Nature-inspired gifts for Father's Day
Father and child by the lake (Photo by Laubenstein Karen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Wikimedia Commons)
Father’s Day is just around the corner. If you're still on the hunt for something special to show your appreciation, why not give these nature-inspired gifts some thought?
1. For the gardener
Monarch on milkweed (Photo © Manitoba Museum)
Help your dad introduce some plants with purpose! Creating a naturalized garden doesn’t need to be a complete overhaul of your existing greenery. Find local nurseries that carry native seeds and plants specific to your area.
Indoor insect control: For anyone who has kept plants indoors, you’re bound to attract small insects at some point in time. A natural way to keep them under control is to enlist the help of carnivorous plants. Be sure to only plant these indoors to prevent their potential spread in the wild.
2. For the wildlife watcher and nature lover
Birding at the Tabusintac Estuary, NB (Photo by NCC)
A pair of quality binoculars goes a long way, and they can really bring out the inquisitive nature in people. Go for brands known for their good optics and light build. And, if possible, get a harness add-on — it is a relatively low-cost investment that distributes the weight of your binoculars across your upper body.
DIY bird feeder and nest box
3. For the cook
Basil (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)
Herbs can be tricky to buy. Sometimes recipes call for only a tablespoon of herbs, but you end up having to buy a bunch. Growing an herb garden by the kitchen not only looks nice but will give your dad a steady supply of herbs. The trick is to prepare the herb container in advance so that there is already a variety ready to use by the time you gift it.
Five herbs for every kitchen >
4. For the dad who just wants to spend time together
Why not sign the whole family up for a local Conservation Volunteers event? The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) offers events across the country from spring through fall and, in some places, year-round. This is a perfect opportunity to get outdoors and work as a team.
Visit one of NCC's Nature Destinations >
5. For the dad who doesn’t want you to spend extra money
Do-it-yourself projects, done well, can be a signature piece in the house. For example, here’s a paperweight you can make using pebbles and dough made from gravel, flour and water. If you want to involve your siblings or if you have children of your own, creating a handprint family tree is a sweet way to show the bonds within your family.
DIY penguin family portrait (Photo by Wendy Ho/NCC staff)
Several years ago I painted a penguin family on canvas and captured a segment of Animal Planet’s “Emperor Penguin Dads” with the built-in audio recorder on the frame. I wanted to illustrate the roles both parents have in caring for their one and only chick, as I was the only child in my family! The painting hangs in the living room to this day.
6. Remember dad through a gift to nature
Visiting the Waterton Springs Interpretive Trail (Photo by Liz Saunders)
When getting together is not possible, the Nature Conservancy of Canada offers e-cards to celebrate special moments and tribute donations to honour people we love with a gift that helps protect our country's endangered plants, animals and ecosystems.
Find out more about the ways you can give >
