8/1/2007

DNR park offers a natural oasis for respite at lively Wisconsin State Fair

MILWAUKEE – A tree-shaded canopy, beautiful native plants and a meandering stream at the Department of Natural Resources park at Wisconsin State Fair provide a pleasant respite for fair-goers of all ages and a great place to learn about Wisconsin’s natural environment.

Visitors to this natural oasis in the southwest corner of the fairgrounds can talk with DNR staff, learn about Wisconsin’s fish, forests and other natural resources through live displays, and participate in hands-on activities that are fun for all ages.

The State Fair opens Thursday, Aug. 2, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.

A little-known slice of Wisconsin history will be a feature at the fisheries exhibit. In cooperation with Mid-Continent railway museum, the exhibit “When Fish Rode the Rails” includes striking photos of the Badger #1 and Badger #2 fish transport cars and illustrates the connections between state growth, early fisheries management practices and the golden age of railroads.

A variety of Wisconsin fish species will be on display in aquariums and in the stream that runs through the DNR grounds. Fisheries specialists will be available to answer questions and provide information on Wisconsin’s premier fishery and offer casting lessons each day beginning about 2:30 p.m. in the activities tent.

An aquatic species display introduces visitors to the problem of invasives in Wisconsin lakes and offers the chance to meet some of the invaders up close. There will be opportunities to touch and examine live rusty crayfish, zebra mussels, various aquatic plants and preserved specimens of many invasive species, including sea lampreys. The exhibit will offer prevention steps boaters and anglers can take to avoid spreading invasive species to new lakes.

A new display focuses on topical issues in lakes Michigan, Superior and the other Great Lakes. These include the newest disease to affect our state fisheries, viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS); the foul-smelling algae, Cladophora; information on beach monitoring and closings; and Asian Carp and other invasive species.

Invasive species also impact the land and returning visitors will notice dramatic changes in the landscape at the DNR park. Earlier this year, forestry and parks staff' completed a buckthorn removal project. It took several days to clear the DNR grounds of the aggressive invasive plant that has become a blight in parks, forests and backyards across the state. After the buckthorn was removed, several species of trees and shrubs were planted, along with native prairie plants. The grounds will continue to be monitored for new buckthorn seedlings. After many years of being established in the exhibit area, buckthorn berries created a large seed bank in the soil. As these seeds germinate and grow, they will be pulled or treated with herbicide. Seeds can also be transported to the exhibit area by animal visitors--especially birds--and also by humans.

A traditional State Fair activity for many families is T-shirt printing at the DNR Park activities tent. Coordinated by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. artists of all ages can decorate a T-shirt or other piece of material. This year’s theme is animal tracks and the printing is free. T-shirts are available for $5 or you can bring your own.

New this year is a special one-day wetland exhibit and T-shirt printing. On Saturday, August 11 youngsters can create a wetland T-shirt using stamps of various wetland creatures like frogs, dragon flies and turtles. Rewards are in store for those who take a few minutes to discover an interesting fact about Wisconsin Wetlands.

Mammals of Wisconsin are the focus of the wildlife exhibit with displays of animal pelts, mounts and various artifacts such as antlers and skulls. Learn to identify an animal by its tracks and talk with staff about Wisconsin rich heritage of hunting and trapping.

An animated Smokey Bear will team up with an interactive Ranger Bob to teach campfire safety and how to be a good friend of the forests. A limited number of Smokey Bear Collectors Edition fishing bobbers will be given to students who have completed their campfire safety lesson. Smokey’s Schoolhouse is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Visitors to DNR park can test their knowledge of Wisconsin’s forest history, talk with staff and explore Wisconsin forest products. There will be information about invasive forest pests and how you can help reduce these threats. Other forestry exhibits are a portable sawmill, firefighting equipment, tree identification and Tree City USA awards.

Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Trails encourage visitors to explore their “Sense of Wonder” and get in touch with the natural and cultural resources of our state properties. Children of all ages will enjoy the “Nature Station,” where they can discover hidden treasures and record them in a discovery journal. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and share information about the State Park System.

A new conservation warden exhibit features trophy deer mounts, antlers, turkeys and other items seized by Wisconsin conservation wardens and other law enforcement agencies during a two year investigation involving guided illegal hunts in southwest Wisconsin. As a result of the investigation, called, “Project Brother,” officers seized 32 deer mounts, 14 sets of antlers, 7 firearms, and 10 compound bows. Charges against 48 individuals from 11 states were filed in state and federal courts.

Conservation wardens will be on hand to answer questions about hunting and fishing regulations and safety classes. Youngsters will have an opportunity to create T-shirts with iron-on decals.

“It All Adds up To Clean Air” is the theme for the air management exhibits on air quality and health, including driving tips and information on burn barrels.

Fishing and hunting licenses will be available for purchase in the South Building from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day

More information on the Wisconsin State Fair is available on the State Fair Web site at [www.wistatefair.com] (exit DNR).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Wolski – - (608) 264-6282