This is a 14-point multicache. The cache legs are comprised of 11 signs detailing the ecosystems in the park, and 3 other points that are not signs from the park. It was done with the assistance of Jim Mason,
Wichita Department of Parks and Recreation biologist extraordinaire! It was unveiled on April
27th, 2003 at the 1st annual Wichita Cache-In Trash-Out Spring Thing gathering of geocachers.
This cache will both educate you about ecology, and give you a nice walk through
a beautiful park. You will very likely have a chance to see many animals living
here: maybe a white-tail deer, or even a wild turkey! You will certainly learn
something you didn't know before.
Chisholm Creek park is the largest park on the east side of Wichita. It is
one of the Wichita Wild Habitat Areas, which protect and preserve unique
wildlife habitats within the Wichita park system. Chisholm Creek Park has
areas of native prairie within it as well as restored prairie, woodland and
wetland habitats. It supports a biologically-diverse ecosystem, much as it would have been 300 years ago.
The points are located along the 1.6 miles of paved walking paths. No need to
ever leave the pavement for this cache (this cache is kid- and handicapped-friendly. Also certified to be 100% Happy Meal toy-free!) The park encompasses 282 acres with plenty of benches to take a little rest or just contemplate the beauty of the park. You will need to visit each point and
gather some information from it. These signs are very informative and take
less than 30 seconds to read, so read them all!
You can do these in any order you choose. FYI, I didn't go in exact numerical
order. It took me around 40 minutes walking time covering 2.27 miles. YMMV. Take your
time, enjoy the park.
When you have all your answers, email
me with them to claim this virtual. Logs without emails to me confirming success
will be deleted. Please don't post clues (even encrypted) in your logs. Ready?
Go!
N37 44.399 W97 15.867 Starting Pt: Quail Trail plaque: When
was the Quail Trail dedicated?
N37 44.435 W97 15.859 Pt 1) Jesse Chisholm: What is the
stream running through this park called? (Be specific please, use a
direction along with the name).
N37 44.483 W97 15.954 Pt 2) Water Birds: There is a bird flying
on the plaque. What is the genus and species (Latin name in italics)?
N37 44.503 W97 16.009 Pt 3) Turtles and Snakes: What is the
length of the most commonly seen snake?
N37 44.594 W97 15.999 Pt 4) Woodlands: What are the common names of the two
kinds of trees listed with genus and species (the Latin name in italics)?
N37 44.543 W97 15.907 Pt 5) Natural Succession: How long may
it take to transform the wetlands to meadow?
N37 44.642 W97 16.019 Pt 6) Creating a Prairie: How long did
it take for the prairies to develop after the last Ice Age?
N37 44.591 W97 16.137 Pt 7) Prairie Plants: What kind of
plant is depicted in the oval?
N37 44.544 W97 16.331 Pt 8) Chisholm Creek: What two mammals
listed on the sign may be seen around the creek?
N37 44.498 W97 16.280 Pt 9) Hedgerow Habitat: What is the
common name for the Osage Orange?
N37 44.559 W97 16.158 Pt 10) Prairie Wildlife: What is shown
sitting on the post?
N37 44.406 W97 15.997 Pt 11) Habitat for Wildlife: What
animal is listed, and what flower provides it's food listed on the plaque?
N37 44.502 W97 16.364 Combine: Not a Park sign, but a sign of times
gone by: What is the manufacturer and model number listed on this old
combine?
N37 44.364 W97 15.836 Fini!) End of the road: Come in and
visit Great Plains Nature Center. At some point in the future there will be
a question for this final leg, but it's not arrived yet. GPNC is a very
informative and neat place to see. Great for kids, and no cost to visit! Special features of the GPNC include the Koch Habitat Hall, the Coleman Auditorium, a wildlife observatory, the Owl's Nest Gift Shop, a classroom and an office wing.