Earthcaches 101

[Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFu]

An Earthcache is like a Virtual Cache. An EarthCache site is a great way to learn more about our wonderful world. It can take you to many places that you would not normally visit, and teach you about why those places are special or unique. These are designed to be educational and created to have you learn something while there.

Earthcaches are created in conjunction with GC.com, thru the Geology Society, via http://www.earthcache.org, where you can get a bunch more info which will tell you all you need to know about Earthcaches, a listing of where they all are and how to submit your very own.OR you can ask your local Earthcache Master to help. 😀

Utilizing GC.com, you hunt these just as you would a virtual, but remember to read thru the cache page to see what your requirements are for logging, you may need items to get those requirements, such as a the following:

Camera – to take your pic there
Measuring tape
Container of known size and timing device to measure gallons/minute
A pH testing kit
Hygrometer
Thermometer

If you plan on making Earthcaches a big part of your Geocaching adventures, then I suggest an Earthcaching Kit, like we made up. All the items we need contained within our Gallon jug.

The other kewl thing we Earthcachers like, is the Earthcache Masters program. You can find more info on that at http://www.earthcaching.com There are requirements for each level. Once you fulfill those requirements for a level, submit them on the site above and they will send receive a pin for that level (and a sticker, now, I think). Here’s what you can do for that:

Bronze Earthcache Master
Visit and log three (3) or more Earthcaches in two (2) or more states/countries.

Silver Earthcache Master
Visit and log six (6) or more Earthcaches in three (3) or more states/countries and have developed one (1) or more Earthcaches.

Gold Earthcache Master
Visit and log twelve (12) or more Earthcaches in four (4) or more states/countries and have developed two (2) or more Earthcaches.

Platinum Earthcache Master
Visit and log twenty (20) or more Earthcaches in five (5) or more states/countries and have developed three (3) or more Earthcaches.

Hope this helps shed a little lite on things. Visit the site!! Enjoy Earthcaching……it’s addicting!!

[Timberline Echoes]

I think we qualify for gold but I have not submitted the info for silver yet. So I have a couple questions.. is there a way to find out which caches I submitted when I got the bronze? Can I use the same states but different EC’s for some of the finds? Meaning most of the EC’s we have found have been in WI. So can we use some from WI at each level? Same with putting EC’s out. Can we use one for the silver level and then need two more for the Gold, or can we use one that we put out, twice? Hope those questions make sense.
TE

[Trekkin and Birdin]

You can reuse some of the previous ones, as long as you meet the requirements for a level. So if you have put out, say, two EarthCaches and found others in the number of states needed for gold, you’re good.

[Lostby7]

bronze and silver are going away due to funding…

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=224099

[Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFu]

Thanks for the update on there LB7.

I don’t go onto Groundspeak…tooooo much negativity there. I get my fill at work!! LOL

[odysseyuwrf]

I have some ideas for Earthcaches, but I have a question? When choosing a placement for an Earthcache, does it have to be 0.1 miles from any other caches? Are they exempt from this status? The places I would like to submit are very close to some caches.

[sandlanders]

Earthcaches are exempt from the .1 rule. Just make sure you follow all of the other requirements/rules/permissions for setting up an earthcache. Very rigorous process if you do it right.

[Trekkin and Birdin]

Contact the owner of the physical caches close to your site to clear it with them. I’ve been asked to do that by geoaware (the approver for EarthCaches). No one has ever said no, although I did hear of someone in Iowa who refused on the basis she was going to put one out herself.

Looking forward to seeing what you’ve got up your sleeve!

[vtwinspin]

I got refused at a lock and dam I don`t know why but I have a regular cache there with permission so never say never

[Lostby7]

@vtwinspin wrote:

I got refused at a lock and dam I don`t know why but I have a regular cache there with permission so never say never

refused by who, the land owner or a local geocache owner? Geoaware no longer requires you ask other cache owners for their blessings.

[vtwinspin]

refused by the lock master,land owner I guess I own the other cache

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