EarthCache Workshop!
Good news, this here event qualifies for official Maker Magic 2026 status!
What does this mean?
This event has been added to an official Maker Magic List:
Maker Magic: United States OR Maker Magic Events outside of the United States
This event is now part of a special series highlighting creative caches.
Geocachers who log “Attended” on this event will receive the official Maker Magic souvenir.
Learn. Explore. Observe.
Join us for a hands-on Earth science adventure as we explore the world of EarthCaches—a special type of geocache that brings geology, landscapes, and natural processes to life. Whether you’re brand new to EarthCaching or a seasoned creator, this event will sharpen your observation skills and deepen your appreciation for the world beneath your feet.
Event Details
Date: Sunday April 19, 2026
Time: 2:00 pm CST
Location: Hybrid event at the Mayfair Library, Saskatoon and zoom
602 33rd St W, Saskatoon, SK S7L 0W1 (on street parking nearby)
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Virtual or Hybrid version: Will make an event announcement with the information regarding the Zoom link.
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The time frame listed is about two hours. We will arrive a bit early 1:45, and set up table and chairs and get the zoom working. That being said, the presentation will probably be about one hour, then allow some time to make a quality earthcache with the option to make a quality planetary earthcache and to indulge in conversations and Q&A. Then, as the room is rented in the Mayfair Library, we will put away table and chairs at 4:00 pm to be out of the room by 4:15 pm
What to Expect
🌎 Saskatchewan & Planetary EarthCache Workshop
From Prairie to Planets: Building High-Quality EarthCaches
This event focuses on EarthCache quality, Planetary Earthcache quality, Earth science accuracy, and hands-on creation.
What We Will Teach for this Educational Workshop
Using guidelines from the Geological Society of America and Geocaching HQ, participants will learn:
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What makes a strong, educational EarthCache
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Accepted vs. not-accepted Earth science topics
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How to write clear, observation-based logging questions
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How to prepare reviewer notes with answers
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How to obtain land permission and follow GSA and Saskatchewan policies and nature protection
We will emphasize: The lesson of the earthsciences is the treasure. And how to find great hosts.
What Makes a Quality EarthCache?
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Clear geological focus
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On-site observation tasks (measure, describe, interpret)
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Simple, engaging interpretive story
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Conservation message
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We will be teaching how to get and obtain proper permissions & compliance
Build-A-Cache Component
Participants will create their own quality EarthCache or quality Planetary Earthcache using a Saskatchewan geology based template and instruction in this event:
Example inspiration sites for the quality earthcache quality planetary earthcache we will build in site will pertain to the geology and hydrology of "Natural Springs" so SK provincial sites may include (but are not limited to):
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Qu'Appelle Valley
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Little Manitou Lake
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Natural Spring sites in and around Saskatoon
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north-east of Regina around sections of Spring Creek and Flying Creek (including Mound Springs, Cooper Springs, and Dickson Springs)
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Redberry Lake region (north-west Saskatchewan) is fed in part by natural springs and marsh inflow
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Near Prince Albert, Freight Tait Springs Trail leads to a natural fresh water spring where water emerges from the ground and flows toward the Spruce River with a short walk along a forest trail
Optional: Geocachers may add a quality Planetary EarthCache extension comparing Saskatchewan geology to other planets.
Materials
Provided: earthcache template, example questions / logging tasks, guideline compliance checklist, bibliography list.
What to Bring
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Curiosity and a sense of adventure
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Laptop/tablet or a notebook with pencil or pen, and a possible earth science site idea (host).
Goal
To help Saskatchewan geocachers create high-quality, guideline-compliant quality EarthCaches and or quality Planetary Earthcaches across the province — building a stronger geological Earth Science learning network.
Exploring Local Geology
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How to look at the features that make the region unique, from glacial history to soils, rocks, and landforms.
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How to Create Your Own EarthCache
Step-by-step guidance on choosing a site, researching the science, creating logging tasks, and submitting your listing.
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Hands-On Activity
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Q&A With Experienced EarthCachers
Bring your questions about reviewers, permissions, and best practices.
Who Should Attend?
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New geocachers curious about EarthCaches
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Cache owners interested in creating EarthCaches
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Science lovers and explorers
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Families and youth groups
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Everyone is welcome—all geocachers - no geology experience needed!
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Educators and geology students
Bonus: EarthCache Starter Sheets
Participants will receive a simple template and education guidance to write their own quality EarthCache and quality Planetary EarthCache.
Let’s Explore Together quality EarthCaches spark curiosity, encourage learning, and connect us to the amazing story of our planet. We look forward to sharing this experience with you and discovering the science hidden in plain sight!