Ontario Geocaching Association

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a recreational activity that combines "high tech" with enjoyment of the outdoors.  Using the Global Positioning System (GPS), Geocachers place a container (also known as a  "Geocache") in a hidden spot & mark the position with their GPS receivers. The coordinates of the container's position are posted on the Internet (the most popular site being www.Geocaching.com). Other Geocachers enter the container's coordinates into their own GPS receivers & seek the container. When found they sign the logbook and may exchange items.  They then place the container back into its original hiding spot & then log their visit online.

Where are Geocaches hidden?

Geocaches are mostly hidden on public recreational lands.  They are only hidden on private land if permission has been given by the landowner.  Geocaching.com encourages hiders to receive permission to hide a Geocache from the land management agency responsible for the area they wish to hide the Geocache in.

Geocaches are never buried.  They are mostly hidden in natural crevices created by rocks, stumps & trees.  Many are cleverly camouflaged to look like branches, stumps, squirrel & bird nests or birdhouses.  The person that hides a cache will leave a hint on the cache page so that a cache seeker will not damage an area trying to find a hidden Geocache.

Geocaches should be clearly marked with the name of the Geocache & the cache owner.  Contact information should be found inside on the standard Geocaching letter.

What kinds of containers are used?

Any container that is easily hidden and is weatherproof makes a good Geocache container. Former food containers must be well cleaned to prevent forest creatures from opening a container in search of a meal.  The most popular containers are Rubbermaid, & Tupperware containers, ice cream containers, peanut butter jars, old picnic jugs, etc.

What is in a Geocache?

All Geocaches should include a logbook. This is to record those who have visited the cache.  Some Geocaches include a camera for visitors to snap photos of themselves.  Most Geocaches contain items for trade. This can be a wide variety of items; from kid's toys to tools, jewelry, gift certificates, the possibilities are almost endless.

What should not be in a Geocache?

Geocaching is a family activity.  Therefore no alcohol, cigarettes, adult or illegal materials should be in a Geocache.  Also, to prevent animals from destroying a container, no food or scented products (e.g. candles, lip balm) should be in a Geocache. Finally for safety's sake, no matches, lighters, fireworks, ammunition or other explosive/flammable items should be inside a cache. Knives are also not recommended, although the occasional pocketknife can be found as a trade item.

Who looks after the Geocache?

The cache owner is responsible for maintaining the cache and ensuring that the cache is not causing a negative impact on its surrounding environment.  A regular maintenance schedule should be agreed upon with the land manager (every # of visits or every X weeks/months).  The land manager should be contacted after every maintenance visit to keep them informed of the Geocache's status.

How will Geocaching benefit the lands under your management?

• Geocaching brings people from outside of your local area to places they would never know about if it were not for a Geocache placement.
• Geocachers are encouraged to "Cache in/Trash out" which means they will pick up litter they spot as they walk your trails.
• Through their visits Geocachers can report problems on your trails - fallen trees, broken boardwalks etc.
• Geocaching gets families outdoors together. It is a great activity to introduce children to nature & get them the exercise & fresh air that they need. It teaches them to respect the environment (by picking up litter, staying on the trail). Kids love to hike when there is a "prize" at the end!

What are some other advantages of Geocaching?

• Many Geocaches also teach historic information by having Geocachers visit local historic sites, memorials, plaques and numerous places of interest.
• Geocaching provides public awareness of your lands.  This promotes the use of these lands and the general population will gain a better understanding of the value of these areas.

As the urban sprawl continues to grow and lands become developed the need to protect key environmental areas grows with it.  Geocaching helps to add awareness and generate positive public perception of the importance of protecting our green spaces.  It also re-enforces many positive ideals in our society.  Those being the enjoyment of the outdoors, keeping our natural habitats secure and the recreation of the general population whether they be families or individuals.

Geo-quote