SYD KRONISH | Stamps Arctic tundra is latest in nature series

The Nature of America series of U.S. stamps has run the gamut from the dry desert with its cactus and Gila monsters to the wet rain forest with its giant salamanders and Roosevelt elk.
Now the U.S. Postal Service will feature the newest of its stamp panels designed to promote the appreciation of our major plant and animal communities -- the Arctic tundra.
The Arctic tundra is a vast treeless region stretching across northern Alaska and Canada. Coldest of the North American ecosystems, the tundra's soil is permanently frozen except for the surface layer, thawed by the summer sun, where plants take root.
The 2003 pane of 10 stamps depicts an Arctic tundra scene in the northern foothills of the majestic Brooks Range in Alaska. The pane will be released by the USPS on July 3, in Fairbanks, Alaska. To illustrate the diversity of species found in the Arctic tundra, artist John D. Dawson portrayed 24 animal and plant species in his acrylic painting. Although the scene is imaginary, all species represented are appropriate and were recommended by scientists.
Diverse wildlife
The tundra provides habitat for diverse fauna, including mammals, birds, insects and fish. Large mammals such as the musk ox, grizzly bear and gray wolf are tundra inhabitants.
The Arctic Tundra pane is the fifth in the educational Nature of America series. Previous issues were: Sonoran Desert in 1999, Pacific Coast Rain Forest in 2000, Great Plains Prairie in 2001 and Longleaf Pine Forest in 2002.
The Arctic tundra, as shown in the stamp pane, offers breathtaking views to the visitor, but it is a fragile ecosystem in which plant communities take a long time to recover from human disturbance. Scientists say the area must be preserved.
The cost for the pane of 10 stamps is $3.70. Collectors can obtain the pane after July 3 by calling the Stamp Fulfillment Services of the USPS at (800) STAMP-24.
Special offer
Interested in introducing your child to the excitement of stamp collecting?
The U.S. Postal Service has a special offer called Gift Collection for Kids. This educational program provides youngsters with colorful stamps and collectibles chosen for them. A year's subscription is $49.95. Children will receive a personalized membership certificate and four shipments of stamps and stamp products in a variety of formats. The first shipment includes a Star 3-cent block of four, the Priority Mail Jefferson Memorial stamp and the United States Military Academy first-day cover. Also exclusive commemorative binder and acetate pages, a stamp decoder to reveal hidden images on certain stamps and a newsletter with facts concerning new stamps will be sent.
To obtain this special order program or get more information, call (800) STAMP-24.