Text by Arun N. Toké, editor; Photos by Paul Dix, Oregon.

A Rainbow at Sunset, Montana, the Big Sky State

Happy Earth Day 2026!

Planet Earth, our only home has been around for about 4.6 billion years. Since its beginning, there have always been constant changes on the planet. Early in Earth’s history, most changes were geological or astronomical, but over time, life and the biosphere have become significant drivers of change on our planet. 

With the beginnings of the industrial revolution, the human embrace of a collective growth mindset, and the subsequent emergence of multinational corporations and large-scale international trade, we have become the primary driver of changes to our global home.

With an exponentially-increasing human population, now approaching 8.4 billions in 2026, the extraction, production, and consumption of fossil fuels, minerals, plastics, and other chemicals have skyrocketed. Our carbon footprint is continuing to rise and carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases are accumulating in our atmosphere and changing local and global climates. The impacts of pollution on the air, water, and land is observable globally and our collective actions (as well as inaction) are altering ecosystems and the biosphere. The human-caused climate change is occurring and its impacts are already being felt in vulnerable coastal areas, along ecological boundaries, and in our cities. Major consequences of climate change will be felt around the globe in a matter of decades.

Unfortunately, the majority of our governments, corporations, and businesses, either ignore the understanding gained through scientific knowledge and computer modeling, pretend to be ignorant of its consequences, or push off action to future generations. They keep on doing business as usual—growth, growth, growth. Wanting more profits and more control over the market, they go for more production, more consumption, and as a result, greater impact on the Earth’s natural systems. The current U.S. leaders side with corporations over future generations of people, favoring ecologically-suicidal fossil fuels—oil, fracked gas, and coal—over renewable energy like wind mills and photovoltaic (solar) power.

Emissions from a Steel Factory

Aluminum Cans and Beer Bottles in the Backyard a Bar in Montana

Everything is interconnected in nature: weather systems, ocean currents, and the cycles of important chemicals (water, nutrients, metals, etc.) are all mediated over long time periods by the Earth’s geology and make our Earth a unified system capable of nurturing diverse fauna and flora over hundreds of millions of years. But humanity, with our amazing ability to invent and create technological know-how and build huge systems to serve our ever-growing population, has reached a state where we’re able to alter the very environment that has enabled our growth. The planetary system has ways to balance the short term ecological changes that we have made in the last 200 years, but they operate over timescales (millions of years) that are inaccessible to us. As a result, we cannot rely on natural cycles to solve the serious problems we have created. We must be proactive to protect society and the natural cycles and systems as we know them. Else, life on this planet would become hard to sustain in many regions. It would need to be supported by artificial means because of life-threatening storms, huge temperature fluctuations, and large-scale habitat destruction. 

In this photo essay, we offer a glimpse of our precious planetary home. But having experienced various parts of this beautiful home of ours in real life, we know the limitations of this virtual medium. This visual-only medium is unable to fully convey the multi-sensory, magnificent nature of the Planet Earth! We want all of us to experience it in real life, because we know that when we’ve experienced it, we’d love it! And when we love nature, we’d do all we can to preserve its beauty, its wholesomeness.

We wish you a beautiful Earth Day, every day!

Nature is Priceless! A Demonstrator Raises Nature Awareness at the Oregon Coast

Mt. Aconcagua, in Argentina (elevation 22,858 ft.), is the highest peak in the Americas.

The Jirishanka Peak (almost 20,000 ft.) in the Andes, Peru, South America

Amboseli National Park, Kenya, Africa

Two Giraffes in Masai Mara National Game Reserve, Kenya, Africa

A Lioness Pride in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Africa

Volcan de Fuego, Guatemala, Central America, is an active volcano.

Bison Roam in the Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Yellowstone NP is 2.2 million acres in Size

An Intense Lightning Storm in the Big Sky State, Montana

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood (Oregon), and Mt. Adams (Washington), an Aerial View

A Windmill Farm in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, has a 450 MW generating capacity.

Text by Arun Narayan Toké, editor, Skipping Stones, and photographs by Paul Dix, nature photographer and world-traveler, Oregon.

The Royal Meteorological Society (of the United Kingdom) has announced the winners of this year’s Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year Competition. In their tenth year of the competition, they received over 4,000 images from both amateur and professional photographers in 84 countries. You can view details by clicking the Winners’ Galleries on Royal Meteorological Society website.

