Hi, all -- just checked into this forum this evening (I read the barter board, Countryside and the dairy goat boards regularly) for the first time. Nice place! :-)

My son is about to turn 10. His birthday is Earth Day. He's very conscious of the earth and does his best to learn about good stewardship, recycling, preserving nature, etc. We'd like to give/make him something that ties in with the theme of Earth Day and his concern for the environment. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

-- Andrea Gauland (andreagee@aol.com), April 02, 2002

Answers

Ive seen in science catalogues, and websites,, a gold fish, in a glass sphere,, completely enclosed,, there is a plant inside the glass,, the plant makes oxygen,, the fish eats the plant,, the plant grows, only way to open the thing,, is to break the glass,, its a totally enclosed eco system. Or maybe a terranium,, another type of eco system, with insects and maybe a toad or turtle??

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), April 02, 2002.

One year as part of my Christmas present my mom bought me a book mark- the purchase price went to sponsor the planting of a tree in an area being reforested. I thought that was pretty neat. Or what about a tree for him to plant. Maybe a flowering crab or a beautiful maple tree. How about a gardening basket filled with seeds, tools, etc. Maybe a book on crafty things to make out of recycled items. I don't know of any titles, but you could even make one yourself out of things printed off the internet. I've seen quite a few ideas using recycled things. Good luck.

-- Colleen in WI (bean@newnorth.net), April 02, 2002.

A special tree or plant was my first thought as well. I hope you find something great for him!

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), April 02, 2002.