You can give the gift of nature this year by purchasing a Green Gift from the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Andrew Holland with NCC says customers have the option of symbolically adopting an animal, such as a river otter, polar bear, or wolf, or a Canadian natural landscape, like the Canadian Rockies or the Boreal Forest. The NCC then uses the money to purchase and conserve undeveloped land across Canada.

“Instead of buying a piece of land here or getting a land donation over there, we want them to be nearby or next to each other, so it is better for wildlife survival and breeding,” Holland explains.

He says over 80 per cent of native prairie grasslands have been lost to conversion and the development of roads. Holland adds that “that means we’re in a race to protect the rest of what’s left.”

Holland described the program as a win, win, win.

“You’re buying a gift out of your heart for a family member, friend, or a loved one. We win because Nature Conservancy gets to use the funds to put towards our important work, but the person actually buying the gift gets something, too/ They get a charitable tax receipt because we’re a charity.”

Since the program started 29 years ago, it’s raised $3 million.

With your purchase, you get a certificate, a photo of the critter or natural area you’re sponsoring, and an information booklet about why that species or habitat is unique. Those interested in buying a Green Gift can go to giving.natureconservancy.ca.