LEWISTON — GPS-guided treasure hunts, designed to promote education about watersheds, are being promoted by the city.

Lewiston’s engineering department has hidden 12 geocaches in the Hart Brook and Jepson Brook watershed.

A listing of the caches and more stormwater information can be found online at http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/publicservices/geocaching.htm.

Geocaching is a game that relies on GPS systems. Individuals hide waterproof packages, containing log books, toys and memorabilia. They note the container’s geographic coordinates and post them on a Web site.

People are encouraged to find the container, sign the log book and swap memorabilia, taking something from the cache but leaving something in exchange.

“Geocaching is a great way to get to know your city,” Lewiston Project Engineer Jan Patterson said. “It can be done as a group activity or by an individual.”

Lewiston’s hidden containers have been designed to encourage people to get out, while teaching about the city’s watersheds and ways they can help improve water quality.

“With only a GPS, residents can begin an adventure that’s fun, informative, and can take them to places they’ve never seen,” Patterson said.

The game is centered on the Hart Brook and Jepson Brook watershed, two areas where the city is working to improve the water quality and reduce their impact on the Androscoggin River.

Lewiston’s caches are also part of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Watershed Quest. Participants who find and log 10 of the available 12 caches can receive a special Participation Wooden Nickel.

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