Pensacola, Fla. - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Escambia County and the City of Pensacola have partnered again to improve and enhance the Escambia County Environmental Geocache Tour.

The original tour, which was launched in 2009, has been revamped to make it more user-friendly and fun. The enhanced tour is comprised of 13 stops and guides residents and visitors to the area’s major environmental restoration projects and unique environmental habitats.

“Geocaching is an exciting treasure hunting activity and is a great way for individuals and families to spend time together outdoors exploring,” said Shawn Hamilton, DEP Northwest District Director. “I’m excited by the response to the improvements to our tour, which encourages citizens and visitors to experience our region’s environmental treasures and learn more about our restoration projects.”

Geocaching is an activity for treasure hunters of all ages who track where containers, or “caches”, are hidden in the world around us. Participants use a handheld GPS unit armed with specific coordinates (longitudes and latitudes) to reach a predetermined location. These locations mark where a “cache” has been left.

“This tour highlights wild land, rural and urban environments and illustrates the broad diversity of Escambia County’s ecosystems. There isn’t a more fun or educational way to explore our County,” said Keith Wilkins, Escambia County’s Director of Environmental Services.

The Escambia County Environmental Geocache Tour offers individuals and families a great opportunity to learn about the unique environmental features of Pensacola and Escambia County and the work that is being done to improve the quality of the environment. Since the first cache of the enhanced tour was placed two months ago, there have been more than 203 visits to the various caches. The final two sites were placed this week.

Some highlights of the tour include The Big Escambia Creek Restoration Project, Project Green Shores, Admiral Mason Park, stormwater retrofit projects and three of Florida's award-winning state parks. 

The tour also offers prizes for visitors after they have finished. For more information on the tour and geocaching, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/northwest/geocaching/ecotour.htm and www.geocaching.com.