The Main Category
Winner: Geshuang Chen and Shuchang Dong, for their photo: “The Gorgeous Ring” on Lugu Lake, Yunnan Province, P. R. China.

Runner Up:  Jadwiga Piasecka, from the UK, for her photo: “Eunice III,” an image from a sheltered place out of reach of the storm in Newhaven, on the south coast of the U. K., where winds were gusting at over 80 miles per hour. The photographer wrote: “From my vantage point, I watched enormous waves battling against the sea wall, sending dramatic sprays of water high into the air…highlighting just how immense the storm’s fury truly was.”

The Mobile Category
Winner: Kyaw Zay Yar Lin, from Myanmar. Photo: “Fishing in the Raining Season.” The photo captures the urgent feeling of being caught in a sudden downpour. The motion blur of both the fishermen and the rain make the viewer feel part of the action, caught in the sudden intensity of a tropical storm.
Runner Up: Tamás Kusza, from Slovakia, Photo: “Path to the Heart of the Storm”

The Young Category
Winner: Adrian Cruz, from the US, Photo: “Eruption of the Sky,” captured from a passenger plane flying between Washington DC, and Orlando, Florida. The photo reveals a spectacular view of a thunderstorm cloud glowing pink against a deepening blue sky.
Runner up: Ellen Ross, from the US, Photo: “Clear Skies Ahead.”

The Climate Category
New to this year’s competition was the Climate Category, created to underscore the connection between weather patterns and the broader impacts of climate change, illustrating how these global shifts impact businesses, people and communities.
Winner: Jonah Lange, from the US. Photo: “West Texas Special.”
Climate change is amplifying extremes, turning open landscapes into arenas for even more volatile and destructive weather. Drought conditions in West Texas are becoming more frequent and severe, drying out the soil and increasing the availability of loose dust.
Runner Up: Maria del Pilar Trigo Bonnin, of the Philippines, for: “Heading Home.” Typhoon Rai (locally named Odette) tore across Siargao Island, Philippines, in December 2021. Maria took this photo from the back of another motorbike as they made their way through the devastation.

You can visit the Winners’ Galleries on the Royal Meteorological Society’s website.

Author and photographer Herb Everett is a retired graphic designer, avid hiker, and a world traveler living in Eugene, Oregon. To download a file (1.5 MB) of this photo essay by Herb please click here.

Text and photos by Roi J. Tamkin, Atlanta, Georgia

I visited the Cliffs of Moher on a recent trip to Ireland. Although the day was windy and chilly, I couldn’t help but marvel at the size of the steep, dark cliffs. I watched in awe as the wild waves of the Galway Bay crash into the tall, rocky walls.

This geological wonder is located in the southwest part of the Burren Region of County Clare. The cliffs stretch for nine miles. They stand 702 feet tall at O’Brien’s Tower and fall to over 200 feet at some points. The town of Doolin is nearby, and visitors can walk to town on a trail at the visitor’s center. You’re bound to see lots of sheep as you walk the trail.

The cliffs are the most visited tourist site in Ireland with 1.5 million tourists a year.

The cliffs were formed 326 million years ago from sediment deposited at the end of a river. Layer upon layer of sediments turned into Namurian shale and sandstone. Now these dark colored cliffs are subject to erosion due to wind and sea. Portions have crumbled into the water creating sea stacks.

The national landmark has been designated an Important Bird Area as those craggy cliffs are home to many species of birds including puffins and razorbills. When I visited, every bird looked like a gull to me. They flew from their homes burrowed into the rock face and headed out to see to find fish to eat.

A popular attraction is O’Brien’s Castle. Built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien, people climb the steps for spectacular views of the Aran Islands across the Bay. There is disagreement as to the purpose of the Castle, but it has been a tourist hit right from the beginning.

The best time to visit is early in the morning. The morning hours afford the best view of the islands and surrounding land. I arrived in the afternoon, and even though the sun was high in the sky, it was extremely cold and windy. I only had twenty minutes of clear views of the ocean and the bright green grass atop the cliffs. Before long, the fog rolled in, and I could not see anything more than a foot from my face. Walking along the tops of the cliffs became dangerous, and I had to keep my eyes glued to the person walking in front of me for safety. The fog came in so quickly and so thick that I decided it was time to visit the museum inside the visitor’s center.

