This proposed interpretive project aims at getting visitors engaged by sharing stories and connecting people through the landscape and exchange of meaningful objects. The game would be similar to geocaching, where visitors to the Albany Bulb use smart phones or GPS enabled devices to find hidden caches of items. Normally, people who geocache take an item from the geocache and replace it with a different item. The Albany Bulb exchange game would also require visitors to complete certain tasks or share stories as part of an app in order to access the items inside the geocache. Although various interpretive projects involving stories already exist at the Bulb, this project would build upon these plans because it would require participants to experience the place and formulate alternate narratives in addition to contributing stories.

Ocean and Art by Karlene Shippelhoute

Each box would be locked with a code, and the participant of the geocaching game would need to complete a task on an app in order to receive the code to open the cache. The stories and responses from other visitors would be viewable on the website, and participants in the game can contribute to any or all of the deposits. Participants would be informed of liability concerns pertinent to the Albany Bulb before they are permitted to participate.

The game would be able to be played individually or as a group, provided at least one person has a GPS-enabled device. The targeted audience includes both regular visitors and people who are new to the Albany Bulb. Here are some examples of tasks which a participant might be asked to complete:

• Cache 1: Share a favorite memory of the Albany Bulb and post it to the website.
• Cache 2: Post a picture of their favorite tree or plant at the Albany Bulb.
• Cache 3: Describe how the Albany Bulb smells.
• Cache 4: Share a story about the object they plan to deposit in the cache, and why it is meaningful and related to the Albany Bulb.
• Cache 5: Participants given a story about the history of the Albany Bulb so far, and asked to write an alternate ending.
• Cache 6: Participants given a description of the Albany Bulb and asked to write an alternate beginning or history of the place.
• Cache 7: Add on to a story contributed by the last visitor.

This interpretive project plan incorporates multiple project themes: landscape, alternative narratives, nature versus human dichotomy, art, communities. The game would contribute towards sustainability because it would facilitate discussion about the past and future of the site in light of the relationship between humans, the environment and waste disposal.