Located in Green Spring Gardens, this geocache was created by Learn, Explore, and Play (LEAP), one of many Master Gardener programs that provide visitors with self-guided means to explore the grounds. The park is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312, with the entrance on Witch Hazel Drive via Braddock Road. The cache is placed with the permission of the Green Spring Gardens Park Manager and Fairfax County Park Authority. The park is open from dawn to dusk, night caching in the park is expressly forbidden…Do Not Enter the Park in the Dark! The vehicle entry gate is locked at 5:00 pm (promptly). However, there is limited parking outside the gate, and you may enter by foot during daylight hours.
This geocache will introduce you to many trees along the paths of Green Spring Gardens. It is strongly suggested that you print the given pdf word puzzle at home and bring it with you so you may record the clues as you go. Use the provided coordinates to guide you or refer to the map signage on site, as the map illustrates the location of the gardens referenced at each waypoint. Many trees can be seen from a path but some require you to walk on the lawn. Please, do not walk over any garden beds.
At each waypoint you are provided with a description of a tree which helps you to identify it year-round, although it may be more challenging in the late fall/winter/early spring months. For 7 of the trees, look on the ground around the base of the tree for metal tags emblazoned with the common and scientific name of that tree. Record the common name next to the appropriate clue in the word puzzle. To enhance your knowledge of trees, the identity of those without tags is provided with its description.
