Gift ideas to make the most of the outdoors

MADISON – Give like you mean it.

In Wisconsin, that means giving family and friends the gift of the outdoors.
These eight gift ideas will help you, your family and your friends make the most of the state’s beautiful lakes, rivers, state parks and other special places.

They won’t break the bank (some are even free); they’re convenient to get and give; and they’ll leave everyone, including Mother Earth, feeling better.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in DNR’s online gift guide, whether you’re shopping last minute or want to help a loved one start 2010 off right.

Add water…and a bobber. Print off a certificate that pledges to a family member, a friend, a co-worked, that you’ll give them a fishing trip and the chance to tell the tale of “the one that got away.”

Non-stop fun @ Wisconsin’s special places – For $25, an annual parks sticker gets the bearer unlimited vehicle admission to 60 state parks and forests across Wisconsin. An annual state trail pass gives access to more than 30 scenic trails throughout Wisconsin, so get that body moving.

Books to get hooked on – A pair of new books will reel in readers of all ages: “The “Magic Goggles: Discovering the Secrets of the Lake” is a richly illustrated story book that entertains and educates with its story of two kids discovering the underwater forest at their grandparents’ lake. “People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish,” a glossy coffee table book, uses historical photos, personal stories and other memorabilia to tell how Lake Winnebago area residents and state fish biologists help nurse the lake sturgeon population back from the brink to become the world’s largest.

Where the Wild Things Are - A subscription to Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine brings our natural world and emerging environmental issues to their doorstep. Stories highlight year-round outdoor activities and our outdoor environment. For more than thirty years Wisconsin Natural Resources has delighted readers with stories about Wisconsin's wild things. Order online to get 1 year (6 issues) for $8.97 and print off a beautiful gift card.

The online guide will put you a click away from most of these gifts. In some cases, you may need to make a call, e-mail someone or drive to a state park or DNR Service Center if you want to make sure you have the gift in hand for that special day.

So give like you mean it, and let the fun begin.