Come to visit the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve which the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust recently opened to the public in Warwick and East Nantmeal Townships. It features the ruins of the historic Warwick Furnace, with signage describing the rich history of iron works in this area. Along Valley Way, there is a trailhead for a hiking trail. It is easy hiking along the mowed perimeter of a large open meadow. The hiking trail is now a geo-trail. There is a variety of caches. All caches must be accessed by beginning at the trailhead on Valley Way. Park only in the designated area at the Ruins on Warwick Furnace Road, and walk down Valley Way to the trail head at the green gate.
Geocachers must obey these rules without exception:
1) Park only at the Ruins in the designated area. Park perpendicular to the fence. Do not block any gates or access roads. NO PARKING IS ALLOWED ON VALLEY WAY OR IN FRONT OF ANY GATES. 2) The Nature Preserve is open only from dawn to dusk. NO NIGHT TIME CACHING IS ALLOWED. 3) From the trail head, hike only on the mowed perimeter. NO BUSHWACKING – there are many sensitive areas. All caches are within 10-25 feet from the trail. 4) Although some caches are big enough for swag, DO NOT LEAVE ANY SWAG. The preserve manager will leave some swag consistent with the mission of the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust. You may take something as a souvenir – do not leave anything. 5) Travel Bugs are allowed.
This cache is placed with the permission of the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust.
This cache is NOT at the posted coordinated- that’s where you will park. You will NOT be searching the Ruins. Solve the field puzzle and you are off to a Smiley. After you park your car, walk over to the signage which gives information about the Bentley Nature Preserve and Warwick Furnace History. All information for this puzzle can be found on the signs.
PLEASE NOTE THAT QUESTION #1 YIELDS LETTER B AND QUESTION #2 YIELDS LETTER A.
1. In what year was Warwick Furnace built? B= third digit, left to right.
2. In what year was the iron Pennsylvania Fireplace first produced at Warwick Furnace? A= second digit, left to right.
3. In what year did the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust raise enough money to preserve over 553 acres? C= first digit, left to right.
4. Over how many acres comprise the Thomas P. Bentley Nature preserve? D= second digit, left to right.
5. What was the first year in which indigenous shrubs and trees were planted on the other side of Anne’s Oak? E= fourth digit, left to right.
6. What is the youngest age believed for Anne’s Oak? F= second digit, left to right.
Field check: A + B + C + D + E + F = 28
FINAL: N40 08.ABC W075 44.DEF