Winter — and the gift-giving season — is upon us. There are several ways to please the nature-lovers among our friends and family while also supporting wildlife conservation efforts in Wisconsin.
“I give state park stickers” as presents, Larry Meiller said recently on WPR’s “The Larry Meiller Show.”
“That’s an awesome gift,” replied Jamie Nack, a senior wildlife outreach specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
She endorsed Meiller’s practice of giving friends and family Wisconsin state park vehicle admission passes — which, starting in January 2025, are good for entry into any state park for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Nack provided several other gift ideas for outdoorsy types.
DNR magazine subscriptions
Another way to support the work of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is to subscribe to the agency’s quarterly magazine, Wisconsin Natural Resources.
The magazine benefits readers by informing them about state wildlife resource management.
Subscriptions are $9 for a year, $16 for two years and $22 for three years. The most recent issue is available for free online.
Conservation group memberships
High on her list are memberships to organizations likely supported by the person receiving the gift.
For example, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology are all supported by membership dues.
Aids for bird watching
Nack also suggested tangible things that bird-lovers would especially appreciate receiving: bird feeders, seed and bird baths.
“We often suggest things related to feeding birds or watching birds — whether that’s a gift certificate to a local nature center or nature store that sells bird seed, that’s awfully helpful,” Nack said.
Tools for finding, identifying wildlife
Gifts that birders, as well as those who like to hike, camp or hunt, include wildlife identification guides, binoculars, spotting scopes and trail cameras.
For kids, time outside
For children, anything that helps engage them with nature is a valuable gift, Nack said.
“Butterfly nets, terrariums. There’s lots of good books, too,” she said.
Most importantly, she said, give kids the gift of time outdoors.
“Take them on scavenger hunts,” Nack said, “or build forts in the backyard.”
A hand-written pledge to spend time with them works to. A powerful promise like that can be redeemed any time of year.
