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Media Release
Ontario GPS Treasure Hunt Started
“Geocaching” – Outdoors, Family Learning
Activity
Chances to Win Prizes
A technology-based,
outdoors learning activity is being introduced to Ontario and participants
are having fun in the great outdoors with the chances of winning thousands
of dollars worth of prizes.
Geocaching Ontario (a
non-profit entity –
www.geocachingontario.com) is a four-season outdoors activity using
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The hand-held units sold in
outdoors stores are one of the “hottest selling retail items” for
recreationalists. GPS, using satellite technolgy, marks location for a
variety of outdoor enthusiasts’ and those interested in “geocaching.”
“This is a value-added
activity, a whole lot of fun and free, “ said Bill Steer of the Canadian
Ecology Centre Foundation, the program developer. “Whether you are hiking,
biking, bird watching, fishing, snowmobiling or in your car, you potentially
could be using a GPS unit and be looking for the hidden caches. GPS
treasure hunting promotes the wise use of trails and the technology leaves
“no ecological footprint.”
The caches are being
planted throughout Ontario, expanding from its roots in central and northern
Ontario. Caches contain natural and cultural heritage stories and promote
community visitation through its tagline – “Search, See, Learn and Stay
Awhile.” At the same time participants’ recover a code word at the cache
which they submit on the website –
www.geocachingontario.com for “chances to win thousands of dollars worth
of prizes using the online submission form. Participants look under the
Live Caches tab, all locations, GPS coordinates and clues are given to
“would be treasure hunters.”
Lodges, health units,
tourism economic development agencies and attractions have become involved
promoting their own initiatives. Fort William Historical Park in Thunder
Bay has virtual caches within the walls of the fort. Moonbeam (near
Kapuskasing) has many caches along its theme trail and the North Bay
District Health Unit purchased caches for a healthy living program.
Woodland Echoes, a resort near Magnetawan (near Parry Sound) has started a
new outdoors program for guests using GPS.
The program has been
developed by the Canadian Ecology Centre Foundation
www.canadianecology.ca with help from FedNor (Industry Canada).
For more information
contact Bill Steer at
bill@canadianecology.ca or
1-888-747-7577, ext. 570.
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Sponsored by FedNor.
A
project of NECO. A Community Futures Development Corporation &
Mattawa and Area Forestry Committee for Economic Development (MAFCED)
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