The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife and Inland Fisheries divisions have unique and affordable holiday gift ideas for those with an interest in wildlife, fish, and the outdoors:
Connecticut Wildlife Magazine – A subscription to the DEEP Wildlife Division’s 24-page, full-color, bimonthly magazine is the perfect gift for those who like to stay informed about fish, wildlife, and natural resource issues and events in the state. Articles are written by DEEP staff members who are responsible for the management of Connecticut’s wildlife, fisheries, and forest resources. Connecticut Wildlife Magazine is your best source for fishing, hunting, wildlife, and conservation information in the state. Every issue includes great wildlife photography, in-depth features, and natural history articles -- plus no advertising. It is published six times a year, and is available by subscription for $8 a year, $15 for two years, or $20 for three years.
To receive a subscription or order a gift subscription, send a check or money order payable to: Connecticut Wildlife, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013-1550. Recipients of gift subscriptions will be sent a postcard to notify them of their gift.
Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut: This guide, written by DEEP staff Robert P. Jacobs and Eileen B. O'Donnell, is the first publication to present multiple, high resolution, full-color photos of most New England and all Connecticut freshwater fish species, including all anadromous species and occasional visitors from salt water. It presents an assortment of large, color photos for most fish species that aid in identification and illustrate the variety to be found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. The field guide also simplifies the process of fish identification for beginners. Included is an easy-to-see graphic, "Guide to Families of Connecticut Freshwater Fishes." Readers can easily find the correct "fish family" on the graphic, which will direct them to a section with photographs where they can narrow down the field and make identification easy and fun. For those more scientifically inclined, the book also contains a standard taxonomic key to fish families and species. Detailed information is presented for each species on identification, distribution, size, abundance, habits, how to observe and catch them, and what's unique about them. Also included are special sections on how to catch and observe fish in nature, including tips on angling and snorkeling and how to keep freshwater fish in aquariums. The Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut can be ordered for $19.95 through the DEEP Store, either on-line (www.ct.gov/deep/store) or in person, at 79 Elm Street, Hartford (860-424-3555).
The Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut also can be obtained, along with several other wildlife and nature-oriented books, from the Friends of Sessions Woods (FOSW) book cart at the DEEP Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center in Burlington. Some of the other selections include Amphibians and Reptiles in Connecticut, Connecticut Butterfly Atlas, Connecticut Walk Book East, Connecticut Walk Book West, Field Guide to Animals in Vernal Pools, Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals, Guide to Lakes and Ponds in Connecticut, Native Shrubs for Landscaping, Nature Walks in Connecticut, and Wild Flowers and Winter Weeds. Books range in price from $3.00 to $42.25. FOSW is a volunteer organization that supports projects and programs that are designed to enhance the value of the Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center as a resource for education, research, and the enjoyment of nature. The Education Center, which is located at 341 Milford Street (Route 69) in Burlington, is open on Mondays through Fridays (except holidays), from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM. For directions or more information, please call the office at 860-675-8130 during office hours. All of these book selections are also available through the DEEP Store (www.ct.gov/deep/store).
