LEARN HOW TO GEOCACHE AT THE SAND POINT NATURE PRESERVE
THE SAGINAW BASIN LAND CONSERVANCY INVITES THE PUBLIC JOIN IN
August 31, 2009
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By: O. J. Cunningham
Join the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy on Saturday, September 12th, at 10:00am at Sand Point Nature Preserve to learn how to GeoCache!
GeoCaching is a type of scavenger hunt in which people use GPS coordinates to find a hidden prize. Players hide small containers filled with simple prizes in areas that are open to the public and list the GPS coordinates on the INTERNET for other players to find. "GeoCaching is about the fun of the search," states SBLC education and outreach coordinator Neil Sauter. "It's a great way for people to explore their community and often introduces people to beautiful natural area they might not have visited otherwise."!
When a player finds the hidden container, known as the "cache," they take out an item, such as a key chain or a toy, and leave another behind as a replacement. Thus, the prizes never run out, making GeoCaching a sustainable recreational activity. Since the Conservancy promotes sustainable communities and a higher quality of life through preservation of land and water resources; this is an ideal fit.!
The GeoCaches at each preserve will be placed and monitored by local resident Darlene Elias, otherwise known as Windrose in the GeoCaching world. Darlene has been GeoCaching for years and has placed more than 40 caches in the area. "I am excited about setting up GeoCaching at the SBLC preserves, they are beautiful places," stated Darlene.!
The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy is introducing GeoCaching at their preserves to inspire more recreational use and to increase awareness of SBLC's conservation efforts. The idea was proposed to the Conservancy by Huron Pines AmeriCorps member Neil Sauter who has spent the summer helping SBLC with their education and outreach campaign.!
Established in 2007, Huron Pines AmeriCorps was developed to strengthen conservation organizations in Northeast Michigan. Huron Pines AmeriCorps members provide assistance with developing new community services, volunteer coordination, on-the-ground restoration and habitat improvement projects, and public outreach and stewardship. Huron Pines AmeriCorps is supported in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, DTE Energy Foundation, Huron Pines and contributions from host sites. For more information, visit www.huronpinesamericorps.org.!
To learn more about GeoCaching or to find the coordinates of the SBLC preserve caches visit www.geocaching.com. To learn more about the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy conservation efforts visit www.sblc-mi.org.!
To reach the event site from Bay City:
Take M-25 North for 45 miles towards Caseville. Approximately a half mile north of Dunn Road the parking lot for the preserve will be on the left. A sign will be placed on the side of the road pointing traffic towards the parking lot.
(If you reach Crescent Beach Rd you have gone too far.)
You can also go to
Google Maps and enter GPS coordinates 43° 54.450 n 083° 19.328 w. You can also enter these coordinates into your GPS.
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The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy helps maintain the quality of life in the Saginaw Bay Watershed through the preservation of important wetlands, waterways and land of all types. The Conservancy is a non-profit charitable organization working in the Saginaw Basin. To date, the Conservancy has permanently preserved more than 5,000 acres in the watershed.
O. J. Cunningham
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O. J. Cunningham is the Publisher of MyBayCity.com. Cunningham previously published Sports Page & Bay City Enterprise. He is the President/CEO of OJ Advertising, Inc.
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