Here is your chance to use my time machine and take a trip 250 years into the past. NOTE: Coords and hints for this cache were updated June 27th around 1 PM. Be sure to have the latest information!
Old Maids' Woods was named for the two unmarried daughters of one of the area's earlier farmers named Schermerhorn. The daughters inherited the farm, and kept the tract as a woodlot, but never had the land logged for timber like the surrounding lands. Locals report ghosts of the two old maids can be seen drifting around the forest at night. Remember that if you don't feel alone or feel like you are being watched.
Eventually, the City of Schenectady acquired the property, which has been maintained as a nature preserve since. Consequently, the forest has suffered very little human disturbance in the last two centuries, and there are many very ancient trees on the site. The presence of a few Red Maple, Black Locust and Pitch Pine indicate some human disturbance, but of a minimal nature.
See the uploaded image below to see how few ancient forests are left in NYS. Also check this website
to see how many of those DEC is willing to turn into golf courses or shopping malls. But geocachers picking up garbage are a threat to sensitive areas? Go figure! Slam-dunk, I did my homework.
Cache details: 4-part multi leads you on a loop through the forest. Trails are well marked. The preserve is not very large and the hike is not too long or arduous.
Another surprise in Old Maids' Woods were the Black Locust. Measured several over 100 feet tall, including one 126 foot specimen that is the tallest in the Northeast!
Please take time to look around and enjoy your trip backward in time! If you don't, I might shut the time travel machine off while you are in there, leaving you to the mercy of the two devious old maids!
Parking: N42 49.253 W073 59.472
IP: N42 49.276 W073 59.472 - From the intimidating gate, walk North 50' and find the sign-in kiosk at the IP. -or- You can bushwack from the wooden sign about 50' North to the sign-in kiosk.
You WILL need the hints especially for part 2!
Pets: Not permitted.
No picnic facilities in the forest but available on Rice Road on the way in.
Initial contents: All kids stuff.