There are many different one-of-a-kind geological structures on the island of Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher tell the story of the passage of time. It took millions of years to build up the cliffs, and now erosion is tearing them back down to sediment. A visit to the Cliffs will last in your memory: the contrast of colors between the murky walls and the emerald green grass; the woolly sheep grazing nearby; and the mystery of O’Brien’s Tower all add up to an amazing day by the sea.

Text and photographs by Roi J. Tamkin, a photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia.

The following organizations and cultural projects are mentioned in this collection. We encourage you to check them out and offer support where your heart is inclined.

Meera Center for Skills Development in Cairo offers learning and enrichment activities for Gazan refugees.   From 2011-23, Wejdan Diab directed the award-winning Meera Kindergarten in Gaza City. She now offers a nurturing space in Cairo, where children can learn, play and heal from the trauma of the war. Donate here to support Meera Center.

Palestine Charity Team (PCT) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization providing humanitarian aid to families in Rafah, Gaza. PCT sponsored Sing to Live in Peace, a children’s music program, and the Gaza Heartbeat, a creative writing workshop for older youth. Currently, PCT is focusing on getting food aid into southern Gaza and setting up portable classrooms and activities for children. Donate to PCT. More original music by Bakr Khader is available on YouTube.

Sobhi Qouta, from Gaza City, is an art teacher for students of all ages. IDF airstrikes destroyed his studio and all its art, including the student paintings featured in this issue. To help Sobhi rebuild his studio, please contact Fred Rogers.

Abraham’s Land, a musical play, by guest editor Lauren Goldman Marshall, is set in Israel and Gaza during the First Intifada. A video of the 2021 professional production was shown by PCT in Gaza and is available on YouTube.

You can read the Special Issue on Palestine and Israel, published online by Skipping Stones.

Additional Resources

There is a wealth of charitable organizations serving Palestinians. Here are some of our favorite organizations you may not have heard of:

A Land for All envisions a binational solution (two states, one homeland) with Jewish majority and Palestinian majority regions, freedom of movement and right of return for all.

The Humanity Project:The Maal Foundation serves a wide variety of needs of Gazan refugees in Cairo, including financial support, medical care, psychological and educational support.

The Leonard Education Organization ( LE.O) supports under-resourced Palestinian students with higher educational opportunities. Donate to LE.O or to the special fund for Gazan medical students in Egypt, or the In the Wings scholarship for a student from Gaza to study in the arts.

Middle East Children’s Alliance protects the health, lives, and rights of kids in the Middle East.

Interlink Publishing offers a wide selection of books on Palestine.

International Board on Books for Young People – Palestine Section and Gaza Libraries project

Tomorrow’s Women empowers Palestinian and Israeli women to make peaceful change.

Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT) – Palestine supports Palestinian-led, nonviolent, grassroots resistance against the Israeli occupation.

ANAR is an important project for traumatized children living in the West Bank. 

The Liberation Syllabus for Educators by the progressive Jewish organization If Not Now lists books, poetry, films, art, and music for students of all ages to engage with the reality of the occupation.

Standing Together is a progressive grassroots movement mobilizing Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel against the occupation for peace, equality and social justice.

By Rachel Agyeman, age 17, Maryland

Spring
Small fluorescent animals join together
Into sprawling colonies, growing across millenniums
An undersea civilization emerges
Pillars grow into branching skylines
Soft-bodied leaves, flowers, and mushrooms cover the floor
Young polyps ride currents with their finned neighbors
Weaving through thin, colorful trees and stinging whips
Before settling into extended colonies
A season passes, and warmth arrives to the city

Summer
The surface brightens, the city quiets
Gleaming, branching skyscrapers dim
Vibrant mushrooms and flowering plants fade
Into the returning memories of ivory reefs long lost
Generations of colonies once teeming with life
Now frail and shriveled beneath the waves
The sun a soul-sucking beam, draining all the reef’s radiance
Algae and mucus escape to the surface, clouding the scattered sunlight
A season passes, and the dark city begins to cool

Autumn
As sunlight penetrates the waves slower, the blazing heat seems to weaken
The city’s remaining colors endure, each polyp retains its strength
The skyscrapers continue to stand tall, the plants remain in bloom
Memories of the passing heat reach future generations
Strengthening each one more, prolonging their lives
Preserving the civilization’s vibrancy
The polyps and fish swim freely once again
Through now illuminated paths
Color returns to the bustling city

