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DNR Brings the Great Outdoors In at the Maryland State Fair

A DNR Biologist speaks about the Eastern Hellbender, a species of giant salamander, at last year's State Fair in Timonium.Timonium, Md. (July 3, 2012) ─ Citizens and visitors will once again discover the beauty and wonder of Maryland’s great outdoors at the 131st 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 August 24 through Labor Day, September 3, Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“The State Fair serves as the perfect venue to reach out to the citizens of Maryland,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “We have a booths set up to highlight a variety of our programs, initiatives and units, so whether you’re wandering in out of curiosity or stopping by to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members, we encourage you to visit us and see what we’re all about.”

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 2012-2013 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 outdoor programs for men, women and children, including Becoming an Outdoors Woman, Junior Hunting Field Days, Junior Rangers, archery and the Envirothon.
  • 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.

       July 3, 2012

    Contact: Josh Davidsburg
    410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell
    jdavidsburg@dnr.state.md.us

    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. 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