DNR Brings The Great Outdoors In At The 130th Maryland State Fair

Timonium, Md. (August 4, 2011) — Citizens and visitors will once again discover the beauty and wonder of Maryland’s great outdoors at the 130th Maryland State Fair, through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) interactive exhibit. DNR Staff and volunteers will be hosting visitors at the fairgrounds in Timonium from Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 5, Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m.

“The State Fair provides a unique opportunity for Marylanders to interact with our staff, learn about our natural resources and find out what DNR is really all about,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “We invite everyone to stop by, participate in hands-on activities and learn how to enjoy and care for our State’s extraordinary natural resources.”

The DNR “tent” (it’s actually a building and, yes, it’s air conditioned!) includes exciting, interactive activities, live animals, and information on everything from fishing, hiking, camping and State Park adventures to boating and hunting safety.

Visitors will also learn about DNR’s new Youth Fishing Club, the Color Maryland Green art contest, invasive species and volunteer opportunities. To help create a smarter, greener more sustainable future, citizens will learn how planting even one tree can help protect air and water quality, raise property values and save money on energy – and receive a $25 coupon to get started.

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

• The Maryland Park Service will display live birds of prey and native Maryland reptiles, through the Scales and Tales program.
• Young people will learn more about connecting with their natural world through science, new experiences and volunteering, as part of Maryland’s Children in Nature initiative. The 2011-2012 Maryland Bay Game activity book will also be available.
• Maryland State Park Rangers will share stories about family adventures in State Parks and the best hikes, water trails, campsites and secrets Maryland State Parks have to offer.
• Aided by a fish tank with common native species, Fisheries Service staff will inspire anglers of all ages to enjoy this time honored recreational tradition.
• Citizens can help Maryland reach its goal of 100,000 trees by the end of 2012 through the Marylanders Plant Trees program and obtain a $25 off coupon to plant a tree from the Maryland Forest Service.
• Natural Resources Police officers will provide tips on boating and hunting safety.
• Wildlife & Heritage staff will showcase the diversity of birds found throughout the State as well as projects and programs that focus on bird conservation and management.
• Boating Services staff will provide information on State boat taxes at work, including public boating access sites, water trails and clean boating

The Maryland State Fairgrounds is located at 2200 York Road in Timonium. The DNR building is next to the 4-H Home Arts facility. Visit www.marylandstatefair.com or call 410-252-0200 for more information.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov