EARTHCACHING, A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN PLACING AND MAINTAINING AN EARTHCACHE

Geocaching is a web-based game of worldwide hide-and-seek that brings a community of outdoor oriented individuals in close proximity to the many geologic wonders of the world. Some of the geocachers recognize that there is geology in their hides and posts, however few provide a transfer of knowledge about this geology. This combination a group of people that regularly ventures into the outdoors, is willing to search for hard to find locals, and is generally appreciative of the natural environment. They provide an ideal audience with which to share my personal interest in geology.

I based my selection of sites to submit as earthcaches on three criteria: location relative to places I frequented, prior knowledge of the site, and the availability of information upon which to base the earthcache.

The level of response to earthcaching is based on the support in obtaining background information and the responses by geocachers logging a visit. Information was requested from academics, government entities, conservation groups, and private companies. Academic response varied from no response, probably due to beginning the project at the beginning of summer vacation, to cautious, to full support. Government entities, such as state and county parks and conservation groups were positive, but rarely provided the geologic detail needed for an earthcache. The one private company, a mining company, contacted provided a significant amount of detail based on their prior experience with geological field trips.