Take a photo of the trail map or load it to your phone with the QR Code on the kiosk. Follow the trail signs: 2A, 2B, 2D, 1A, 1B to the Influent at 1C. The trailhead can be accessed in Loyce Harpe Park. Parking coords are listed as an additional waypoint.
The park was once a portion of the Bonny Lake Mine, a phosphate mining operation that began in 1947. The mine closed in 1984 and a few years later was purchased by the City of Lakeland for use as a Wetland Treatment System. Changes and upgrades to the site included changes to clay settling area berm elevations and slopes, installation of water control structures and pipes and the planting of wetland and upland vegetation. The wetland treatment system became operational in 1987. The new park is part of a 1,600-acre area comprised of marshes, swamps, and open water lakes designed to help naturally clean already treated wastewater as it meanders through the retention areas. Once completely treated in the wetlands, the water is either released to the Alafia River or used by Tampa Electric’s Polk Power Station as a cooling agent. In addition to the treatment provided, the Wetland offers outstanding habitat for a diverse community of plant and animal species including birds, alligators, turtles, otters, bobcats, gopher tortoises and other animals.
The trails have no shade, so wear a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing. Carry plenty of water. Drinking water is only available near the Gopher Tortoise and Wood Stork gates.
Maintain a safe distance from alligators and other wildlife.
This is a Letterbox Hybrid cache. For anyone not familiar with Letterboxing there is a log in the cache for you to sign and stamp (with your stamp), then you stamp your own log or paper (with stamp that is in the cache). If you do not have your own stamp, then stickers or handrawn artwork is acceptable or if you do not have your own stamp, you can just sign the log. DO NOT TAKE STAMP WITH YOU; IT IS NOT A TRADE ITEM!!!
This geocache is a part of the Trek Ten Trails 2017-2018 program. Participation in that program, while a lot of fun, is not required to log this cache here.
Trek Ten Trails 2017-2018 program marks the continuation of the Friends of the Parks Foundation’s call to explore the outdoors in Polk County. Several new caches and a bonus cache have been hidden at nature trail locations throughout Polk County this year. Each nature trail includes geocaches with a self-inking stamp for validating your visits to at least ten of the featured trails. To receive a completion certificate and be eligible for a other prizes you must find ten caches. Of course you may trek all trails we have added this year and we hope you do!
New validation game cards, which participants stamp are available at various locations and are listed on the Friends of the Parks website and OUTPOST 27 CACHE. Trek Ten Trails 2017-2018 program maps, game cards and other information about each of the featured nature trails may be downloaded from the Friends of the Parks website. Check out our Profile for more details.
