MILFORD, PA — Pike County is combining its traditional preservation and tourism efforts with popular technology.

Those of you into techie stuff already know about geo-caching and geocoins, which amounts to modern-day treasure hunting. Aficionados search for hidden items, known as geocaches, using cell phone apps or global positioning system (GPS) gear.

Local geocachers, in concert with the Pike County Scenic Rural Character Preservation Program (SRCP), created a geo-search on some of the 3,400 acres protected by the SRCP.

Jessica Grohmann of the county planning office said a visit to the website at srcp.pikepa.org/geocaching.html to download the “passport” needed to complete the search on three properties open to the public.

Grohmann said some people visiting from Maine became the first to successfully complete SRCP search.

Those who find all nine sites will be rewarded with a SRCP trackable geo-coin.

For those seeking additional Pike challenges, the “Seven Wonders of Pike County” search includes 11 hidden caches in some of the county’s foremost historic and scenic areas, according to geocacher and Delaware Valley High School math teacher Kevin DeVizia.

DeVizia said sites are arranged in a map pattern forming the Greek letter Pi.

To name a few, they include historic sites in Lackawaxen and Milford’s Grey Towers, and three sites in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

DeVizio says the caches at these sites are varied, from “the size of an ammo can to the size of a fingernail.”

They are hidden, “sometimes disguised, sometimes in the form of puzzles, but they get people an opportunity to go outdoors and see the gems we have in the area,” DeVizio told the county commissions on May 7.

Commissioners Chair Rich Caridi thanked the developers, calling the programs, “a focus to develop a multiplier effect in tourism dollars.”

A good place to learn more about geo-caching is the upcoming 9th annual Tri-State Treasures geocaching event, June 26 to 27, at the Matamoras Airport Park. For more online, visit geocaching.com.