NATURE EXCHANGE

1. Bring it in and share

Visitors bring their collected items into The Nature Exchange. Trained staff will discuss the item with the collector: what the object is, where it came from, why it is special and any other pertinent details. Collectors are encouraged to further their knowledge of nature through research in the adjacent resource library.

2. The Exchange

"Points" are awarded by the staff member based upon a series of criteria:

Information:
What knowledge can you share with us about your item?
Uniqueness:
What distinguishes your item from other similar items?
Quality:
What condition is the item in?

It is important to realize that collectors can have a direct impact on the value of their exchange. Even the simplest object can be awarded a high point value, if the collector shows initiative. The process of trading provides the necessary motivation. In searching for things to collect and trade, individuals learn to observe, to ask questions, and to think independently.

3. The Account and Points System

"Points" can be used immediately or banked in The Nature Exchange computer trading data bank and used for future trading for items in the constantly rotating "collection" of artifacts and other items that traders can take home to enjoy.

4. Take It Home

Visitors can take their traded items home with them to add to their permanent collections, or bring them back in to trade for other items at a later date. It is important to remember that "points", although they become a form of currency, do not equal money. The sky’s the limit! The trader's positive experience within the learning environment will always be our highest priority.

5. Stay Informed

Ethical collecting, responsible outdoor recreation, and sustainable living practices will be emphasized.  The Nature Exchange, in its efforts to help people learn about the world around them, will raise awareness of the relevant wildlife regulations and collecting laws of the Province of British Columbia and Canada.  For example, it is unlawful to have BC wildlife as domestic pets or to collect cast off antlers. People will be encouraged to enjoy nature in a sustainable way, and that means that items like bird's nests, flowers or animal bones should be photographed or sketched, but left physically undisturbed for everyone to appreciate. 

The Nature Exchange will include an Answers & Resources Library and Trading Zone as well as five distinct zones:  Animals, Insects, Plants & Trees, Rocks, Minerals & Fossils, and Skulls and Bones.

One of the ways people can earn points at The Nature Exchange is by maintaining a journal. When they are out in nature, or even simply watching the seasons change out their windows, they will draw sketches with journal entries.  Journals are a great way to watch an environment change over time, and if you bring your journals into the Nature Exchange, you can get reward points for your efforts.

Another interesting thing to do in nature is collect the tracks from different animals. A great way to preserve an animal track is to create a plaster cast of it. You can learn how to do this at The Nature Exchange. This is another way to enjoy nature in a sustainable way. You can bring the plaster casts that you create to The Nature Exchange to receive points for them.

Be certain not to bring any items that are very rare or protected by law. These items are needed most right where they are in nature!  

Please leave all bird related artifacts where they are. No feathers, nests, eggs, or bird bones can be accepted at the Nature Exchange. Consider taking a photograph, or even better, writing in a nature journal about the bird artifacts you encounter. We would love to see your journal, and you can earn points that way while leaving the birds, their homes, and their remains where you found them. All bird homes and bird artifacts are protected by law.

The Nature Exchange cannot trade cultural artifacts. Please leave any cultural artifacts such as arrowheads right where you found them.

Botanical objects should be collected sparingly. If you find a plant you would like to share with us, bring just a single leaf or a leaf and a fruit or flower. Never uproot an entire plant!  Bonus points can be earned by pressing your plant properly before bringing it to the Exchange.