Thanksgiving has signaled the beginning of the holiday decorating and shopping season. Therefore, I would like to offer a few tips on Christmas tree selection and care, and some suggestions for natural resources related gifts for your outdoor enthusiast.

Artificial trees are fine for many people, but for me only the real thing will do. If you are like me, then you will want to start the season with a cut tree that is as fresh as possible. One source of fresh cut trees are local "cut your own" tree growers. There are several in east-central Illinois that can provide you with a source of fresh trees and perhaps a new family tradition.

The second source for your tree is one of the numerous precut Christmas tree lots. There are also many of these available in east-central Illinois, and there are some simple tests you can perform to determine if the trees have remained fresh since cutting.

When shopping for a precut tree, try to find one that has retained a lot of its original moisture content. First, look at the needles, they should be flexible and have a waxy, natural green or blue-green appearance. Next, gently bend the tips of the branches to make sure they are flexible. Also, if it is not below freezing, the tree's needles should remain attached to the branches when you run your hand along them.

No matter where you purchase your tree, there are two important steps to maintain its freshness. First, when you are ready to put your tree into the tree stand, cut at least 1 to 1 ½ inches off the base of the trunk. This will help the tree absorb water more effectively.

Secondly, it is critical that you maintain a constant supply of water to the tree. If your tree stand goes dry, the trunk will seal over and stop absorbing water. Monitor the water level in your stand closely because a tree may use up to one gallon of water during the first 24 hours, and may average a quart a day for the first week. You do not need to put additives in the tree's water supply to maintain its freshness.

Even a well-cared for tree will not last forever indoors. Monitor the condition of your tree's needles for dryness and brittleness to determine how long the tree can safely be kept indoors.

Finally, I would like to offer some gift suggestions for the natural resource enthusiast on your shopping list. A subscription to The Illinois Steward magazine would be appreciated all year. The photography is outstanding and the articles help all residents in Illinois understand current natural resource issues. The University of Illinois, the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program and the Illinois Natural History Survey publish the magazine four times a year. The yearly subscription is only $16.00. You can find out more at http://ilsteward.nres.uiuc.edu/.

Second on my gift list is a book entitled, "Creating Habitats and Homes for Illinois Wildlife". If you have someone on your list that is interested in wildlife in a variety of habitats, including backyards, then this book would be a valuable resource. The book's two hundred pages include color photographs, habitat issues and management techniques that wildlife enthusiasts will find useful in creating more wildlife habitat in the backyard, woodland, wetland, grassland and aquatic areas on their property. More information about this book and many others can be found at the Illinois Conservation Foundation's web site at http://www.ilcf.org/shop/List.asp?CatID=4.

Finally, if you are considering a binocular purchase, don't rush out and buy the cheapest, or the most expensive. First, read the article on binocular comparison at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's web site at http://birds.cornell.edu/publications/livingbird/spring99/binos.html.

Next, go try different binoculars at the store. If they are for bird watching make sure you can focus on objects as close as 15 feet.

Enjoy your holidays and take time for a family winter walk in the woods. If you have questions feel free to contact the University of Illinois Champaign Extension Unit office at 333-7672.