What is the
Northern Nature Exchange?
The Northern Nature Exchange is a permanent educational instillation that encourages visitors to learn about their local environments through observation, research and responsible outdoor collecting!
How does it work?
Visitors to the museum can register freely to participate and begin accumulating points towards purchasing items in the Nature Exchange collection. Once you are registered your points will carry over from any Nature Exchange Station in North America, so points that you earn at the West Parry Sound District Museum are also valid for using at locations like Science North in Sudbury!
Step 1: Collect & Document
The first step in your nature exchange journey begins with exploring the natural world around you! Take pictures, journal your observations, create art, bring a specimen to show, write a report or tell us about something you discovered in nature. The points you earn will be a reflection of how much initiative you take to learn about and document what you find.
Step 2: Visit the Museum
Once you have gone out into the world and collected, documented or made something to exchange the next step is to bring it to the museum!
(Regular admission prices do apply)
After you arrive, a member of staff will help initiate the exchange process. Remember that the ethics of your exchange are important, we do not accept living plant or animal specimens and will also detour general destructive collection practices. The goal is to appreciate nature not harm it!
Step 3: Exchange Points
The museum's Northern Nature Exchange station can be found inside the E. Roy Smith gallery. At the station you will have access to our microscope table and collections cabinets to explore and learn about all kinds of natural specimens ranging from minerals, shells and even fossils! A computer is also set up to access the trading system, which is where your points will be added and spent.
Do you have questions?
Or would like to collaborate on an educational event/ program with the NNE?
Send us an email at communications@museumontowerhill.com
Good luck Nature Exchange traders!
We look forward to meeting you at the museum.