December 2008
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I don’t just buy presents, |
Brighten the holidays with gifts that promote conservation. Wrap your ribbons around these natural selections:
- Get a Pennsylvania state park gift card or calendar;
- Purchase a Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation living gift;
- Buy a rain barrel made in Pa.;
- Procure unique pottery with a special eco-glaze.
- Pick up a pen made from an invasive species
These thoughtful items are sure to bring a smile to the happy recipient. Enhance their joy by using recycled wrapping paper, newspaper, or a reused bag to conceal the presents.
Travel Lightly
When vacationing or visiting afar this winter, strive to travel with an earthly conscience. When possible, consider transport by train or bus instead of by plane or automobile. Look for lodging that incorporates sustainable practices and is ideally situated to minimize driving. Buy carbon offsets that mitigate the greenhouse gases attributed to your journeys. Support businesses and guides that positively reinforce the sense of place, culture, and environmental integrity of your destination. Donate time or money to local conservation efforts. There’s a world of ways to sensitively explore the planet. Learn more here.
Christmas is for the birds
Be a citizen scientist this holiday season by participating in the longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations—the National Audubon Society’s Annual Christmas Bird Count, December 14 - January 5. Within specific geographical areas called "Count Circles,” local counts occur on one or more days between those inclusive dates. Each circle is led by an experienced birder, a “Count Compiler.” Beginning birders can join a group in the field or stay home and report the birds that visit their feeders. The data collected helps guide conservation action throughout the Americas. Three French hens, two turtle doves…yep, it’s almost that easy. Learn more here and start counting!
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Congratulations to Diana Rager from Willow Grove, the winner of a monthly drawing from the SEEDS subscription list. Ms. Rager receives a copy of It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth Friendly Living.
Sign up if you received this e-mail from a friend and would like to add yourself to the Seeds mailing list.
iConservePA is a program of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Edward G. Rendell, Governor.
PAiCon of the month
Meet Phyllis from Turbotville who recycles and reuses everything she possibly can. She’s even a fan of the rail trails that are recycled from old railroad beds. Get on track to re-tell your tales of conservation — become a PAiCon, today
Did you know?
Pennsylvania has the largest number of Christmas tree growers of any state and is ranked fourth nationally in Christmas tree production. Buy one locally. Consider a live tree (for later planting or gifting) or, perhaps, one that’s organically-grown and pesticide-free. An acre planted in Christmas trees produces enough oxygen every day to support 18 people
Spotlight on…
Lehigh Gap Nature Center at the foot of the Kittatinny Ridge near Slatington. Their mission is to preserve wildlife and habitat through conservation, education, and research. Hike their unique750-acre refuge where much of the land was degraded by industrial pollution but is being restored using native, warm-season (prairie) grasses.
© 2007 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources