John James Audubon Navigates into the 21st Century

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Henderson, KY – On Saturday, August 23 the John James Audubon State Park Nature Center will be hosting “Geocaching – A GPS Adventure” at 10:00 a.m. in the Campground Shelter. Brenda and Scott Bush, local Geocaching enthusiasts, will be presenting information on how to get started, the uses of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, the different types of caches, and GPS as a system. The Bushes then will take the audience, with their own GPS devices, on a scavenger hunt throughout the campground area to find hidden treasures. The program should last between 45 minutes to an hour and is free to the public of all ages.

According to geocaching.com site, “Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS receivers.” By downloading coordinates off the web site, GPS users hunt for canisters (caches) of various sizes, cleverly disguised to blend in with the natural environment. The caches contain a log book for the finder to sign. “Geocachers” can share their experiences online. Some caches may contain small trinkets or treasures left by fellow GPS adventurers.

There are currently five caches located throughout John James Audubon State Park. Although the cache locations will be provided at the program, log onto www.geocaching.com to download the coordinates and decode the clues. One of the more popular caches is named “There is a Fungus Amoungus” which can be located at N 37° 52.923 W 087° 33.411.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the Bushes will host a “Meet and Greet” welcoming Geocachers of all experience levels at the John James Audubon State Park Cardinal Shelter. Drinks will be provided, but please bring a sack lunch.

For more information contact Julie McDonald, Park Naturalist, at 270-826-4424 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov.

John James Audubon State Park is the site where John James Audubon studied and painted birds from 1810-1819. The park is equipped with cottages and a campground and offers many recreational opportunities including a nine-hole golf course, 6 miles of hiking trails, fishing, and more. It also has a museum and nature center that interprets the life of John James Audubon through a collection of his paintings and memorabilia.

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