Honey Prairie EarthCache
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This EarthCache will introduce you to the prairie at Honey Creek State Park. You will be following a trail to visit the sites.
Follow the trail to the above coordinates. Take a good look at your surroundings at this location as you will be comparing what you see here to the next site. Please also read the informational sign.
Continue along the trail to N 40 52.505 W 092 55.333
Again, take a good look at your surroundings and read the interpretive sign at this location.
Prairie is the native landscape of Iowa. It is estimated that at the time of European settlement of this area that became Iowa in 1846, there was 85% prairie cover. Today it is believed that less than one percent of this native land cover remains. In part, Iowa owes its prairie heritage to geologic conditions and climate conditions that followed. The most recent glaciation occurring 10,000-14,000 years ago leveled the land's surface. This was followed by climate marked by hot summers and cold winters that encouraged the growth of grasslands. Although prairie is our landscape heritage in Iowa, the plants that live here are not all that well known.
Please send the following information in an email about this EarthCache:
1) What is the elevation change between the two sites?
2) Compare what you see at the two sites and describe at least one similarity and one difference.
3) List one plant identified at each site and tell if you see any critters. If this EarthCache is completed in winter, please measure the snow depth instead.
4) Tell what you learned about the soil compaction and root growth from the sign.
5) Please upload a photo from one or both of the sites with your log.
Additional Hints
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