Formal and gold – we do many wreaths in this vein, but having the touch of burgundy in the bow lifts this creation to an even higher level. Gilded magnolia leaves enhance the ribbon, and gold painted pine cones, some of them halved to look like flowers, further enrich the design.
For those who have procrastinated, here is a fabulous gift idea which you may execute on line or by telephone, right now, in time for the holiday.
Over the last decade green gift giving has become increasingly popular among people looking for meaningful, thoughtful gifts that also give back to our environment and our communities. As holiday shopping swings into full force, The Trustees of Reservations and many other nonprofits suggest the idea of a green gift membership a gift that not only that supports a worthy organization, but keeps on giving throughout the year.
A Trustees of Reservations green gift membership is perfect for someone who loves the outdoors and also enjoys visiting, preserving, and protecting the scenic and historic landscapes and landmarks that define the character of our communities.
Starting as low as $45 for individual members ($35 for students and seniors, $65 for families), a gift membership to The Trustees provides free access, year-round, to 104 stunning reservations located in 75 communities across Massachusetts. A Trustees gift membership also provides the recipient with significant savings on stays at The Trustees two bed and breakfasts and discounts on hundreds of annual events, workshops, and programs, summer camps, and more all while helping the nation s oldest statewide land conservation organization preserve, care for and keep its special places open for the public to enjoy throughout the year. Trustees gift memberships* include:
* Free/reduced admission to 104 Trustees properties (including popular destinations like Crane Beach in Ipswich, World s End in Hingham, the Old Manse in Concord, the Bryant Homestead in Cummington, Doyle Center and Community Park in Leominster, Bartholomew’s Cobble in Tyringham, and Cape Pogue on Martha’s Vineyard)
* Discounts on stays at Trustees bed & breakfasts (The Inn at Castle Hill in Ipswich and the Guest House at Field Farm in Williamstown)
* Discounted fees for the hundreds of events, programs, lectures and workshop the Trustees offer year-round, for all ages
* The Trustees Property Guide, a 224-page guidebook to the organization s 104 reservations available exclusively to members;
* A year s subscription to our quarterly member magazine, Special Places, which will keep you up-to-date on topics and events related to conservation, nature, history, cultural landscapes, and the environment; and
* For a contribution of $100, The Trustees are also offering a free copy of Edible: A Celebration Of Local Foods. This beautiful 324-page book will delight anyone who cares about delicious, safe, sustainable food being cultivated and grown in our own local communities.
* This year, with any gift membership order placed before January 15, 2010, you will also receive a set of collectible, sturdy, and earth-friendly grocery bags featuring wood cut illustrations of Crane Beach and Weir River Farm.  Order online at www.thetrustees.org, or call 978-921-1944 Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.
Most people are familiar with the sight of a honey bee forager as she visits flowers in a garden or park, but few people know the rich story of the life of a colony within the darkness of a hive. Wellesley College Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Heather Mattila studies the social organization of honey bees, and her hives lend a lively presence to the arboretum. heather will unravel the secret life of honey bees, including the different kinds of bees that are found in hives and the jobs that they do, as well as the means by which honey bees communicate to ensure that the end result of their interactions is a healthy and productive colony. The program, on Monday, January 10, will begin with tea at 2 pm, followed by the lecture at 2:30. $10 for WCFH members, $15 for non-members. Register at www.wellesley.edu/WCFH.
