Groundspeak is sponsoring the 2nd annual international Cache In Trash Out (CITO) day April 17. The international event is an opportunity for geocachers to help clean up parks and other cache-friendly places throughout the world. Through the volunteer efforts of the geocaching community, we will all help preserve the natural beauty of our outdoor resources. Together, we can make an enormous positive impact with just a little effort.

The international event (actually a series of events around the world) is made possible each year by a partnership between Groundspeak and the entire geocaching community, with support from businesses and organizations everywhere....it is an excellent way to increase positive, public awareness of geocaching. You can help by volunteering for an organized cleanup or by cleaning up your own community through the program.

In 2003, geocachers around the world organized 67 cleanup events in 5 countries and 28 States. There were 1180 unique logs posted showing participation in these events, and hundreds more acted locally in recognition of this important day. The events were such a huge success that Groundspeak is committed to carrying on the tradition.

Active participation in the CITO program not only assists in the maintenance of parks, trails and other public areas; it is an excellent way to increase positive, public awareness of geocaching.

CITO is a year round concept. Cachers are encouraged to remove trash everywhere, all the time. Carry a trash bag with you on your walks in the woods and pick up the occasional piece of trash you see on the trail. Even this small gesture can make a huge difference.

CITO is definitely a win/win situation. It promotes clean greenways and it presents geocaching to the world in a positive light.

For more information about CITO visit: http://www.cacheintrashout.org.