PT3 Meadow Vole Traditional Cache

This is one of a series of six Geocaches which was placed along the Long Bark Trail in Oakwoods Metropark nature study area in connection with the "Pull together For Nature 4" event held on National Trails day, June 7. The trail is a 2 mile loop with lots of shade. Additional information about the series may be found HERE.

Please stay on the trail to within about 30 feet from the Geocache and resist taking a "short cut" through the woods.

A BONUS CACHE is available to those that complete the series. Each cache will have a code in the cover such as A = 3 etc. The six code numbers will be used to obtain the coordinates to the Bonus cache by filling in the letters A through F in N 42 06.ABC W 083 20.DEF.

Stop by the Nature Center desk and they can give you a brochure which will help you enjoy the trail. Nature center hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00PM Weekends, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Weekdays. Closed Monday.

The theme for this year's series is "Small Mammels of Southerstern Michigan." The mammel highlighted with this cache is the Meadow Vole .
Meadow Vole or Field Mouse -Microtus pennsylvanicus, have chunky cylindrical bodies with short legs and a short tail which is darker on top. Their fur varies from grey-brown to dark-brown with silver-grey underparts. Their short ears are barely visible through their fur. They are 16 cm long with a 5 cm tail and weigh about 50 g. These animals are found in moist open areas. They make runways through the surface growth in warm weather and tunnel through the snow in winter. They feed on grasses, sedges and seeds, sometimes eating snails and insects.