By Rachel Agyeman, age 17, Maryland. She writes:
“I was born in Maryland and have always lived there, but my parents grew up in Ghana and immigrated to the United States in the early 2000s. I’ve only visited Ghana once during my winter break this year, so I’m not fluent in the native language, which is Twi. I only speak and write English, though I can understand a little bit of the Twi my parents speak to each other. I hope to continue visiting Ghana in the future to stay connected to my family and culture. Drawing and writing are very important passions for me. Having the opportunity to create, either as a comfort outlet or a long-term project, is something I will always value. I will soon be going to college to study psychology and explore some art programs, hopefully finding a way to combine my passion for creating with my desire to understand and help others through my studies. I created this piece for my creative writing class and was inspired by an article I saw during my research about coral having the ability to ‘remember’ past bleaching events. The concept of coral being able to ‘remember’ anything despite not having a brain made me want to write a poem that combined scientific facts about coral with an emotional, personified perspective on the lives of coral reefs.”

By Arjun Govindaraj, age 17, from Texas, currently studying in India.

The first picture is of us celebrating Holi at school where we throw colors and water at each other and have fun. Holi is the Festival of Colors, a celebration that marks the arrival of spring. It is an occasion filled with laughter, music, and dance, where everyone, regardless of age, comes together to play with colors and enjoy festive food. Classmates and teachers share in the excitement, creating beautiful memories and promoting unity and love. Holi not only celebrates the beauty of diversity but also encourages forgiveness and the strengthening of bonds among people. We also celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil by dressing up in Indian clothes, sharing sweets, and participating in traditional games.

Second picture is of us visiting the Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its stunning white marble architecture, carvings, and beautiful gardens attracts millions of visitors each year, and symbolizes the cultural heritage of India. We also explored the monuments of Delhi, the bustling streets of Mumbai, and the tranquil foothills of Dehradun with its cascading waterfalls. Exploring the streets of Coimbatore, we were amazed by the warmth of its people and the aromas of its bustling markets, while the ancient wonders of Mahabalipuram reminded us of a bygone era of art and architecture. Through these diverse experiences, we have come to cherish our rich culture and landscapes that make our world a truly remarkable place.

The third picture is of my team visiting Kathmandu, Nepal, for the South Asian Interscholastic Association (SAISA) soccer tournament. It was an incredible experience representing AISC against 11 member schools. The atmosphere of Kathmandu, with its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, added to the excitement of the tournament. Throughout the events, I not only had the opportunity to showcase my skills and win medals but also learned invaluable team-building skills and the importance of fair play. Each match brought us closer as teammates, creating lasting friendships and unforgettable memories that extended beyond the games. The spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship was truly inspiring, making this trip an enriching experience both on and off the field.

The fourth picture captures a heartfelt moment as we distribute school supplies and a meal to underprivileged children. Following the popular custom in India, they sit on the ground to share their meal, and their smiles of gratitude warmed our hearts as we handed out new backpacks filled with school supplies. In a country where overpopulation and poverty are pressing issues, we felt a profound sense of purpose in being able to contribute, even in a small way, to their education and well-being. This experience taught us invaluable lessons about empathy and compassion, reminding us of the importance of supporting one another and making a difference in the lives of those in need. Acts of service can build connections, bring hope, and inspire change.

The final picture is from our school trip, “Discover India,” which became one of the main highlights of my educational journey. These immersive week-long expeditions across India went beyond traditional classroom learning, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that allowed us to explore local cultures in depth. Each annual school excursion helped us develop essential teamwork and outdoor survival skills. From camping under starlit skies to navigating thrilling rafting/ surfing adventures, every journey nurtured resilience and adaptability while fostering a profound appreciation for the natural world. These unforgettable experiences shaped not just our knowledge but also our connections with one another and the environment.

Editor’s Note: Please also read Sustainable Shorelines by Arjun’s sister Maya, also published today!

About the Authors:
Arjun and Maya are 17-year-old twins at the American International School in Chennai, India. As USTA-ranked tennis players, they love sports and have won medals in South Asian Interscholastic Association competitions. Both serve as Student Ambassadors, bridging cultural gaps through orientation and wellness programs. Passionate about community service, they have both worked with various organizations. They also have co-founded the non-profit Mission BE A Resource, securing grants to support disadvantaged children. Arjun is a tech enthusiast with a love for outdoor adventures, while Maya enjoys helping elementary school teachers and expressing her creativity through art.

