Wood-Rill SNA Multi-Cache
LouRem: Cleaning up old caches.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Because physical caches are not allowed in Minnesota SNAs, only the final stage is an actual physical cache. The preliminary stages are all virtual and are all within the SNA. I have placed the actual physical FINAL stage a short distance away on public property outside of the SNA.
Wood-Rill Scientific & Natural Area (SNA) preserves a beautiful and sizeable remnant of the Big Woods, the vast ecosystem that once covered 2,000 square miles of Minnesota. Walking trails meander through its maple-basswood forest, over the steep hills of the St. Croix moraine, and down around a variety of wetlands. Undisturbed old-growth forest here varies from 120 to 400 years old. An upland canopy of red oak, basswood, sugar maple, and white oak towers over other trees, including a few butternut. Fenced study sites exclude both deer and earthworms to monitor their effects on ground-layer species of the forest community. A lake, ponds, and wet meadows--glacial legacy of ice block wetlands--lie scattered about the site. A moist lowland forest of red maple, black ash, hackberry, basswood, and green ash, grades into a small tamarack swamp at one end. The largest meadow is succeeding to a black ash swamp. Spring wildflowers, fall deciduous colors, the stillness of winter, and varied native communities--all combine to make this an SNA for all seasons. The majority of the site was gifted by Bruce and Ruth Dayton for all Minnesotans to enjoy.
Because the Wood-Rill SNA is covered by an old growth tree canopy, there is considerable variability of GPS readings. You should expect a larger search area than you are used to. However, each of the preliminary stages are easy to find and identify. The goal of this cache is to expose you to this wonderful area. It is not meant to be difficult. Expect to walk 2-3 miles total depending on how you choose your route. During mosquito season, repellant will be necessary. The final cache is a moderate size plastic container.
PLEASE STAY ON TRAILS. No bushwhacking is needed in the SNA.
There is a parking lot at:
N 44 59.062
W 93 32.671.
The main portion of the Wood-Rill SNA is across the street.
Proceed to the coordinates at the top of the page. Here you will find a sign with some information about some of the plant life. According to the sign, what are living relics? (hint: plural)
Convert your one word answer into its numeric equivalent (Example a=1, b=2, c=3, etc. "wood" has a numerical equivalent of 23+15+15+4=57) This number will be A
Add 180 to A to get the last 3 digits of the North coordinates below. Subtract 45 from A to get the last 3 digits of the West coordinates below.
Proceed to these coordinates:
N 44 59._ _ _
W 93 32._ _ _
At this location look for a map. According to the map, what is the second word in the name of the solid green line?
Convert your answer to its numeric equivalent. This number will be B
Add 298 to B to get the last 3 digits of the North coordinates below. Add 904 to B to get the last 3 digits of the West coordinates below.
Proceed to these coordinates:
N 44 59._ _ _
W 93 31._ _ _
Here you will find another sign. There are 3 numbers on this sign. What is the lowest number?
That number will be C
Add 110 to C to get the last 3 digits of the North coordinates below. Add 648 to C to get the last 3 digits of the West coordinates below.
Proceed to these coordinates:
N 44 59._ _ _
W 93 31._ _ _
Here you will find a brown sign. According to the sign, how should you walk?
Convert your answer to its numerical equivalent. This number will be D
Add 822 to D to get the last 3 digits of the North coordinates below. Add 92 to D to get the last 3 digits of the West coordinates below.
Proceed to these coordinates:
N 44 58._ _ _
W 93 32._ _ _
Here you will find the final cache. It has a few trinkets in it. I also left an unactivated travel bug dog tag for the first time finder.
I hope you have enjoyed this walk through the woods.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)