photo by ilovepics11

Did you know that November is Manatee Awareness Month? Most of us outside of manatee-land (aka the US South and especially Florida) probably didn’t know about it. But, since it’s for the entire month, you still have an opportunity to learn more about these beautiful gentle giants of the sea (also known as sea cows) that need our help.

With the upcoming holiday season, consider “adopting” one. Your support will help to provide protection for a manatee in a state park.  While this gift can be for kids or adults, consider the story of eight year old Stephanie Cohen who was so moved by an article she read about an injured manatee that she starting making manatee pins to raise money and awareness for the animals.  Her efforts spawned the formation of Kids Making a Difference, which is now a fully fledged non-profit organization run by kids to address environmental and animal welfare issues. There’s lots of great gifts for purchase on the site and information for how kids can takepart to help manatees.