By Roi Tamkin, writer and photographer, Georgia.

Bridge of Lions over the Mantazas

Come to St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, and step back through over 400 years of history. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine has survived centuries of wars, natural disasters and medical epidemics to become a major Florida destination for fun and education. The history is as rich and diverse as the people who lived through the years of exploration, conquest, disease and triumph.

St. Augustine’s story is told at every corner from the individuals whose lives touched this city, the architecture and the coastal climate down to the very spirits that inhabit certain places and can only be seen at night.

Fifty-five years before the Pilgrims touched Plymouth Rock, the conquistador Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed on North Florida’s eastern coast. He established the first European settlement in America living alongside the native population, the Timucuans. Today, that landing spot is marked by a large cross and the shrine to Mary, Our Lady of La Leche.

Shrine to Mary, Our Lady of La Leche.

As soon as the British established its colonies north of Florida, the Spanish offered freedom to escaped slaves in return for serving in the Spanish militia. In 1738, 100 former slaves built Fort Mose north of the city. Sadly, climate change and rising sea levels have destroyed the old fort, but you can visit the state park today and learn how the freed slaves lived during the Spanish era.

Fort Mose State Park Boardwalk

In the late 1700’s, immigrants from the Mediterranean island of Menorca arrived in St. Augustine seeking refuge. They brought with them their customs and traditions and lived in their own neighborhood while increasing the population of the city. Although today the Menorcans have blended in with American society, many restaurants still serve Menorcan cuisine. You might even find some local shops selling hand-crafted items of their former Mediterranean life.  

Castillo de San Marcus

The city has preserved many historic buildings and their furnishings to demonstrate how people lived through the ages. The Castillo de San Marcus is the oldest masonry fortification in the U.S. Completed in 1695, it guards the city from its colossal post by the Matanzas Bay. Henry Flagler is a name synonymous with St. Augustine’s grand architecture. He built the exquisite Ponce de Leon Hotel as a resort for the wealthy. Today it is part of Flagler College. The nearby Lightner Museum was also a renowned hotel built by Flagler. Today it houses an extensive collection of decorative arts from the Gilded Age and a large collection of Tiffany glass art.  

Gopher Tortoise Says Hello

In addition to the history and architecture, St. Augustine abounds in wildlife. All around the coast are rookeries for birds and estuaries for fish. In addition to Mose State Park is Anastasia State Park on Anastasia Island. The state park is known for its long stretch of sandy beaches, but it also home to the gopher tortoise and the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse. Walking along the shore you are bound to see crab and an abundance of shore birds. You might even spot a pod of dolphins jumping through the waves. Just don’t swim in pools of fresh water. There’s likely to be a snake or alligator lurking around.

Of course, with a city this old, ghost stories flourish. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you might want to keep your eyes open as you pass through the city gates. Stories of lost children, jilted brides and innocent men hung at the old jail are as plentiful as the seashells that make up the walls of the Castillo de San Marcus.

City Gates: Ghosts Haunt Here

Spending a couple of days on Florida’s historic coast is a trip through time while experiencing different cultures, languages, food and art. It’s also an opportunity to see alligators, birds and other sea life up close. But not too close when it comes to the alligators!

Photographs and article by Roi Tamkin, writer and photographer, Georgia.

Photographs by Carleen Clifton Bragg, Chicago, Illinois.

Down by the Pond: Southside Suburb of Chicago on a Calm, Clear Autumn Day

Ducks on the Pond

Autumn is Bold Colors… A Blend of Orange, Reds, Browns and Blues…

Trees are ablaze with bright colors for a while during the peak of Autumn

Autumn Leaves ready to drop… just waiting for a heavy frost, steady rain or windy day…

Photographs by Carleen Clifton Bragg, African American Photographer, Illinois.

“I live in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood. There are three beautiful small lakes near where I live. Sometimes, I visit the park with a cup of my morning coffee. Sitting on the bench by the water, I gaze at the still water and the geese enjoying their group gatherings, and naturally, I smile. Watching the geese swimming makes me happy. It’s the most beautiful cornerstone in the neighborhood that I depend on as a quick getaway. It is my home away from home. In the autumn, it’s especially breathtaking! I call this ‘My Peace Spot’ for the tranquility it offers me. Last autumn, I took some of the most stunning photographs here!

