This geocache is placed in partnership between The Morris County Park Commission, (MCPC) and The Northern New Jersey Cachers, (NNJC). This geocache is part of the Giralda Farms Preserve geocaching program, an educational geotrail that features beautiful specimen trees throughout the preserve. The Morris County Park Commission added this historic Geraldine R. Dodge estate to the Loantaka Brook Reservation in 2015.
““Norway or the Highway Cache"
As you approach this site, you’ll just be passing a group of very large specimen Norway Spruce trees (Picea abies). This species was brought by early European settlers to North America as a reminder of their homelands. While not native to NJ, this tree has been widely planted and can be recognized by its reddish, scaly bark, large cones that start green and mature to brown, and four-sided needles. The seeds from the cones are an important source of food for many animals, especially squirrels. This species is famously used in many cities for Christmas trees, including in New York City and Washington D.C. It can grow quickly, especially when young, even up to 3 feet a year. If you look closely at the trunk, you’ll see many areas covered in sticky spruce sap. This indicates areas of injury or insect invasion that the tree is attempting to heal. The sap can also be used to make varnish. The wood of Norway Spruce has good resonance characteristics and has been used to make the sound boards in violins and guitars. “Spruce Beer” used to be made from the shoot tips on the branches and used to treat scurvy due to its high vitamin C content.
Giralda Farms History
Giralda Farms was preserved in December 2014 when Morris County Park Commission, Chatham Township, the Open Space Institute and others banded together to raise more than $14 million to acquire the 136 acre property.
Once a part of the famous Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge estate, Giralda Farms Preserve consists of footpaths through maintained fields and forested areas and a network of streams and wetlands. Because the land is within the watershed of the federally protected Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, its protection also benefits water quality and wildlife, including more than 244 species of birds.
Dodge was the youngest child of William Avery Rockefeller, who co-founded the Standard Oil Co. When Mrs. Dodge lived there, the estate had bridal paths, specimen trees and gardens as well as a kennel for her beloved dogs. The nearby St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare enter was founded by Mrs. Dodge.
MCPC’s geocaching guidelines
This geocache is located on Morris County Park Commission land. All geocachers must adhere to MCPC rules and regulations while in this area, must stay on authorized trails and “leave no trace” or negative impact on habitat. This cache has been placed in accordance with the MCPC’s geocaching guidelines and will not require “bushwhacking” to access. Please help us to protect these beautiful natural areas! Caches may only be accessed between dawn and dusk. To view the MCPC rules and regulations on geocaching, download a map of this area, check the hunting schedule or get more information about our parks, please visit www.morrisparks.net . Rules and regulations for all sites can be found on site maps and on the Park Police link at www.morrisparks.net.
NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in Northern New Jersey.
NNJC.ORG