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. Simply type in your zip code, and find a cache on a conservation site near you and get started.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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. Several of these will be posted on geocaching.com so you can log these finds there as well! 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.
The Dobbins Family get the 100th find at the Hollows as part of the Cache your Way Across McHenry County Program. For more photos from other participants, click here.