Finding your way

Canadian Ecology Centre
News Release

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Participants will “cache-in” this weekend at a Canadian Ecology Centre event promoting one of the fastest growing recreational and sporting activities.

www.geocachingontario.com

On Sunday, as part of the Mattawa-Bonfield region’s Adventure Week and Voyageur Days celebration, participants from throughout the province will participate in the 4th annual ‘Nache Cache’ –- using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and “their passion for the outdoors.” The event is free and starts at 9:00 AM at the Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC), GPS units are provided.

“This activity continues to grow,” said Daniel Mansfield, the event’s organizer. “The popularity of this nature-based activity is growing rapidly because the GPS leads them to hidden caches with chances of prizes while promoting an active outdoor lifestyle.” He said, “participants will search for hidden caches that will have coordinates and clues.”

GPS units are “one of the hottest selling items in outdoor stores,” said Bill Steer, Product Developer. “This nature-based and educational activity is well-suited to the tourism sector and many lodges and communities have developed programs.” Search, See, Learn and Stay Awhile is the slogan. “We want visitors and participants to experience our natural and cultural heritage. It is a great lead-in to Adventure Week activities, including the North Bay-Mattawa Canoe Race , activies at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park and the Lost in the Trees and Rocks bike race.”

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 ‘Nache Cache’ event.

For more information contact Bill Steer at the Canadian Ecology Centre, 744-1715, ext. 570 or 1-888-747-7577 or Daniel Mansfield, ext. 608.

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