DU PAGE FOREST PRESERVES KICK OFF 2013 GEOCACHING COIN PROGRAM MAY 12

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites all geocachers — those outdoor explorers who use GPS units to navigate to hidden caches — to join its free 2013 Geocaching Challenge Passport program, which begins May 12.
      In celebration of the agency’s upcoming 100th anniversary, the passport program will lead geocachers to eight caches hidden in forest preserves that relate to the District’s history between 1941 and 1965. Each cache contains a passport sticker, and anyone who collects five or more different stickers will earn a custom trackable geocoin for 2013.
      “We have a few new caches, but some will be familiar to experienced trekkers,” says Dave Andrusyk, a naturalist at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center and the geocaching coordinator. “In fact some people who received District permission to place their own caches in the preserves are helping by placing stickers in those locations as well. As the program moves into 2014 and 2015, it’s going to be exciting to help visitors explore new areas and to see how far our trackable geocoins circulate.”
      New passport booklets for 2013 are available at three District education centers: Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at 3609 Spring Road in Oak Brook, Kline Creek Farm at 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago and Willowbrook Wildlife Center at 525 S. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Trackable geocoins from the 2012 passport challenge are still available, too. Individuals with questions can contact Dave Andrusyk at geocache@dupageforest.org or 630-850-8113.
      For people who would like to join the techno treasure-hunting fun but lack experience or equipment, the District offers a few options. Free introduction to geocaching programs will take place May 19, June 8 and June 19 at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn. Registration begins two weeks before each program; participants should call the District’s Visitor Services at 630-933-7248. Additionally, individuals 16 and older with valid identification and credit cards can borrow GPS units from Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center for free, although the District will charge credit cards if units are lost or damaged. Reservations are available through Fullersburg Woods at 630-850-8110.
      The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year more than 4 million visitors enjoy 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs. To get District e-news in your inbox, sign up at dupageforest.org/e-newsletter. For general information, visit dupageforest.org or call 630-933-7200.