Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to take part in BC150 celebrations this summer by searching for limited-edition commemorative coins that have been hidden in caches in B.C. provincial parks.

BC Parks, the BC150 Secretariat and the British Columbia Geocaching Association (BCGA) have partnered to develop a special geocaching program for provincial parks this summer, called “GeoRush 2008.” Geocaching is a popular outdoor recreation activity that allows participants to use Global Positioning System (GPS) handheld receivers to locate hidden caches. Volunteers from the association have placed caches in approximately 100 provincial parks.

“GeoRush 2008 is a great way for BC Parks to celebrate British Columbia’s 150th anniversary,” said Penner, who took part in a geocaching demonstration at Gowlland Tod Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. “It will also encourage people to participate in a fun and healthy activity in our provincial parks. And I’m sure these unique commemorative coins will become very popular with collectors.”

Anyone may participate in GeoRush 2008. Following geocaching tradition, participants are expected to sign the enclosed logbook and may leave a small object behind in exchange for each commemorative coin they take.

“GeoRush 2008 is a fun and unique addition to the hundreds of events being held across the province in celebration of B.C.’s 150th anniversary,” said Bennett. “We’re home to some of the best recreational opportunities in the world – what better way to commemorate BC150 than in our provincial parks.”

Geocachers can link to co-ordinates for the caches from the BC Parks website or the BC Geocaching Association’s website. In addition, new and veteran geocachers are encouraged to view the BC Parks geocaching policy to ensure their participation occurs in a manner that respects the natural values of our provincial parks.

“The BC Geocaching Association is very pleased to be partnering with BC Parks and BC150 for GeoRush 2008,” said Chris Edley, a director with BCGA. “Geocaching is all about promoting a healthy lifestyle and exploring the world around you, and what better place to do that than in our beautiful provincial parks.”