ALT-1 Gifts for Nature Lovers
The Arbor Day Foundation will send one dozen young trees, approximately two feet tall, to any recipient you designate, for a donation of fifteen dollars. They offer a variety of trees and shrubs suited for planting in the climate of the gift recipient. For example, they might send two Rose of Sharon trees that bloom in the spring with white, pink, or burgundy flowers; two red bud trees that grow up to twenty feet tall and are covered with red blossoms in the spring; two dogwood trees, two rain trees, or a selection from hundreds of species. They will send two of each variety with planting instructions at the proper time for planting. You will receive a card to send to your gift recipient announcing the future arrival of their trees. The Foundation also offers an opportunity for you to give a donation of at least twenty-five dollars and receive two gift cards to give that announce the planting of a tree in your recipient's name to replenish one of our National Forests. A paragraph from one of the cards reads, "Your tree is being planted in our National Forests, home to such noble creatures as the lynx, grizzly bears, wolves, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and hundreds of other species." The card announces you as the person making the donation in his/her name. Visitwww.arborday.org/yourtree for more information.
The Nature Conservancy Organization accepts money donations to purchase wetlands and other property vital to conserving animals and insects in danger of extinction. They also use donations to educate children about the importance of conserving our natural resources now and for the health of our future. Contact them atwww.natureconservancy.comto make a donation in the name of your recipient who will receive a plush Polar Bear or fleece wrap featuring a winter scene. They will also receive a magazine every other month which features breath-taking pictures of recaptured lands and the wild animals, insects, or birds depending on us to preserve their natural habitat.
Every nature lover would appreciate a new bird feeder, birdhouse, birdbath, or Hummingbird feeder. For true bird watchers, a pair of binoculars makes an excellent gift. For your gardening friends, hybrid seeds and a few peat pots for seed starting, will get you invitations all summer for a garden fresh meal.
There are many ways to enjoy nature, so tailor your gift to the person's favorite passions. Some people devote time and money to saving a particular species of plant or animal. Making a donation to their favorite non-profit organization in their name is an excellent way to please your friend or relative.
