"Poison" Traditional Geocache

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.

“poison Cache"

Be cautious as you search for this cache as there is some poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) in the area. This native plant can grow as a vine, a ground cover or even as a shrub and produces small white berries in the fall that are an important food source for migrating birds. 90% of people who touch any part of the poison ivy plant will get an itchy rash, although for some it may take repeated exposure before the reaction appears. This is due to the body’s reaction to urushiol oil it contains, although its purpose is actually to help the plant retain water. In fact, only humans have an adverse reaction to the plant. Deer, bear, squirrels and rabbits readily eat the leaves and bark with no consequences.

To identify poison ivy, look for groups of three leaflets, roughly forming the shape of a triangle. The bottom two leaves touch at the base while the third, middle leaf is attached to a longer stalk. The point where the three leaves meet will show a pinkish dot.

Many people erroneously believe the poison ivy leaves are red and shiny, but this is only true when the leaves first emerge in the spring and is also true for many other plants. Knowing the leaf arrangement (“Leaves of three – let it be”) and recognizing the uniquely hairy-looking vines (“Hairy rope – don’t be a dope”) are the best ways to identify it. Interestingly, poison ivy is benefiting from the increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and has doubled its growth rate since 1960.

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.