Geocaching
What it is : Geocaching is part sport, part treasure hunt and one of the fastest growing outdoor activities that can be found in nearly all 50 states and over 200 countries. This giant scavenger hunt is done with the help of a GPS receiver and appeals to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. A geocacher obtains GPS coordinates of a hidden cache posted on a geocaching website (www.geocaching.com). Clues help the geocacher to locate the cache. By simply typing in your zip code, you can quickly find a cache on a conservation site near you and get started on this great outdoor activity.
How to Place a Cache or Letterbox on MCCD Property
Permission must be obtained prior to placing the cache. 
Call the District's Main Office or e-mail the office at geocache@mccdistrict.org with the general area you would like to place your cache. A geocache request form and a site map will be mailed to you. Once you have received these items, you may place your cache. Return your form and the site map, marked with the location of your cache, to the Main Office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your request to be approved. Once it has been approved, you will receive a letter in the mail. Please do not post your cache on the geocaching website until you have received this letter. If your cache is not approved, you will receive information as to why it was not approved and what can be done to correct any problems.
General Rules (These rules also apply to Letterboxing activities)
For a complete list of rules, click to view.
1. The location can only be in an area open to the public and no more then 12 feet from a designated trail.
2. The container must be made of clear (see through) material, with no size greater than 4"x8"x12".
3. There is a limit of only 3 caches per District site. Due to environmental reasons, certain sites or areas may be closed to geocaching.
4. The geocache may not contain food items, inappropriate, offensive or hazardous material.
5. The geocache may not be attached or buried and no vegetation or natural features are to be disturbed.
6. All caches must be removed or renewed at the end of each calendar year. All caches not renewed by January 15th will be removed.
Areas Unavailable for Geocache Placement
These sites already have their maximum amount of geocaches:
Coral Woods
Fox Bluff
Stickney Run
Pleasant Valley
Beck's Woods
Along any Nature Trail in any of the sites - this is for preservation reasons.
UPCOMING EVENTS
GEOCACHE RALLY
May 24th, 2008 12:00 PM
Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, Shelter # 1
Whether you are an experiences Geocache enthusiast or new to the sport, come join us for a Geocache Rally. There will be both a 6 cache rally for experiences geocachers and a 3-cache Beginner Fun Hunt. Each cache will contain a fun surprise and clues to answer questions. There will be a drawing at the end of each Rally for a grand prize free camping weekend at any MCCD camping area for up to 25 people. Registration is required (spots still available!). You can register by calling the Prairieview Education Center at 815-479-5779 or click here to register online.
CACHE YOUR WAY ACROSS McHENRY COUNTY
June 1st, 2008-August 31st, 2008
Various MCCD sites
Join us for a Summer long adventure as you cache your way through the many beautiful sites of the McHenry County Conservation District. Many geocaches and ecocaches will be set in sites as far Northwest as Beck's Woods in Chemung (west of Harvard) to as far Southeast as Exner Marsh in Lake in the Hills. You may participate as a group or an individual. Each participant will receive a prize once they have completed the event (don't worry, if you can't find them all, you will still get a prize!). All participants who do complete all caches will be entered into a drawing for a free camping weekend at an MCCD camping area for up to 25 people. Since this event lasts for 3 months, you may register at any time before or during the event. For more information or to register, contact the District's Main Office at 815-338-6223 or e-mail geocache@mccdistrict.org.