Earthcache Requirements

There is no physical container to be found for this earthcache.  In order to log a find, you will need to visit the site, answer a few questions and post one (1) picture.  You are welcome to log the find, I will contact you if there is an issue.

All of your answers to the logging requirements can be found by making observations at the waypoints, in the cache listing, and using a search engine or app that displays a map.

Please do not leave the boardwalk or pathway at any time during your visit. It is only open dawn to dusk, so please plan your visit accordingly.  If there is snow accumulation, it will not be wheelchair/mobility scooter accessible.  Dogs must be on leash.

Description and Geological Explanation

Flooding and Wetlands

Flooding, sometimes more than annually has been a major issue for businesses, homeowners, this municipality as well as communities downstream.  In the past, floodplains and wetlands were drained and considered wasteland.  When flooding occurs, the land becomes saturated, overflowing and overwhelming the drainage mechanisms that were installed.  Wetland drainage can cause major environmental impacts.  Some are destabilization and erosion of soils, loss of available water to wildlife and communities, loss of carbon sequestration, and loss of flood protection.  

What is a Wetland?

Wetlands are effective net carbon sinks, so preservation and restoration of wetlands are essential steps toward climate action.  Wetlands purify water, prevent flooding, sequester and store carbon dioxide, protect our shorelines from erosion, provide recreational and culturally significant experiences, and are a source of food and medicines.

Benefits of This Wetlands Preserve

• provide enhanced stormwater management for a significant portion of the local urban community

• natural carbon sink

• improve the river quality

• provide habitat including food for birds, animals and aquatic life 

• provide flood storage opportunities to potentially offset smaller flood events

• provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community

• groundwater replenishment and recharge

• sustainable for generations to come, space to interact with natural world, healing benefits of nature

• The elevated 1.6 km boardwalk through the 55 acre Naturalization and Wetlands Restoration Project spans multiple wetland ponds allowing wheelchair or mobility scooter accessable recreational and educational opportunities.  It is the least invasive way for visitors to learn about and observe nature.

Features of this Site's Development

Planted a diverse selection of over 10,000 trees to filter water, stabilize banks and shorelines, provide habitat for diverse wildlife, moderate water levels and temperature, provide shade, and absorb carbon dioxide.  Smaller trees were planted to minimize initial care requirements.  Several hundred berry bushes for food and 20 acres of pollinator meadows are planted for birds, bees and insects.

Creation of five man-made ponds of different sizes, shapes and inconsistent depths.  Nature will provide fish, and no fishing or gifting of fish is allowed.

Birds are an essential part of maintaining the health of newly installed pollinator meadows.  Bird boxes including water fowl boxes have been installed. Boxes for bats have been added as they are an important check aagainst dangerous insect species that can damage pollinator plants.

Two turtle nesting areas, Kildeer nesting area, a Heron rookery, an Osprey pole for nesting, as well as a Snake hibernaculum are installed.

Bird viewing platforms with benches.

Educational signs posted along the boardwalk.

Logging Requirements

In order to log this as a find, you are required to include a photo with your log, and submit answers from your observations, the signe or geocache listing to the CO.  You are welcome to log as a find upon completion.  I will contact you if there is an issue.

Stage 1 - Posted Coordinates - 

1. Look at your location either on your GPS, phone map or online map.  Email or message the CO what winding geological feature on the map can cause havoc in this community certain times of the year?

Stage 2 - Water Level Observation - N 43° 22.838 W 080° 43.367

2.  Provide a photo that shows the water level on the X-Bracing bars supporting the concrete walkway AND something to show you were there.  You do not have to show your face.  It can be a thumbs up or a personal item.  The train bridge should be in the background of the photo.  Include this photo in your log.  (Example shown below)

3. Do you see any evidence of recent or past flooding here?  Email or message the CO one or two of your observations.

Stage 3 - Nith River Platform - N 43° 22.912 W 080° 43.584

4.  Look across the river at the far bank.  Can you see some erosion?  Most of the upstream Nith includes farmland.  Do you think that in time, some of these ponds will need to be dredged of accumulated silt?  Email or message your answer to the CO.

Stage 4 - Birds and Trees - N 43° 22.944 W 080° 43.557

5. Include in your log if you saw or heard any birds on your visit especially on the Heron Rookery or Osprey Pole.  You do not need to identify the bird you see or hear.   The Blue sign shows some impressive wingspans for your information.

6. Which of the three trees grows the slowest?  Message or email the CO.

Stage 5 -Spot Nithy - N 43° 22.964 W 080° 43.570

7.  Nithy's footprints were noted by the Nith River edge closer to downtown first in 1953.  Considering your location and Nithy's usual habitat, do you think he or a relative was in the Nith?  If you want, you may include it in your log.

Stage 6 - Trees - N 43° 22.963 W 080° 43.466

8.  Do you think the variety of trees and placement will assist with soil conservation and wetland habitat?  Include your answer in your log.

Stage 7 - Stream flow - N 43° 22.929 W 080° 43.425

9.  Take a photo of the small waterfall and personal item here, and attach to your log.