DECEMBER 9, 2024 – Sure, a white Christmas is nice. But embracing a #GreenChristmas will protect those magical snowy holidays from disappearing altogether.
Our charitable partner the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Rideau Valley’s most pristine natural areas so they can in turn protect us from extreme weather and climate change impacts. But alongside watershed wellness, the Foundation also supports human wellness through more accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all incomes, backgrounds and abilities.
This holiday season, give the gift of a brighter future when you support the Foundation’s programs on behalf of your loved ones - all from the comfort of your couch! Your gift can be delivered instantaneously with a personalized e-card, or delayed until the perfect moment this holiday.
Check out these five popular Green Gift ideas:
1. Tree planting: Put some trees under the Christmas tree! We’ll plant locally-grown, native seedlings right here in the watershed on behalf of your loved ones to provide wildlife habitat, store carbon and keep our air and water clean for generations to come. Beautiful and symbolic, this is truly the gift that keeps on giving: https://www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/special-occasion-tree-planting
2. Memorial grove: The holidays can be difficult when you’re missing someone. Consider gathering the family to plant a grove of native trees for your loved one while securing a brighter future for their descendants. Each person honoured will also have their name added to the wall of remembrance: https://www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/memorial-tree-planting-program
3. Go carbon neutral: Take #GreenChristmas to a whole new level when you go carbon neutral through the Foundation! We can help you calculate your carbon footprint for the year, the holidays or even a single event and translate it into trees to be planted across the watershed. Not only do trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and store it for up to 80 years, they also clean our air and water, reduce flooding, improve habitat and support natural forest growth. It’s a win-win-win-win-win! Get started: https://www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/carbon-neutral-program
4. Adopt an Acre: It’s difficult to wrap a wetland for Christmas, but adopting an acre is the next best thing. Put a brighter future under the tree this year as you protect more than 8,600 acres of local natural spaces for your loved ones, your community and the environment! These crucial habitats are hard at work reducing our risk of floods, cleaning our water, stopping erosion and storing vast amounts of carbon to keep our communities healthy and resilient in the face of climate change. More here: https://www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/adopt-an-acre
5. Support Nature For All: Everyone deserves access to the great outdoors. The Foundation’s Nature For All program is working hard to transform Baxter Conservation Area into an accessible wilderness haven for people of all abilities. Its flagship accessible marshland bridge opened earlier this year, and Phase 2 is focused on upgrading the adjoining boardwalks and trails. Give the gift of accessibility this holiday: https://www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/nature-for-all-project
BONUS GIFT IDEA:
The RVCA’s Annual Parking Pass covers parking for boat launches, beaches and trails at our five paid sites all year long. This $55 pass makes a wonderful holiday gift for the nature lovers, sun worshippers, dog walkers, anglers and trail runners on your list! Order at www.PayByPhone.com using location code 5222 or contact ADRIENNE at
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