you gaze north, you'll get an epic view of Old Baldy, a striking formation that rises majestically above the Nebraska landscape.

Discover Old Baldy: Located about 7 miles (11 km) north of Lynch, Nebraska, and just half a mile (1 km) south of the Missouri River, Old Baldy is part of a stunning line of bluffs marking the edge of the Missouri Valley. Towering 70 feet (21 m) above the surrounding highlands, Old Baldy reaches an impressive 1,585 feet (483 m) above sea level.

So, what makes this hill so special? Well, it’s a part of the ancient Pierre Shale, laid down over 70 million years ago when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth! This shale was formed in the deep, marine waters of the Western Interior Seaway during the late Cretaceous period. Look closely, and you’ll see why it’s called "Old Baldy"—the top is made of chalky layers that are so barren, plants refuse to grow there, giving it its distinctive bald look.

The Pierre Shale Adventure: The Pierre Shale is a massive geologic formation that stretches all the way from Canada to New Mexico, created when this region was covered by a vast, prehistoric sea. Described by Meek and Hayden back in 1862, the shale is full of fascinating features like fossilized marine life, veins of gypsum, and iron-rich concretions. If you’re a geology fan, you’ll love learning that this formation is also related to the Bearpaw, Mancos, and Lewis shales further west—layers that are literal pages in Earth's history!

Your EarthCache Challenge: Ready to become an EarthCache explorer? To claim this EarthCache please answer the following questions:

1. Why "Old Baldy"? Based on what you see and read here, what do you think gives this formation its unique nickname?
2. Count the Layers! Look closely at the hill and see if you can spot distinct layers in the formation. How many can you count, and what might have caused them?
3. Spot the Difference: Compare Old Baldy to the surrounding formations—what stands out as noticeably different?
4. (Required) Snap a photo at the site with your geocaching crew and share it in your log!

Extra Info: For the geology buffs out there, the Pierre Shale was originally described in the Proceedings of the Academy of Sciences back in 1862. This rock formation is part of Earth's incredible past, and here, at Old Baldy, you can see the story of ancient seas and shifting continents right before your eyes.

References:

1.  "Faces of the Land: Nebraska Environmental Trust 2005 Annual Report to Nebraska Citizens".
2.  "Conservation and Outdoor Recreation: May 2006". National Park Service.Retrieved 2011-04-08.
3. "Feature Detail Report for: Old Baldy". USGS Geographic Names Information System. Retrieved 2011-04-08.

Let the adventure begin, and don’t forget your camera—this is a view you won’t want to miss!