Letterboxing – flandersnaturecenter

Flanders Letterbox Series

Flanders has planted several letterboxes on the family-friendly trails at their preserves and sanctuaries. Combining art and nature in a fun interactive way, letterboxing is a popular treasure hunting activity done world-wide. At Flanders, the letterboxing clues include educational comments about the natural world. Letterboxers follow a set of clues to find “boxes” that have been hidden along hiking trails. Those that plan to letterbox at Flanders will want the Flanders Passport. Each letterboxing trail will have one letter stamp. Anyone who hikes at least twelve of the letterboxing trails at Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, stamps the letters from those trails in their passport and presents their passport at the Flanders office will be asked to sign their Trail Name on our “Hall of Fame” board and receive a small prize!

Let’s get started! (Scroll below the list for answers to common questions on letterboxing)

What is letterboxing?
Letterboxing is a treasure hunting activity done world-wide. Letterboxers follow a set of clues to find “boxes” that have been hidden and to record their finds. Information and clue sheets for all Flanders letterboxes can be found at letterboxing.org or atlasquest.com At Flanders all letterboxes are hidden on, or near, trails maintained by Flanders.

Who does this? Older kids? Younger kids? Just kids? Adults with kids? Adults without kids?
Letterboxing is done by people of all ages, but is always done with an adult who can ensure that the letterboxes are replaced carefully. Families with children of all ages, adults without kids, and scout troops are a few examples of letterboxers you might meet.

What do I need to get started?
1. You need to find a rubber stamp and will want to give yourself a “trail name.” This can be any nickname you choose such as “The Smith Clan” or might be inspired by the stamp you choose such as “Hiking Elephants.” You will also need a map, a set of clues and a logbook to record your “finds.”

2. As a Flanders’ letterboxer participating in the launching of letterboxing at Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, you will also want the Flanders Passport.

3. Clues, a check list for each trail, trail maps, and passports can be downloaded from this page, or you can pick them up in the office which is open from 9 to 4 on Monday through Friday. Passports will also be kept in the milk box outside the office door. Trail maps are available at kiosks at the trailheads or here.

4. Other items to consider bringing on your hikes are a stamp pad, a pen, a compass (not needed for most hikes), a bag for trash, extra baggies for letterbox repair (hopefully not needed), and basic hiking/walking “stuff”: water, bug spray, a light pair of gloves, sunblock….

How do I find the letterboxes?
The set of clues will give you the starting point. Read the clues and you will find the letterbox!