This is an Earthcache, which does not have a physical container, but provides a learning exercise and a chance to show that knowledge in this setting. Please send me the answers to the questions below to validate your log.
The Earthcache is on the boardwalk along the Cypress Pond Trail. Parking waypoint is provided.
A dome swamp is an isolated swamp in a separate depression where water can collect and that supports trees growing in a dome shape, with the deepest portions of the swamp allowing the trees to grow taller. They traditionally form in depressions in the flatland areas. This part of Florida used to have dome swamps everywhere, but as man spread out, the habitat was destroyed, and the dome swamps mostly disappeared in this part of Florida.
Conservation Park is a wonderful area to hike and learn about the geography of the area, even if it was created by man. The local authorities decided to open this park and to work to rehabilitate the area and create several dome swamps. They strategically dug out several large and small depressions in the area, allowing water to collect. They then created a series of waterways, allowing the water to flow between areas and into the swamps. As a final touch, they put in a pumping system to deliver 14,000 gallons per day to the series of depresions in the area. It took quite a bit of engineering effort to determine the right depth of the depressions to make and ensure minimal erosion, design the series of streams to distribute runoff, and the piping system to carefully deliver the pumped water. It is due to all of this man made effort that we can all enjoy the return of the dome swamps and the natural flows.
Logging requirements:
Go to the GZ, which is in the middle of a dome swamp on a boardwalk.
1. What can you see in the area that tells you that local authorities created this swamp and the maintenance?
2. What can you see that they authorities added to the area to slow erosion and maintain the dome swamp?
A picture at the site is encourage, but not required.
Geocache placed with the permission of the local park.