This cache is placed near (not on) a fabulous oak tree. There are literally hundreds of species of oak trees located in various areas of the world. This popular tree has been a valuable source of shade and beauty for centuries and continues to be a common tree in landscapes today.
An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus of the beech family, Fagaceae. There are approximately 600 extant species of oaks. The genus Quercus is native to the Northern Hemisphere, and includes deciduous and evergreen species extending from cool temperate to tropical latitudes. In spring, a single oak tree produces both male flowers and small female flowers. The fruit is a nut called an acorn or oak nut. The acorns and leaves contain tannic acid, which helps to guard from fungi and insects.
Oak wood has a density of about 0.75 g/cm3 (0.43 oz/cu in) creating great strength and hardness. The wood is very resistant to insect and fungal attack because of its high tannin content. Oak wood is commonly used for furniture making and flooring, timber frame buildings, and veneer production. Barrels in which alcoholic beverages are aged are made from European and American oak. Oak wood chips are used for smoking food and cheeses.
The oak is a common symbol of strength and endurance and has been chosen as the national tree of many countries. Iowa designated the oak as its official state tree in 1961. The White Oak is the state tree of Connecticut, Illinois and Maryland. The Northern Red Oak is the state tree of New Jersey. The Live Oak is the state tree of Georgia.
In Greek mythology, the oak is the tree sacred to Zeus. In Celtic polytheism, the name of the oak tree was part of the Proto-Celtic word for 'druid'. Taranis, being a thunder god, was associated with the oak tree. In Norse mythology, the oak was sacred to the thunder god, Thor. There has even been a study that shows that oaks are more likely to be struck by lightning than any other tree of the same height.
After finding the cache, please take a minute or two to fully appreciate the mighty oak next to you. Fell free to post pictures of the tree and your party finding the cache.