Since the very first CITO Event in 2003, hundreds of thousands of geocachers have rolled up their sleeves to clean parks, restore habitats, and improve outdoor spaces around the world. Together, they’ve logged nearly one million CITO Event attendances, and this year, our community is expected to reach this monumental milestone.

That millionth attendance won’t belong to one person; it will represent millions of small acts of stewardship, cooperation, and community. It could even happen at your event! Ready to help make history? Here’s how to host your own CITO Event.

1. Find a place that could use a little love

Think about a park, trail, beach, neighborhood green space, or other cache-friendly location that could benefit from some extra care.

If possible, reach out to the land manager or property owners. They’ll often know exactly where volunteers can make the biggest impact and can help ensure your project is both safe and meaningful.

2. Choose your mission

CITO is about much more than picking up trash.

Popular CITO activities include:
1. Collecting litter
2. Removing invasive species
3. Trail maintenance
4. Habitat restoration

Every community has different needs, so choose a project that’s meaningful for your area.

3. Submit your CITO Event

Once you have a plan, create your CITO Event listing on Geocaching.com.

A few things to remember:

• Submit your event at least two weeks before the event date.
• Include clear coordinates for the meeting location and add parking or trailhead waypoints if they’ll help attendees.
• Explain what volunteers should bring, such as gloves, water, or sturdy shoes.

The earlier you submit, the more time reviewers have to review your listing and geocachers have to add it to their calendars.

4. Spread the word

Now the fun begins!

Share your event with local geocaching groups, community organizations, friends, and family. You might even partner with a local park, conservation group, or volunteer organization.

The more people who join, the bigger the impact you’ll make together.

5. Have a plan for the day

A little preparation goes a long way.

Before everyone heads out:

• Welcome attendees and sign the logbook.
• Explain the project and any safety considerations.
• Hand out supplies if needed.

Your event doesn’t have to be complicated; the goal is simply to spend time together improving a place you all enjoy.

6. Celebrate your impact

After the work is finished, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished together.

Encourage attendees to log the event, share photos, and celebrate the difference they made. Once everyone has added their “Attended” log, post a thank-you message and archive the event.

Every CITO Event, no matter the size, helps keep our favorite places beautiful for future geocachers.

Together, we’re approaching one million!

One million attendance logs isn’t just a number.

It’s nearly one million moments when geocachers chose to leave a place better than they found it. Its parks were made cleaner, trails made safer, habitats restored, friendships formed, and communities strengthened.

This year, our global geocaching community is expected to reach that remarkable milestone. Whether your event welcomes five people or fifty, every “Attended” log brings us one step closer.

The millionth attendance could happen at your CITO Event.

Be part of the story

Hosting a CITO Event is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the geocaching community. You’ll improve the outdoors, connect with fellow geocachers, and help preserve the places that inspire adventure for years to come.

If you’re hosting or attending during an official CITO Season, you’ll also earn a special CITO souvenir as a thank-you for making a difference.

Start planning your CITO Event today—and help your community become part of CITO history.