The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)

‘Agents of Discovery’ app-based learning experience offered again

Geauga Park District announced it is holding its “Agents of Discovery” for the second year.

The explorator­y-based learning experience using a free location-based app offers new “missions” each month and a half at The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township, according to a news release. To participat­e, download the app, create an account, open the app while standing in front of the nature center, and search available missions to play.

As participan­ts walk down the trails, they will see eight total challenges appear on their Mission Map. Once they’re close enough, tap them to play.

For a QR code to download the app, a getting-started video tutorial, and announceme­nts about each new mission and reward, visit www.geaugapark­district.org and click “Activities,” then select “Geocaching & Location-Based Games.”

Each new mission tells participan­ts which trails to walk, and as they approach each of eight challenges, their device will alert them when it’s time to play, according to the release.

By conquering the challenges, participan­ts will also be discoverin­g all about the natural goings-on of the season. For instance, April through midMay presents challenges such as “Flowers Attract Pollinator­s,” “For the Birds,” “Map Reading at the Intersecti­on,” and “Proud to Be an American Toad!”

Participan­ts not only will explore the park and learn about its wild inhabitant­s, but also get rewarded when they show a screencap of their finish screen at the nature center front desk. Through mid-May, successful agents earn a green Geauga Park District reusable tote bag and be entered to win one of three 62-inch Geauga Park District golf umbrellas, the release stated

Agents of Discovery was played at The West Woods last April through December an estimated 1,821 times — the equivalent of more than 435 miles traveled and roughly three weeks of engagement with nature, according to the release.

Anyone with a mobile device can play, and the app is absolutely free. People can play solo or together with friends and family.