This is an Earthcache. There is no physical container present here. You just need to head to the coordinates, read through the information, and answer some questions based on the earthcache information.
The coordinates here will take you to Ulatis Creek in downtown Vacaville. Ulatis Creek rises on the flanks of nearby Mount Vaca, flows down the mountainside, through the northern end of the Vaca Valley and into downtown. From here it flows east through town where it eventually is channelized before joining Alamo and Sweeney creeks, ending up in a series of sloughs, and ultimately in the Sacramento River, northeast of Rio Vista.
Before the channelization it twists and turns as it meanders through the relatively flat land of the valley floor, with each bend creating a new spot for soil erosion to occur.
The valley floor here is a combination of several soil types, each with different characteristics.
LOCAL SOILS
The soil at this location in town is classified by the USDA as Brentwood clay loam..This soil is on alluvial fans. It has the profile described as representative for the series. Included with it in mapping are small areas of Yolo silty clay loam and Rincon clay loam. Runoff is very slow, and erosion is a slight hazard. This soil is used mainly for irrigated apricots, walnuts, almonds, prunes, alfalfa, tomatoes, and sugar beets, and for dryfarmed barley, all typical uses in this area.
Other nearby soil types include Dibble-Los Osos loam, Millshohn loam, and Rincon clay loam. All share similar uses and runoff and erosion hazards.
EROSION:
Erosion is the wearing away of land by natural forces like water, wind, and ice, or accelerated by human activities such as deforestation, farming, and construction. Key causes include intense rainfall, runoff, flowing water, high winds, and gravity, which move soil, sand, and rock particles, often aggravated by removing vegetation.
At this creek, the wearing away of the bank is called stream erosion. It happens because of moving water. The water carries small rocks, sand, and pebbles. These bump and scrape against the creek bank and wear it down.
How fast erosion happens depends on several things:
• How much water is flowing, how fast the water is moving, how steep the bank is, and the temperature and weather.
• More water and faster water mean more power to move soil and rocks. Steeper banks also erode more quickly.
EROSION CONTROL
Erosion control is the practice of preventing or controlling wind or water erosion in agriculture, land development, coastal areas, and stream banks. Effective erosion controls handle surface runoff and are important techniques in preventing water pollution, soil loss, wildlife habitat loss and human property loss. Common methods include:
Vegetation - Planting grass, trees, and shrubs is highly effective for long-term stabilization, as roots hold soil in place.
Mulching - Covering bare soil with wood fiber, straw, or pine needles reduces the impact of rain, limits runoff, and improves water infiltration.
Retaining Walls/Terracing - Structures used to break up steep slopes, reducing the velocity of water.
Riprap - Large stones or rocks placed on steep banks or high-flow areas to prevent soil movement.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS:
To log this cache, you must send answers to ALL questions and send 1 picture of the area in question.
1. Look at the creek bed. How much sand, mud, or rocks have built up? What does this tell you about how fast the water has flowed over time? Do you think the water usually has a lot of energy?
2. Please observe the creek bank near the flag monument. What erosion controls have been implemented here? Why where they chosen for this spot?
3. Do you think the controls here are a good long-term solution? Why or why not?
4. REQUIRED: Have a picture of you or a personal item at the flag monument. Could even be as simple as a thumbs up on site. Anything to prove you were actually there and not making good guesses from your couch. Bonus points if you carried your couch out.
BONUS INFORMATION:
Across the creek from here is the 1906 Town Hall, built as a combination Jail, Fire Station and Town Hall. It was built to replace the little wooden jail on the banks of Ulatis Creek in what is today Andrews Park after nocturnal visitors rolled the little building into the creek in February 1906, ending several years of discussion about taxes and the ability of the town to pay its share of the construction costs.