MyWestworld

Cache In, Trash Out: Recreation with a Cause

Posted on 16. Jun, 2009 by Bernice Paul in Living

One of the best things about my job is learning about the amazing things people do to make our planet a better place. For example a colleague of mine, Kris Wheeler, combines her passions for geocaching and Mother Earth by organizing and participating in Cache In, Trash Out events (CITO for short).

What’s Geocaching?

Good question. According to the BC Geocaching Association, geocaching is an outdoor recreational sport in which geocachers hunt for treasures hidden around the world using only a GPS device. It certainly sounds like one of the more adventurous ways to explore the world!

In fact, in B.C. there are more than 11,000 treasures, or caches, awaiting discovery, with geocachers accountable for cache maintenance and responsible recreation in provincial parks and protected areas. For example, B.C.geocachers usually bring along cleanup materials (such as film canisters and plastic bags) to collect garbage in and around the areas they explore while searching out caches. And while geocachers typically head out either on their own or in small groups, several times a year a big event is organized, such as the CITO.

CITO: Recreation with a Cause

This June, the 4-Wheel Drive Association of BC hosted a CITO event at Stave Lake, with 65 volunteers (4WD enthusiasts and geocachers) spending a full day removing 4,000-plus kg of garbage and scrap metal (see here.for the full press release).

CITO crew, Stave Lake, B.C. – one of the most polluted recreational areas in the province (photo courtesy Kris Wheeler)

Given that Stave Lake is one of the most polluted recreational areas in B.C., “We have to take ownership of it,” says Wheeler. Which is why a number of local geocaching and four-wheel drive groups have adopted specific parks and lakes to clean and maintain.

Check out this video, shot and edited by Kris. It’s an inspiring little piece that illustrates the incredible impact a small group of caring and dedicated people can have. Its closing sentiment, “Make a difference: never pass a piece of trash, pick it up no matter where you are” is definitely a mantra to live by.

Lead photo courtesy Kris Wheeler

Tags: Environment, geocaching, recreation, stewardship