Geocaching and Outdoor Adventure: An Introduction to Friends of the Parks and Trek Ten Trails
Polk County is blessed with an abundance of beautiful parks and nature preserves that offer families endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, birdwatching, or just exploring the great outdoors, there is something for everyone to enjoy. But did you know that there is a fun and exciting way to explore these parks that is free and family-friendly? It’s called Trek Ten Trails, and it’s offered by Friends of the Parks Foundation.
What is Trek Ten Trails?
Trek Ten Trails is a web-based recreation program that challenges families to explore ten different trails in Polk County’s parks and nature preserves. Each cycle of Trek Ten Trails highlights different trails with new geocaches that can be located with or without a GPS unit. Participants can validate their game cards by getting 10 different stamps on their game card using the self-inking stamp in the geocache. The game cards are available at Polk County libraries, Circle B Bar Reserve, and can also be downloaded from the Friends of the Parks website.
Geocaching: The Exciting Way to Explore the Parks
One of the highlights of Trek Ten Trails is geocaching. Geocaching is an exciting outdoor activity that involves using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers called geocaches. These containers can be found in parks, nature preserves, and other public spaces all over the world. Geocaching is a fun way to explore new places, learn about the history and geography of an area, and challenge yourself to find hidden treasures.
In Trek Ten Trails, geocaching is used to encourage families to explore the parks and nature preserves in Polk County. Each trail in the program has a geocache hidden somewhere along the way. Participants can use the GPS coordinates provided on their game card to find the geocache and stamp their game card. Geocaching is a great way to get the whole family involved in outdoor recreation and exploration.
Why Trek Ten Trails is Great for Families
Trek Ten Trails is a great budget-friendly option for families looking for fun and exciting outdoor activities. The program is completely free, and the only equipment you need is a pair of sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure. Families can explore the parks and nature preserves at their own pace, and there is no pressure to complete all ten trails in a single cycle.
In addition to being a fun and free activity, Trek Ten Trails also provides families with an opportunity to learn about the parks and nature preserves in Polk County. Each trail in the program has a factsheet that provides information about the trail’s history, geography, and wildlife. Families can use this information to learn more about the natural world around them and to develop a deeper appreciation for the parks and nature preserves in their community.
Join the Fun with Friends of the Parks
Friends of the Parks is a charitable organization that supports and enhances the parks and recreation departments in Polk County. The organization provides a medium for discussion and an opportunity for citizens to get involved in promoting public awareness of the value and benefit of parks. In addition to Trek Ten Trails, Friends of the Parks also offers other programs like Dirt Days and Park Partners that help to maintain and improve the county’s parks and nature preserves.
If you’re interested in joining the fun with Friends of the Parks and Trek Ten Trails, you can download a game card from the Friends of the Parks website or pick one up at a Polk County library or Circle B Bar Reserve. Once you’ve completed the program and received your Certificate of Completion, be sure to join the Annual Celebration in November for refreshments, guided hikes, and prize drawings.
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