What is the Nature Exchange

The Nature Exchange is a unique learning environment that relies on the personal "trading" of found natural items and information about them, to motivate interest and understanding. It has continuously evolved since 1984 and, during that time, compelling evidence indicates that this experience is fun and richly rewarding. It effectively raises awareness of key issues in the natural world around us and, through personal interaction, changes attitudes and behaviour.


THE EXCHANGE PROCESS
1. Bring it in and share

Visitors bring their natural collected items into the Nature Exchange. Trained staff initiate a discussion 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 an adjacent resource library.

2. The Exchange

"Points" are awarded by the staff member based upon a series of criteria, developed in consultation with each institution. Some of these criteria will be fixed based on the ethics of collecting and regional availability, while others will be negotiable based upon each trader's enthusiasm, initiative and determination, as well as the following:

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

"Points" can be used immediately or banked in the Nature Exchange computer trading data bank and used for future trading for items in the Exchange's constantly rotating "collection".

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. If the Nature Exchange gave away or lost 100,000 "points" tomorrow it would not have to close up shop. The trader's positive experience within the Exchange's learning environment always has the highest priority.

5. Stay Informed

The Nature Exchange network allows fellow institutions and collectors to keep in touch. A password-protected website keeps fellow institutions up-to-date with the latest training, educational and workshop materials. Collectors can also access the website for the Nature Exchange electronic newsletter, featuring new items for trade and other information.