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Located at the Johnson Tract of The Nature Conservancy's Nassawango Creek Preserve, this cache is tucked in a scenic niche where one can observe many components of preserve restoration: clear cuts, prescribed burns, natural forest regeneration, deer management, planting Atlantic white cedar, which was historically almost completely removed from the area by overharvesting, and hydrological restoration.
Salamander's Sanctuary is placed right near the northern portion of a deer exclosure at the Johnson Tract. From here, learn about the use of prescribed fires for reestablishing natural systems as was historically done naturally.
The audio tour that accompanies this tract describes our prescribed burn program, Atlantic white cedar restoration and the importance of giving back to the community through certified forestry operations.
Look out for the other Nassawango Creek Preserve caches in the area at the Prothonotary Warbler Trail (off of Creek Rd) and at Furnace Town.
Watch for ticks along this trail! Do a thorough tick check after hiking.
This preserve has a hunting program for white-tailed deer to keep the population healthy and in balance with the environment. While enjoying Maryland's great outdoors during hunting season, remain mindful of hunters and wear orange for your safety. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources web site.
What to See at the Preserve
Plants
•Nassawango is home to an abundant array of native plants, including rare plants such as pink lady’s-slipper, cardinal flower and Indian pipe. A diverse forest of bald cypress, black gum and loblolly pine trees dominate this upland forest.
Animals
•With more than 60 recorded species of migratory birds, such as the scarlet tanager, yellow-throated vireos and prothonotary warbler, there’s no doubt that Nassawango Creek is a critical stopover point for migratory birds. Bobcat, mink, deer and fox also thrive here
Keep in mind the preserve guidelines when visiting a Nature Conservancy Preserve:
To protect the health of the preserve for generations to come, and to ensure the safety of all visitors, the following activities are not allowed:
•Picking flowers, mushrooms, etc.; removing rocks or other parts of the landscape.
•Smoking.
•Camping, fires or cookouts.
•Driving motorized vehicles, including ATV’s, except on designated access roads.
•Biking.
•Fishing, trapping, or hunting, except as otherwise posted.
•Bringing dogs onto the preserve.
•Horseback riding.
•Feeding wildlife.
•Releasing animals or introducing plants.
•Disposing of trash or other waste, including biodegradable materials.
In addition, in order to minimize the impact visitors have on the preserve, please:
•Use trails.
•Avoid walking in wet, boggy areas.
•Inspect pant legs and shoes to remove seeds before entering and when leaving the preserve. Failure to do so could introduce unwanted weeds to new locations.
•If you flush a ground nesting bird - stop and avoid walking near the nest area.
•Observe all posted signs.
•Please do not remove stakes, signs, flagging, tape or other objects - they might be part of a research project.
•Please do not trespass on private property adjacent to the preserve.
Thank you for being respectful of the preserve and the geocache, and have fun exploring this preserve!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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