|
Media
Release
For Immediate Release
Fall Provincial “Geocaching” Event for
Northern Ontario
Nature-Based Activity Growing in Popularity
Participants will “cache-in” this fall at a Northern
Ontario event promoting one of the fastest growing recreational and sporting
activities.
On Saturday, October 2nd
at the Canadian Ecology Centre, near Mattawa, east of North Bay,
participants from throughout the province will participate in the provincial
treasure hunting event – ‘Cache-In’ - using Global Positioning System (GPS)
technology and “their passion for the outdoors.”
“There are more than
100 people registered to participate,” said Amanda DesJardine, the event’s
organizer and a member of the team that is developing Northern Ontario GPS
Treasure Hunting (NOGPSTH). “The popularity of this nature-based activity
is growing rapidly because the GPS leads them to hidden caches with chances
of winning thousands of dollars worth of prizes while promoting an active
outdoor lifestyle.”
She said, “participants
will search for hidden caches that will have coordinates and clues.” There
will also be GPS related workshops and the Annual General Meeting of the
Ontario Geocaching Association.
GPS units are “one of
the hottest selling items in outdoor stores,” said Bill Steer, NOGPSTH
Product Developer. “This nature-based and educational activity is
well-suited to the tourism sector and many lodges and communities have
developed programs with NOGPSTH. Search, See, Learn and Stay Awhile is the
NOGPSTH slogan.” This activity will be featured at Eco North, a major
nature-based conference in Thunder Bay, November 24-27.
There are more than 250
caches throughout Northern Ontario, from Parry Sound through to Atikokan.
Caches are small water proofed containers that contain natural and cultural
heritage stories and “the “code” word which the GPS treasure hunter is
looking for.” There are caches at attractions, like Old Fort William, at
lodges and retailers, and along many trail systems such as the new trail
system at Moonbeam. “It is a great opportunity to learn about our natural
and cultural heritage, the beauty of Northern Ontario is off of our roads
and highways.”
There will be prizes at
the ‘Cache-In’ event and participants’ results will also be applied to the
more than $34 000 worth of prizes available with the ongoing GPS treasure
hunting caches found throughout Northern Ontario via the website
www.geocachingontario.com.
For more information
contact Amanda DesJardine at the Canadian Ecology Centre, 744-1715, ext. 630
or 1-888-747-7577 or
amanda@canadianecology.ca. The media release can be found under
Media on
www.geocachingontario.com.
|
