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Still haven\u2019t decked the halls? Call up a few strong friends and head to a Christmas tree farm this weekend. For those of you who think artificial trees are far better for the environment, think again. It turns out that just one acre of Christmas trees<\/a> can actually generate enough oxygen for 18 people! Plus, Christmas tree farms usually plant two or more tree for every tree cut. Artificial trees, on the other hand? Sadly, plastic trees take years<\/em> to break down. So head to the farm, breathe in the fresh air and get to work!<\/p>\nBonus points<\/h4>\n
When the holidays are over, place your tree into your backyard<\/a> for the rest of the winter so birds can use it for shelter.<\/p>\n What are the loveliest holiday decorations on your street? Christmas lights? Maybe wreaths? But what about\u2026 birds? There are so many bird species that stay in Canada throughout the cold months and their cheery chatter and busy activity will make your heart soar \u2013 if you\u2019ll only feed them. Birds need to pack in a lot of calories through the day to survive. So when you\u2019re thinking of what kind of bird feeder you\u2019ll need to get to attract birds<\/a>, note that you\u2019ve got a lot of options:<\/p>\n You\u2019ll want to place the feeder in the right spot to keep your birds safe and sound. Place your feeders close to window (about three feet away from a window is perfect) to avoid collisions.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve started feeding the birds in your backyard, you might start to wonder what feathered friends are popping by. Before you know it, you\u2019ll be itching to learn about them all. Birdwatching<\/a> is such a rewarding hobby. You don\u2019t have to be an expert to enjoy it. Just start by making a list of all the birds that you already know about \u2013 from the Black-capped Chickadee to the Blue Jay!<\/p>\n Next, do your research. When you see a new kind of bird at your feeder, head for your tablet or a field guide book to find out what it is. Ready to head outside? Grab a friend and go birdwatching beyond your backyard. Many birds will spend their time in forested areas (after all, trees are great to shelter birds from cold winds!). They\u2019ll also visit open water like lakes. And keep an eye out for owls at around dusk since that\u2019s a common time for them to hunt!<\/p>\n Stay back. It\u2019s easier to see birds in the winter because there\u2019s far less foliage. Well\u2026if you can see them\u2026they can see you. Make sure they feel comfortable in their habitat by keeping your distance.<\/p>\n We know you already know this, but the forest is not yours and yours alone. It\u2019s habitat to hundreds of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. So pick up after yourself. When you finish your energy bar, toss it in your backpack instead of on the forest floor. Leaving no trace of your hike is truly one of the best ways you can respect nature and all it has provided you on your hike.<\/p>\nFeed the Birds<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n\n
Bonus points<\/h4>\n
Start Birdwatching<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nBonus points<\/h4>\n
Head Out for a Winter Hike<\/h3>\n
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Prepare to burn off all those Christmas cookies you\u2019ve been nibbling on! Going on a hike can burn over 400 calories an hour! And hiking in the winter is even harder thanks to all that snow \u2013 so don\u2019t forget to pack some snacks high in fat and protein (maybe a festive mint chocolate protein ball or two?). Before you leave home, you\u2019ll also want to check the weather to make sure it\u2019s a safe day to hike<\/a> and get yourself prepped (packing some water, your snacks, a map, trail guide and a compass). Then dress warmly. From your hiking boots to your coat, dressing in layers of fast drying and\/or waterproof material is your best bet.<\/p>\nBonus points<\/h4>\n
Learn more about how you can Connect with Nature at CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca<\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"