Geocaching – Treasure hunting on Bur Oak Land Trust Properties

Children and adults alike are fascinated by the adventure of treasure hunting. Geocaching is a world-wide adventure treasure hunt with over three million geocaches hidden in nearly two hundred countries. Although geocaching is less than twenty years old, there are millions of geocachers actively playing the game, from families with children to retirees. Geocaches come in different sizes, shapes, and difficulties and may be hidden in both rural and city areas.

Basically, geocaching consists of finding a hidden container by using its GPS coordinates and clues, registering it as a find, making a comment for the rest of the geocaching community, and returning it to its original hidden location. Containers – if large enough – may contain objects for trade for another object of equal or greater value, if the finder desires. Hidden containers can range in size from very small to quite large and can vary in difficulty and terrain. They all contain a paper log, which one should sign upon finding. Geocaches are never buried but can be cleverly hidden or disguised to provide a challenge for the finder. It is very important that after finding one, it is always returned to its original spot.

To get started in geocaching, all one needs is to create a free basic account at Geocaching.com, download the application to a smart phone, and use the phone to search for geocaches near their location. The basic application is free, but if the user really enjoys the game, a premium version is reasonably priced, provides location of additional cache sites and expanded information, and is worth considering after playing for a while.

There are several hundred geocaches located in the Johnson County area. Caches on Bur Oak Land Trust properties include eight geocaches at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, two at Pappy Dickens Preserve, and six at Big Grove Preserve. Most of the caches on Trust properties are great to introduce new geocachers and families to the game, since they are relatively easy to find and large enough to contain items for trade. Since geocaches are always located at least a tenth of a mile apart, they provide good exercise in hunting!

Geocaching is a great excuse to get outside and enjoy nature as well as providing the challenge and excitement of a treasure hunt. Sign up and get more information at Geocaching.com – and get out to the properties to have fun!