DNR Takes State Fair Visitors On A Tour Of The Chesapeake Bay Without Leaving The Fair Grounds

DNR Takes State Fair Visitors On A Tour Of The Chesapeake Bay Without Leaving The Fair Grounds
Saturday, Aug. 28, is first ever Natural Resources Day at the Maryland State Fair

TIMONIUM – You don’t have to travel to the shore to experience all the wonder and majesty of the Chesapeake Bay, at least not during the “11 Best Days of Summer,” better known as the 123rd Maryland State Fair.

Join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for an 11-day tour of the Chesapeake Bay at the Maryland State Fair in Timonium from Friday, Aug. 27, through Monday, Sept. 6 (Labor Day). Travel the Bay and experience some of Maryland’s most treasured natural resources, while learning to protect, restore, appreciate and participate in Maryland’s great outdoors.

The Chesapeake Bay is home to more than 400,000 acres of land, thousands of miles of streams, multitudes of fish, mammals, birds and reptiles, and is the biggest estuary in North America. At DNR’s interactive exhibit area, participants can learn about Bay Restoration efforts involving oysters, bay grasses and nutrient reduction. Many of the sometimes slimy but always fun things found in the Bay and its tributaries will be on hand for a totally interactive, up-close-and-personal experience. Children and adults alike can touch and feel everything from bay grasses to turtles and snakes.

While a 40’ x 60’ tent set on a quarter of an acre near the 4-H building houses DNR’s permanent exhibits, wildlife staff will be located along the nearby trail each day from noon to 5 p.m. with a new feathery friend to meet. Birds of prey including falcons, eagles and hawks will be on display and ready to meet visitors who want to learn more about these incredible birds. If it’s the “bear facts” you’re looking for, visit the “Living With Black Bears” display and learn how to coexist with these amazing animals.

“In addition to our usual first-rate exhibits and activities, this year I am happy to announce that Saturday Aug. 28, will be officially known at the Maryland State Fair as ’Natural Resources Day,’ said DNR Secretary C. Ronald Franks. “I encourage everyone to stop by and visit our customer service staff, Natural Resource Police officers, park rangers and biologists as well as our various conservation partners to learn more about how to enjoy and protect Maryland’s natural resources.”

Some of the highlights of the DNR exhibits at this year’s fair include:

River of Words Award Ceremony –Contest winners from Maryland will be announced and awarded prizes at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28.

DNR Unveils New Game – Visit the customer service area Monday, Aug. 30 – Wednesday, Sept. 1, to participate in a new game that exposes children to the vast array of natural resources that fall under DNR’s stewardship. Participants will receive points for designated activities such as visiting a state park, and in turn, win prizes with their earned points.

DNR Staging Areas – Enjoy live presentations with hands on activities and games daily under the DNR tent. Try your hand at the “Bay Jeopardy Spinning Wheel Game,” learn about the properties of water or take part in our DNR Conservation Passport game. Check with Customer Service for a chance to win great prizes. Topics range from horseshoe crabs, urban forestry and education, to boating safety and living history programs.

State Park of the Day – Each day showcases one of Maryland’s 47 state parks. Park Rangers from highlighted parks will share items of interest from their parks and teach visitors more about the diversity of Maryland’s state park system from Point Lookout State Park on the Bay to Green Ridge State Forest in the Allegany Mountains.

Environmental partners experience – Help us celebrate Natural Resources Day at the Maryland State Fair Aug. 28! An array of various educational and interactive activities will be presented the first weekend of the fair at the DNR complex by our local, national and state conservation partners.

For more information about DNR’s exhibits, presentations and activities at the State Fair visit our website at www.dnr.maryland.gov/statefair/ or call 1-877-620-8DNR x8006.