Advice as to how to start a new EarthCache

[+KAPA Pilot]

Hello. I'm really new to Geocaching and EarthCaches but I have an idea for an EarthCache and would like to know where to start. I've looked through the forums and have been unable to find any advice. I've also been unable to find anything on creating EarthCaches on the Geocaching website. I'm a total n00b at this, so links to appropriate informational websites are greatly appreciated.

 

KAPA Pilot

[Rock Chalk]

Here's a link to a page of Help Center articles on EarthCaches. And here's a link to information on The Geological Society of America's website.

 

Good luck!

[Pup Patrol]

Hello. I'm really new to Geocaching and EarthCaches but I have an idea for an EarthCache and would like to know where to start. I've looked through the forums and have been unable to find any advice. I've also been unable to find anything on creating EarthCaches on the Geocaching website. I'm a total n00b at this, so links to appropriate informational websites are greatly appreciated.

 

KAPA Pilot

 

Before placing any caches, make sure you've read the Guidelines a few times:

http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx

 

The Help Center is full of helpful advice, for owners and finders:

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php

 

Hiding a Geocache

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.book&id=19

 

3. Creating EarthCaches

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=51

 

Earthcache.org

http://www.earthcache.org/

 

B.

Edited November 17, 2015 by Pup Patrol

[+narcissa]

Previous posts in this forum reveal this helpful thread:

 

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=325444

 

Here's what I posted there:

 

1. Find a good book or website that discusses interesting geography and geology in your area. Visit some of the sites you learn about in your preliminary research.

 

2. Pick a site that interests you. Make sure there isn't already a similar Earthcache nearby.

 

3. Learn more about the site by doing your own research. Consider contacting someone at your local university or community college who is an expert on that site, or that type of earth science.

 

4. Contact the owner or land manager of the site and tell them about your plan. Give them information about Earthcaching and a link if they want to learn more. Ask for permission to create an Earthcache.

 

5. Visit the site again. Explore the site, and brainstorm ideas for logging tasks. Test your ideas at the site. Find out if local schools have used your site for field trips and what kind of learning tasks they do on site - this can be a good source of ideas for tasks. Visit other Earthcaches and see what kinds of tasks they use.

 

4. Write your Earthcache listing in your own words. Don't plagiarize it. If you've enlisted the help of an expert, see if they wouldn't mind reviewing your write-up to make sure it's accurate. Include diagrams and links to additional resources.

 

5. Submit your listing. Follow the submission guidelines and include the contact information for the person who gave you permission. If the reviewer asks for you to change or add something, don't take it personally. The reviewer is there to help you get your Earthcache up and running. The reviewer is someone who loves Earthcaches and wants to see yours get published.

 

6. Once your listing is published, you must maintain it. Visit your site at least once a year to make sure it's still accessible and that the logging tasks are still viable. Monitor the logs and make sure that everyone who logs your Earthcache has visited the site and submitted reasonable responses to your logging tasks. Occasionally, you might get a fraudulent one or a lazy one, and you'll need to deal with that by asking the finder to clarify or revise a response. Sometimes you might need to delete a log.

 

7. Start researching your next Earthcache!

[+GEO WALKER]

One area for a search on ideas may be you state geological survey. Many have an educational section. As an example… http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/

You may also want to contact an EC owner w/an idea. Many of us are willing to help someone out.

[+KAPA Pilot]

Thanks for all of the information. I actually have a location and topic already in mind. The requirements listed on the EarthCache.org website were really helpful and I've started drafting my cache description for review. I even have the benefit of already being in contact with the land manager for the site. The question is whether my idea will be up to snuff for the reviewers. Wish me luck!

[+firennice]

Just a quick reminder. Earthcaches are primarily about geology and related fields. There are a lot that get denied focus on History, botany, and other non related fields.

[+coman123]

Find out who owns a lot of EC's in your area, they might just give you a hand,

I own over 25 EC's myself and have helped a few cachers get theirs going.