The stash is in the cache with a new St. Paul Regional Parks program, called Nature Geocache, beginning May 1 and running through October.

On the first of each month, at www.stpaul.gov/naturalresources, the GPS coordinates will be released for the coordinates of a cache site in a park.

Participants will have the following month to find the cache, record the message inside, then fill out an online form to be entered for a chance at a monthly polar bear-themed prize offered by the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

A different park will be highlighted each month and a grand prize will be awarded at the end of the season. The program is a joint venture of the zoo, Polar Bear International and the St. Paul Regional Parks.

ROCHELLE OLSON