DNR Invites Marylanders To Tour The Chesapeake Bay At The 125th Maryland State Fair
Saturday, August 26 Designated as Natural Resources Day

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 125th Maryland State Fair.

Join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a tour of the Chesapeake Bay at the Maryland State Fair in Timonium from Friday, August 25 through Monday, September 4 (Labor Day). Visitors can enjoy a journey through the Bay to experience firsthand some of the state’s most treasured natural resources, while learning to protect, restore, appreciate and participate in Maryland’s great outdoors.

The largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay is home to more than 400,000 acres of land, thousands of miles of streams, and multitudes of fish, mammals, birds and reptiles. At DNR’s interactive exhibit area, participants can learn about Bay restoration efforts including oysters, bay grasses and nutrient reduction. They will also be allowed to touch and feel everything from bay grasses to turtles and snakes.

While DNR’s 40’ x 60’ tent set on a quarter-acre of land near the 4-H building houses permanent exhibits, park naturalists and other DNR staff will be located along the trail that winds around the tent to the edge of the nearby woods each Friday thru Sunday 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 each and every visitor who wants to learn more about these incredible birds.

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

	River of Words Award Ceremony – The contest winners from Maryland will be announced and awarded prizes at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 26. The River of Words contest is an exciting program where students learn about watersheds and then express their knowledge through poetry or artwork. Contact Joann Wheeler at 410-260-8809 for more information.
	DNR Showcases New Club – DNR’s Explorers Club gives kids the chance to work on a different outdoor activity each month, and the opportunity to win a prize for each monthly activity completed. Along with the excitement and fun of completing each outdoor activity, kids will also have the chance to play games, discover outdoor adventure trips and learn how they can help the environment. Visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/explorers for more information.
	DNR Staging Areas – Enjoy live presentations with hands-on activities and games daily under the DNR tent. Participants can try their hand at the “Bay Jeopardy Spinning Wheel Game” or take part in the “DNR Conservation Passport Game” for a chance to win great prizes. Topics range from horseshoe crabs, nature tourism, 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. Volunteers will share items of interest from their parks as well as teach visitors 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 DNR celebrate “Natural Resources Day” at the Maryland State Fair on August 26. There will be an array of educational and interactive activities presented the first weekend of the fair at the DNR complex by participants such as the Maryland Zoo, National Aquarium and the Maryland Department of Environment.

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