Our newest program at Charlotte Nature Museum is our Nature Trading Project.

It has been a lot of fun seeing visitors get excited about the interesting natural materials they find outside. There have been some pretty neat objects brought in.

So how exactly does it work?

Our Coordinator Gail stocked a cart completely full with oddities we found in our Museum, as well as around the grounds. Three times a month, the Trading Post opens for business. You can find out dates and time by looking at our Upcoming Events.

Come in with your object and either start an account to accrue as many points as you can, or trade your object for something else right then and there.

The hardest part is finding natural objects that are worth a lot of points. Here are some tips to help you find an "expensive" object:

• Spend a lot of time in nature. Nothing will help you more than being outside as much as you can.
• Don't be afraid to get dirty. Move some rocks, dig a little (emphasis on little — don't start digging up your whole yard!) and climb some trees.
• Make sure the object is in good condition, preferably not falling apart or missing large pieces.
• Research. The more you know about your object before you come in — what it is, why it's important or how it connects to plants and animals — will help you earn as many points as possible.

Make sure your object is able to be traded. Due to federal and state laws, it is very important to remember:
• We accept rocks, shells, seeds, clean bones/skulls, snake skin sheds and insect molts.
• We cannot accept bird feathers, nests or eggs; anything from a protected or endangered species; turtle shells; any animal, alive or deceased; and wildflowers.

Not only has our new Nature Trading Project been fun for our staff, but visitors have found some pretty amazing things. So far, a perfectly intact crow skull is my favorite object.

Will you be able to find something extraordinary?