Conservation Halton

Geocaching \je-o-‘kash-ing\

This new outdoor pastime is great fun for all ages - a perfect outing for families, groups and individuals.

This relatively new pastime that combines outdoor pursuits with technology is becoming all the rage. The basic idea is to locate caches situated all over the world using GPS. Sound pretty easy? Well, it is in theory, but it’s all about the journey and the destination.

Caches range is size from micro to multi-caches (having multiple locations) or mystery caches that involve puzzle solutions. Generally, the goal of the cacher is to lead you to a location (or locations) where you can experience a fabulous view, a special happening or perhaps it’s about what is hidden inside the cache. Caches include all kinds of everyday items from CDs and children’s toys to cash.

A great way to get started is to sign up for a basic membership and read some of the beginner guides provided on most geocaching websites. There are a lot of web pages devoted to geocaching and they provide plenty of information about buying your first GPS unit and heading out to find your first cache. Information is also provided if you’re interested in hiding a cache.

What does geocaching have to do with Conservation Halton parks? Well, it’s obvious we have some great locations to share with geocaching enthusiasts. Our Conservation Areas see quite a bit of geocache activity since we already have some caches hidden in them. A cautionary note, Conservation Areas often have vey sensitive plants and animals that can be quite rare. It is very important that geocachers get permission from the park manager before hiding their cache.

What are the rules in Geocaching?

1. Take something from the cache

2. Leave something in the cache. Generally, you “trade even or trade up” - leave something of equal or greater value than you take as a memento of finding the cache

3. Write about it in the logbook

4. Re-hide the cache exactly the way you found it

5. Register your find on the web

Conservation Halton allows geocaches to be placed on its properties WITH APPROVAL AND WITHIN SPECIFIC GUIDELINES. To find out more contact us at geocache@hrca.on.ca.

To place a geocache on Conservation Halton properties please read the Conservation Halton Geocache Guidelines and fill out a Geocache Placement Application. Keep in mind all caches must also meet the GEOCACHING.COM placement guidelines. Also a brief Additional Hints for Geocachers may be usefull.

We also recomend you download the "Ontario Trails Project" trails file to your GPS unit so that you can see the trails in the area while you are caching. This will also help you know that you are taking the right trail to your cache. We have many sensitive species in our parks so it is important to stay on the trails. We have provided our trails to the project. You can download the trails file at the Ontario Trails Project website.

Conservation Halton Geocache Placement Guidelines in PDF or in WORD

Conservation Halton Geocache Placement Application in PDF or in WORD

To find out more visit: www.geocaching.com

When your application is completed please send to geocache@hrca.on.ca

Please be patient, it will take at least a few days to circulate and review your geocache placement.