Flat Creek Wetlands:
Flat Creek:
Flat Creek is a tributary of the Chatahoochee River that is approximately 19.70 miles (31.70 km) long.The creek flows initially in a southwesterly direction, then turns sharply south at its meeting with two unnamed branches. Flat Creek's official name by the U.S. Geological Survey is the Flat Creek-Chattahoochee River sub-watershed, and drains an area of approximately 47 square miles. Flat Creek Nature Area consists of 513-acres worth of wetland in Peachtree City that extends 3.5 miles along Flat Creek, from the Lake Peachtree spillway at Kelly Drive/McIntosh Trail downstream to Highway 74. It is administered by the Southern Conservation Trust.
A connecting trail winds downhill from the Fred Brown Amphitheater to a 1200 foot boardwalk and two viewing decks along Flat Creek. A stroll along the boardwalk reveals bottomland species of trees and plant life along with numerous wildlife species. Large hardwood trees provide gracious canopy cover creating a cool shady area with plenty of resources for wildlife. Some of the species frequently viewed along the boardwalk are grey squirrels, white-tailed deer, swamp rabbits, great blue herons, and the occasional red-shouldered hawk!
An additional viewing platform is located beside the cart path south of Crosstown Road, thanks to the Peachtree City Rotary Club and Eagle Scout Kenneth Scott Molleson. The Howard Morgan Wetland and Nature Observation Deck is named in honor of former Peachtree City Mayor Howard Morgan. The Fayette County Water Authority provided funding for the boardwalk.
https://sctlandtrust.org/nature-areas/flat-creek/
What is a wetland?
A wetland is an area where water covers the soil or saturates the soil either permanently or temporarily. The water can either be groundwater, be sourced from local bodies of water, or accumulate from rain. Wetlands can support both terrestrial and aquatic species of organisms.
Geology and wetlands
Geology plays an important role in the wetland development and the characteristics listed above. Water accumulates in areas where it cannot penetrate the earth below. Some rocks, such as granite, shale and slate are naturally impervious to water. On the other hand, porous rocks can become impermeable if their pores become filled with fine particles from soil or sediments. The landscape also plays a large role in the ability of water to accumulate in an area. From https://epd.georgia.gov/document/publication/gr-4-geologic-report-4-occurrence-sillimanite-fayette-county-1982/download Pages 2-3. The rock bed in area is granite
Geology also plays a role in the chemistry of the water that flows through a wetland since the water is affected by the rocks and sediments in the area. The water that flows through a wetland is the source of nutrient elements for the plants and therefore is ultimately the basis of mineral nutrition for all inhabitants of wetlands.
Vernal pools are seasonal hydrological features commonly found in North America that vary depending on location and geology. They form on natural depressions on the soil (basins) and serve as a location where water will accumulate at different times during the year. They also need a hard or compacted soil that is water proof to serve as its base. They need precipitation either as rain or snow melt during a particular season or seasons of the year and finally they serve as a base for the unique biological organisms that colonize and settle in this feature. These unique wetlands are not just puddles, but very important wetlands with extreme importance to its surrounding environment.
Vernal pools are seasonal hydrological features commonly found in North America that vary depending on location and geology. They form on natural depressions on the soil (basins) and serve as a location where water will accumulate at different times during the year. They also need a hard or compacted soil that is water proof to serve as its base. They need precipitation either as rain or snow melt during a particular season or seasons of the year and finally they serve as a base for the unique biological organisms that colonize and settle in this feature. These unique wetlands are not just puddles, but very important wetlands with extreme importance to its surrounding environment.
Generally, wetlands are classified into five groups: marine, estuarine, lacustrine, riverine and palustrine, depending on their location and the species that inhabit them.
Marine Wetlands. Saltwater wetlands along the coast.-
Estuarine Wetlands. Wetlands located where saltwater and freshwater mix.
Lacustrine Wetlands. Wetlands that occur near lakes.
Riverine Wetlands. Wetlands that occur near rivers and streams.
Palustrine Wetlands. Non-tidal freshwater wetlands that are dominated by trees.
These wetlands are most prevalent in Georgia and account for approximately 95% of Georgia's wetlands.
To log this cache, please answer the following questions and Message the answers: Do NOT post your answers in your log entry, as this could spoil the EarthCache for others, and cause your log entry to be deleted.
1. Is Flat Creek Wetlands A) Marine, B) Estuarine, C) Lacustrine, D) Riverine or E) Palustrine?
2. Along the walk, noticing creek bed and hillside. What type of rock? A) Granite, B) Shell, C) Slate
3. Choose if there are any signs of water / water flow. A) Vernal Pools, B) Creek, C) Both
4. Post Picture Of you and Conservation Sign in log (Optional), but Cool.