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A geocacher proudly displays a found travel bug. |
Geocaching is a high-tech "treasure hunting" game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices.
A geocacher first obtains GPS coordinates of a specific zip code area of hidden caches, posted at (www.geocaching.com) Geochers then hike a site and locate hidden containers, called geocaches, and share their experience online. Clues help the geocacher to locate the cache.
How to Place a Cache or Letterbox on District Property (rules apply to all similar activies, including Munzee and Waypoint)
Permission must be obtained prior to placing a cache on District property. To request a geocache form call 815-338-6223 or e-mail smichael@mccdistrict.org. Allow 2-3 weeks for your request to be approved. Please do not post your cache on the geocaching website until you have received approval. If your cache is not approved, you will receive information as to why and what can be done to correct any problems.
General Rules
(These rules also apply to Letterboxing activities)
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Two geocachers seeking a cache at The Hollows, Cary |
A complete list of rules, click to view.
1. The location can only be in an area open to the public and within 12 feet from a trail.
2. The container must be made of clear material, not to exceed 4" x 8" x 12".
3. Only three caches allowed per District site. Due to environmental reasons, certain sites or areas may be closed to geocaching.
4. The cache may not contain food items, inappropriate, offensive or hazardous material.
5. The cache may not be buried and vegetation or other natural features are not to be disturbed.
6. Caches may be hidden under logs, in tree holes, in/under downed trees, in/under brush, etc.. The cache may not be affixed to any man-made structure (bench, sign, pole, fence, water pump, building, etc.) or natural feature (rock, tree, stump, root, etc.) in any manner. This applies to items requiring magnets, tapes, nails, rope/string, staples or anything else to hold them in place.
7. All caches must be removed or renewed at the end of each calendar year.
Geocaches on District Property All caches were placed with permission from the District but are not owned or maintained by the Conservation District. These caches are also posted on www.geocaching.com. Many of these caches are multi-caches or puzzle caches. Due to the nature of these cahes, the coordinates have not been included. Visit www.geocaching.com for all information on how to find these caches.
Volunteers Needed
The Conservation District is looking for individuals with geocaching experience. Volunteers check current caches for compliance with District restrictions and help at the Spring Rally and Cache Your Way Across McHenry County. For more information, e-mail smichael@mccdistrict.org or call 815-338-6223.
Upcoming Events
Cache Your Way Across McHenry County will run from August 1 - November 30, 2013. There will be a few changes this year. Registration will be unlimited but only the first 75 to complete the program will receive a coin. You will need to register using the new Online system. Registration will begin May 10th but you may open your household account now. Once you are logged in, it is under Activities, Special Events. If more than one family member registers, the additional families members will be deleted to make room for more groups. The prize will once again be a geocoin (new design this year!!).
Due to building construction, locations to pickup coins will be different! The Main Office will remain available M-F 8-4:30 AFTER August 15th. Prairieview will not be available until November 1st. The Lost Valley Visitor Center will be open normal business hours. New this year - Thomas Woods Campground in the Marengo Ridge site - visit the campground host through Oct 30th. His availability various but he is typically around on the weekends!
Geocoins
The McHenry County Conservation District first edition geocoins are on the loose! A few have been placed in District caches and a few have been handed out to other geocaching individuals. One has already been picked up and will hopefully be on the move soon! The first two's mission is to see how far they can go. We will be tracking travel milestones. View progress.