“I developed an interest in photography at the age of five. I credit my parents for planting the seeds when they purchased me my first camera. They have continued to support my interest in photography over the years. I started as a self-taught photographer, but later trained with the New York Institute of Photography. I try to capture sports moments, glamour, landscapes, music, theater, and street life. I am enamored with the works of the ‘late greats’ like Gordon Parks and James Van Der Zee.

“My photos have been published by Tyler Perry’s Production: Why Did I Get Married?, Today’s Photographer Magazine, and the International Library of Photography. I am a three time-winner of the Museum of Science and Industry’s Black Creativity. I also had a solo exhibit—my first One-Woman show in 2011 at the ARC Gallery in Chicago, Illinois.”

By Carol Thompson, EdD., Georgia

Have you ever wished you could go on a real-life treasure hunt? Well, guess what? There’s a super cool outdoor activity called geocaching that lets you do just that! It’s like a secret mission where you get to explore nature, find hidden treasures, and enjoy quality time with your family.

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS devices or smartphones. People all around the world hide small containers, called geocaches, “cache” for short, in various outdoor locations, from parks to forests to urban areas. These hidden treasures can be found using GPS coordinates, which guide you to the exact spot where the geocache is waiting to be discovered. It is very similar to hide and seek with small goodies to locate. Who doesn’t like a good game of hide – go – seek?

How Do You Geocache?

Getting started with geocaching is easy and doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. All you need is a GPS device or a smartphone with a geocaching app installed. You can find many free apps designed just for kids to make the adventure even more exciting.

1. Choose Your Geocache:  Use the app to pick a geocache near you. Look for ones with easy difficulty levels at first, so you can get the hang of it. The app will give you the cache basics, like size, difficulty, and terrain. It also sometimes gives you hints, photos, and date of the last find. The challenge is on!
2. Follow the Coordinates:  The GPS coordinates provided by the app will lead you to the general location of the geocache. Once you get close, use your keen observation skills to find the hidden treasure. Depending on the app, sometimes your GPS will even vibrate when you are close.
3. Discover the Treasure:  When you find the geocache, open it carefully. Inside, you might find small toys, stickers, or other fun items. Remember, if you take something, you should leave something of equal or lesser value for the next adventurer. Another reminder is that the cache shouldn’t be moved so that the next treasure seeker can find it using the same coordinates. Bask in your discovery and take the time to look around.
4. Log Your Discovery:  Many geocaches have a logbook where you can write your name and the date of your discovery. Sometimes the log is digital only and requires you to log via your app. It’s like leaving your mark on the treasure map and letting other treasure seekers know that you were successful.

What are the Different Types of Caches?

Geocaching has a cache for every adventurer! “Micro” and “small” caches are perfect for inside city settings where space is limited like magnetized under a park bench. “Traditional” caches are more likely to be tucked inside natural hideaways like under a huge Oak Tree with coordinates specific to a wildlife area. “EarthCaches” add an educational twist, exploring geological wonders. “Virtual” caches offer interactive challenges, and “gadget caches” combine tech and ingenuity for a modern treasure hunt where the caching pirate must figure out a specific puzzle to unlock the container. Each cache type ensures geocaching is a diverse and thrilling adventure, catering to a wide range of interests and skills.

Connecting with Nature

Geocaching is not just about finding treasures; it’s also a fantastic way to connect with nature away from screens and gadgets. As you follow the GPS coordinates, you’ll explore beautiful parks, serene forests, and other outdoor wonders. You might come across flowers, insects, wildlife, or even some cool geological features—all part of Mother Nature’s amazing creation. It’s a chance to appreciate the beauty of the world around you while having a blast with your friends and family. Geocaching is a thrilling adventure, a friendly competition, and a great way to get outside and see lots of different things. Get ready for your first of many geocaching expeditions!

A Note of Caution

As always, for safety reasons, we highly recommend that you should have a trusted adult (a parent, for example) with you on your geocaching adventures. 

—Carol Thompson, EdD., Georgia. Carol is an experienced author with a diverse portfolio, including the “Mr. Wiggle” series published by McGraw Hill, Inc. She has also published numerous magazine articles.