Giving Back Tuesdays

This is the first post of a new weekly feature I've created. Every Tuesday, I'll dedicate a post to "giving back." Topics will range from featured charities and organizations that help with various causes; home design resources that donate portions of their profits to a good cause, etc. I did a post a while back about how important I feel it is to give back to the community by donating time and/or money to help make the world a better place.

The first organization I'd like to feature is The Nature Conservancy. Their mission statement: "To preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive." Since their founding in 1951, they have protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide and operate more than 100 marine conservation projects globally. Among the many different ways to donate and give, they have an "Adopt and Acre" program that is dedicated to protect the rain forests of Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula is one of the most beautiful and diverse habitats, home to lush rain forests, beautiful beaches and some of the most precious creatures God has created. The expansion of urban areas, farming, tourism, illegal logging, and poaching are destroying the rain forests and natural habitat for animals such as the jaguar, puma and sea turtle, among many. With just a $50 donation you will help protect and restore one of the world's most extraordinary regions that is slowly diminishing. Click here for more information on how you can give back.

All of these photos are from the Osa Penninsula, Costa Rica. The beauty of the land and the vibrant colorful creatures takes my breath away! Photo credits: The Nature Conservancy.