July 19, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 249

For more information contact Joanna Wilson or Beth Shockley, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

DNREC promotes ‘A Healthy Environment: Delaware’s Hottest Ticket’ at 2010 Delaware State Fair

With an interactive coloring mural for kids that’s more than 65-feet long, DNREC is urging kids of all ages attending the Delaware State Fair to help color in animals, plants, people and landscapes, highlighted by messages and tips promoting ways we can all create a healthy environment in Delaware.

DNREC’s education building at this year’s fair in Harrington will be filled with the mural, a craft station featuring 3-D dragonflies, a pledge tree, touch tank and much more. That’s in addition to the dozens of exhibits, booths and displays that will highlight practices, programs and tips designed to help Delawareans bring about a healthier environment. DNREC’s building, located on East Rider Road on the Fairgrounds, is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day of the fair from July 22 – 31.

Back by popular demand, find out how much energy you can produce by pedaling a bicycle in a display from the Delaware Energy Office. The “Pedal Power” display demonstrates how energy is used and produced through an electric generator operated by bicycle pedal power.  An everyday appliance can be plugged in to show how much energy it uses while you try to produce an equal amount of energy on the bike. 

The Delaware Energy Office will also have materials and staff on hand to answer questions on energy issues, offer tips on how to make homes more energy efficient, and provide information about renewable energy systems, current grant subsides for energy upgrades and how the new Sustainable Energy Utility will impact future energy use.  

A display from the Division of Waste Management features information about the new universal recycling program passed into law this year. Staff members will be on hand to answer questions from the public about the new law.

Speaking of recycling, you can also recycle your aluminum cans and plastic bottles and utilize DNREC’s single-stream recycling bins. Again this year, vendors can deposit cardboard for recycling at several locations as well as stack cardboard outside their booths after midnight for collection.

The ever-popular Division of Fish and Wildlife’s wild animal display will be back again this year, featuring fish, snakes, raccoons, squirrels and more. Take a walk through the Habitat Room and get a close-up look at a variety of wildlife species found in Delaware. Designed to imitate several of Delaware’s natural habitats, the room takes visitors through a small-scale tour of the state from the bay to inland forests and millponds. Adults and children of all ages will enjoy this wildlife viewing opportunity and can experience the aquatic life of the Delaware Bay in the hand-on touch tank at the end of the tour.

Over at the Division of Parks and Recreation – always a favorite destination – Delaware State Parks’ Hottest Ticket is the annual park pass. Stop by the display to find out how the parks can promote a healthy lifestyle for the whole family.

DNREC will also host special single-day displays and events on its main porch. New and exciting this year is an interactive presentation about rock climbing programs at Wilmington State Parks. Harnesses and helmets will be available for people to try on, and people can learn how to tie rock climbing knots.

Other displays and events on the porch will feature the Brandywine Zoo, Indian River Life-Saving Station, and Fort Delaware, Killens Pond, Brandywine Creek and Delaware Seashore State Parks. You can also learn about DNREC’s Emergency Response Team when team members are on hand July 29 with some of their equipment.

Rotating displays will feature presentations on boating safety, DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center, the Breeding Bird Atlas, bats and much more.

Stop by DNREC’s Division of Water exhibit which will feature water-saving tips that can be used in your home, garden, lawn or larger property. Games with a water conservation emphasis for kids of all ages and water conservation facts are part of the fun. For example: did you know that it takes 1,500 gallons of water to produce a hamburger, fries and a drink? Check out the display for more fascinating factoids and fun.

New displays from the Nonpoint Source Pollution Program offer an interactive environmental computer game that challenges you with questions about pollution sources in wetlands, urban areas, agriculture, beaches and forests.

Also on hand, check out the latest issues of DNREC’s award-winning conservation magazine, Outdoor Delaware, and get information about the 2010 Delaware Coastal Cleanup held in September, part of the world’s largest annual clearing of trash from coastlines and lakes by volunteers.

On Governor’s Day, July 29, the annual DNREC Awards will be held on the porch, with special guest presenter Governor Jack Markell. Awards to be presented this year include the Young Environmentalists of the Year, the winners of the Annual Youth Fishing Tournament, the Wetland Warrior Award, and a special recycling award.