2023 Challenge #1: The Trailside Treasure Hunt
Welcome to IRVOA’s first Trailside Treasure Hunt!
To kick off Spring 2023 in the woods with the Alliance, we challenge you to embark on an exhilarating Trailside Treasure Hunt for a Peoria map medallion! The medallion is hidden somewhere at Forest Park Nature Center and will be until further notice.
HUNTING GUIDELINES
No need to venture off-trail. The medallion is hidden on/within 3-4 feet of a path.
It's on public property. Please keep it there.
Once a winner sends us a picture of them holding the map necklace (email us here!) and it's placed back where it came from, that winner will receive a reward and a new round of clues will be shared…perhaps in a new place, perhaps the same place...with new rewards to be given!
(If any local businesses would like to help sponsor treasure hunt rewards, however large or small, please let us know!)
Follow the clues below to see if you can find the treasured medallion. Happy hunting!
In Forest Park Nature Center, where animals abound
There's a special necklace waiting to be found!
Where could it be? Oh deer, what's hiding in that tree?
Just follow our clues, and you'll find it with ease.
Begin at the trailhead, where your adventure starts
You've got some climbing to do…you'll need a strong heart.
Stay on the path, that's where it's at,
You don't have to climb a tree or fly like a bat.
It could be on a bench, some bark or a tree…
It's on public property, for all to see.
A Peoria map necklace is waiting to be found.
But don't be too quick to snatch it from the ground.
Instead take a picture, wherever it lies
And leave it there, for another to surprise!
Send us a necklace picture, confirming your reward
And spread the word, there's so much to be explored!
So grab your camera, and hit the trail
The necklace awaits, I'm sure you won't fail.
I'm excited for you! For all that's in store!
The first path you head was built for nuclear war (Seriously! Ask the FPNC staff.)
A possum, a bee, a robin and a deer
These are all trail names to hike, some far and some near.
More clues are to come, in the following days
Grab a map at the Nature Center, so you won't lose your way!
BONUS CLUE #1
Robins and Deer are nothing to fear
Although those paths are steep, there's not much treasure there
Nature can guide us, wherever we go
When searching for treasure, there's one more thing to know
I want to give you a really good shot
When searching for treasure, "X" usually marks the spot.
BONUS CLUE #2
The map pendant is hidden, in a secret spot
It could be hanging on a branch, or tucked in a knot
If you're a squirrel, it might be in your home.
Is it at eye level? Only if you're a gnome.
BONUS CLUE #3
Another clue for you we hath
Look where the tree root crosses path
When you pass our root you’ll bee steps away
From finding treasure on your lucky day!
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Access Forest Park trail maps, park info and more here.