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Nature Exchange

At the Nature Exchange, young explorers can
earn points for the natural items they find.

Kids can identify, trade in and learn more about natural items found in their environment at the Nature Exchange.

Located on the upper level of the Desert Living Center, the Nature Exchange is part of an international program that allows young collectors to trade naturally found items such as shells, rocks, bark, pinecones and more, for which they earn points that can be used for trading out other items.

The specially trained Nature Exchange staff not only helps collectors learn more about their exchanged items, but also all of the wondrous artifacts that are part of the Preserve's own collection, including rocks, minerals, plants and insects from around the Southwest and the world. As well, special classes conducted by Exchange staff offer a more in-depth learning experience for kids and families on specific topics such as nature photography, sea creatures and rock classification.

What to Collect

The Nature Exchange encourages responsible and ethical collecting. The Nature Exchange does not accept live animals, items that come from endangered or threatened species or items from the Springs Preserve site.

For more information or answers to questions about items intended for exchange, call (702) 822-7759. To find upcoming Nature Exchange classes, visit our Events and Programs section.

Teacher Tools

To help teachers and instructors best use the Nature Exchange as a learning tool for their students, the Springs Preserve has developed materials to help prepare for a class visit to the Nature Exchange.

Please contact us via e-mail or at (702) 822-7759 at least a week prior to your scheduled visit to let us know your day of intended arrival and number of students trading. Print and complete the forms below, and either fax them to (702) 822-7783 in advance of your visit, or bring them with your tour group.

Classroom Trading Account Form
Item Trading Form
Group Research Form