Green Your Holidays With Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas

(TORONTO, November 26, 2009) This year make your holidays greener with these gift suggestions from Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA).

For the Eco- Conscious:

Give the Gift of Clean Air

This gift certificate helps support The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. Certificates start at denominations of $25 and can be directed to where it's needed most, or specifically to TRCA projects to adapt to climate change or that reduces greenhouse gases.

All donors will receive a copy of TRCA's four page "Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change" report. Donors of four gifts or more will receive a copy of TRCA's full 32 page report "Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change". Buy your gifts online at www.trca.on.ca/cleanair

 For the Nature Lover:

Give Memberships to TRCA conservation areas

Your gift of a Conservation Area Membership helps TRCA protect your local natural environment. Memberships are available for individuals or families (valid for any four individuals). Individual memberships cost $75 while a family membership will cost $135. Memberships include:

• Unlimited Free regular admission to ALL TRCA parks, Black Creek Pioneer Village and Kortright Centre
• Discounts to select Special Events
• 10% discount on Gift shop purchases at Black Creek Pioneer Village and Kortright Centre
• Free Parking at all locations
• 10% discount on Education Programs at Kortright Centre
• 10% discount on food purchase at Black Creek Pioneer Village
• 10% discount on nightly and weekly camping permits (conditions apply- not valid for reservation fees, monthly, seasonal or group camping rates)
• 10% discount on cross country ski rentals (not valid on group rentals)
• 5% discount on annual fly fishing club membership

Memberships can be purchased online at http://trca.on.ca/enjoy/memberships

 For Local History Enthusiasts:

Give the gift of our natural heritage with the Humber River: The Carrying Place book

Readers will get a delightful journey along the Humber River and its watershed and will carry you through the history and geography of one of Canada's most important rivers.

Published in 2009 by Toronto and Region Conservation, this hardcover coffee table book commemorates the 10th anniversary of the designation of the Humber River as a Canadian Heritage River. Spectacular photos showcase the natural and cultural treasures that define the river which span the Toronto city region. A series of essays shed light on how the river and its watershed have evolved, and examine the challenges they face. Milestones in the river's history are provided as is a short atlas that describes interesting facts and figures about the Humber.

All profits from the sale of this book will be directed to projects that help protect and restore the Humber River watershed. Cost: $39.99 (+ GST)

Available to purchase at these locations: Black Creek Pioneer Village Gift Shop, Toronto and Region Conservation Head Office, and Kortright Centre for Conservation Gift Shop. For more information go to www.trca.on.ca/humberbook

For the pioneer:

Give a membership to Black Creek Pioneer Village

An annual membership to Black Creek Pioneer Village, a recreation of a 1860s Ontario village, offers excellent value for individuals and families who wish to visit often. Membership benefits include free  seasonal daytime admission from May to December (as applicable), parking while visiting the Village, discounts on select special ticketed events and 10% discount on Gift Shop, and food purchases at the Black Creek Historic Brewery Restaurant and Pub, located in the Half Way House Inn. Individual memberships cost $60 while a family membership will cost $95. For more information go to: http://trca.on.ca/enjoy/memberships

Toronto and Region Conservation

With over 50 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) helps people understand, enjoy and look-after the natural environment. Our vision is for The Living City®, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity.  For more information, call 416-661-6600 or visit us at www.trca.on.ca

Images of Gifts of Clean Air certificates, membership passes and the Humber River book are available upon request.

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For media information, contact:

Rowena Calpito

Supervisor, Media Management                    
Toronto and Region Conservation

Tel: 416-661-6600 ext 5632

Mobile: 416-358-3446

E-mail: rcalpito@trca.on.ca