Department Of Environmental Protection Holiday Gift Shop Open

HARTFORD — The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers a wide variety of unique and affordable holiday gifts for children and adults. Whether your interest is wildlife, fishing or hiking, the DEP Store has the ideal gift selection for any budget.

Books for adults or children, maps, and other “environmental” gifts, are available for those who like to shop online (visit ct.gov/DEP, then click on DEP Store) or in person, at 79 Elm Street, Hartford (visit the website for directions).  Online orders placed by December 14 will arrive in time for holiday gift giving.

Most books are available through the DEP website, with new titles being added.

Regular store hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 1 pm and 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Special holiday hours will have the store also open on Fridays, December 14 and 21, from 9 am until noon. Call 860-424-3555 for additional information.

Highlights for adults include Deerproofing Your Yard & Garden ($14.95), which provides surprising tips that allow you to co-exist with deer in your community including surefire plants that deer truly hate, homemade and store-bought deterrents that really work, and innovative fencing and netting options; and mercury-free solid brass thermometers ($24.95), with a choice of 12 finials.

Gifts for children include City Beats, A Hip-Hoppy Pigeon Poem by S. Kelly Rammell, illustrated by Jeanette Canyon ($8.95), and Salmon Stream by Carol Reed-Jones and illustrated by Michael S. Maydak ($7.95); and Smokey the Bear plush toys, available in three different sizes.