For the Birds Column: Gifts for the natural world

Here’s my column that ran this week in The Hour newspaper (and will run in next week’s Keene Sentinel). Some of the suggestions are geo-centric, but if you live outside of Fairfield County, apply the general sense of the column to your own local area. Thanks for reading and supporting Bird Calls Radio.

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There’s a classic Seinfeld episode (aren’t they all classics?) in which George, in an effort to save money on Christmas gift-giving, makes up a phony organization called the “Human Fund.” He then makes a fake donation to that phony fund in the name of everyone at his place of work.
With Christmas less than two weeks away, I’m going to propose you do something similar. I don’t want you to make up a fake nonprofit and dupe all your friends, of course, but why not give the gift of a membership to a local conservation or nature charity?
These gifts go further than “a gift has been made in your name to …” Memberships to nature centers, of course, allow for access to the properties, which is not always free to visitors. Members also receive discounts on certain merchandise or activities. Plus, membership gives you a feeling of belonging and pride for a place. This sense of pride often fosters a lifelong commitment to protect and conserve that special place.
Memberships to many conservation organizations include subscriptions to publications, such as magazines or newsletters. Some of these publications are fantastic and highly informative.
Sure it’s not a flat-screen TV, gaming system or Lexus, but a membership to a conservation group is a gift that keeps on giving. I know that sounds hokey, but it’s true. When the recipients of your gift are walking along the trails of a nature center in July, they will recall the thoughtfulness and generosity you displayed at Christmas. Sure beats a tie or fruit cake.
I will attempt to name as many possibilities for this idea as possible. It’s a dangerous proposition because I’m sure to miss some truly deserving organization that does wonderful for conservation. Sit back because the list is long. Consider your own interests and that of the recipient when deciding which group to support. I don’t know exactly what you get out of each membership. When you narrow your choices you can research it further.
If I forget one you feel strongly about, my apologies. But here goes anyway …
Most towns in Fairfield County have nature centers, land trusts, and a variety of “Friends” organizations. The “Friends of” groups basically oversee a property and watch out for its welfare. There are excellent nature centers in Westport (Earthplace), Darien, New Canaan, Stamford, and Wilton (Woodcock). You may also donate to most other parks and sanctuaries, such as Cove Island Park Wildlife Sanctuary.
Land Trusts, which buy and protect open space for perpetuity, exist in Norwalk, Darien, Wilton, New Canaan and Greenwich. There is also the Aspectuck Land Trust, which preserves land in Westport, Fairfield, Weston and Easton. Can’t go wrong donating to a land trust.
Here’s where I’m sure to miss a few. Local “Friends of” organizations include: Norwalk Islands; Selleck’s Woods; Cranbury Park; Sherwood Island.
There are other conservation-minded nonprofits that you may not think about in terms of Christmas gifts.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers individual and family memberships. I’ve been a member there for years and my kids always love going. The memberships are very reasonably priced, too. Even if your gift recipient never visits the place — although I’m sure they will — you’ve still donated to an organization whose mission it is to protect Long Island Sound.
Other nonprofit ideas include: Norwalk Seaport Association; SoundWaters; Beardsley Zoo; Bartlett Arboretum Association.
There are also national organizations such as the National Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, and World Wildlife Fund. These organizations often have magazines, even youth magazines, available. National bird organizations include American Birding Association (ABA) and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. On the state level, the Connecticut Ornithological Association is a terrific organization. Also on the state level, Connecticut Audubon Society (a separate group from the national organization) is a worth cause and has properties in Fairfield County.
The state DEEP (formerly DEP) may not be a nonprofit, but its magazine Connecticut Wildlife Magazine and other publications, are great reads.
Groups such as Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and National Turkey Federation have conservation at the heart of their organizations. Speaking of birds, you can buy a Federal Duck Stamp for the nature lover in your life. It doesn’t mean they have to hunt. It just means they have to care about preserving natural areas.
Donations to organizations such Wildlife in Crisis in Weston or Norwalk River Watershed Association are also thoughtful gestures that will go a long way toward supporting good causes.
Phew, that’s a lot to think about, I know. Again, sorry if I missed anything. Now pick one and get gift-giving. Supporting these groups will give you a better feeling than engaging in the typical American consumerism that is running so rampant.
Of course, if you’re done shopping already and you have no one else for whom to shop, considering giving a membership as a bonus gift. Or, better yet, get yourself a membership to one of these organizations. It’s been a long year, you deserve it.

For the Birds runs Thursdays in The Hour. Chris Bosak can be reached via www.birdcallsradio.com. His radio show, Bird Calls, airs 1 to 2 p.m. Sundays on WGCH AM1490 and www.wgch.com. Archives  may be found at www.birdcallsradio.com