DNREC SHOWCASES LEAVE NO TRACE AT DELAWARE STATE FAIR ~ DNREC's Education Building Features Learning & Fun for the Entire Family

HARRINGTON, DE - July 19, 2006

NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

July 18, 2006
Vol. 36, No.234

“Leave No Trace,” a nationally-recognized outdoor skills and environmental awareness program, is featured at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s education building at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington. DNREC’s building located on East Rider Road on the fairgrounds is open 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. everyday, July 21-29. The building is also open 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, the special preview evening at the fair.

The “Leave No Trace” exhibit encourages Delawareans to reduce their impact on the environment and respect the rights of users of the outdoors, as well as future generations. According to DNREC’s graphic designer, Christy Shaffer, the exhibit is designed to instill an awareness of the “Leave No Trace” principles and an appreciation of nature. “Visitors can explore a rustic campsite and discover how sharing our natural environment with other people and wildlife protects it from overuse and abuse,” she said.

Along the same theme, the Fish and Wildlife exhibit features a live fawn for people to view. Visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife, including deer, and allow wild animals to remain in their natural habitat. The exhibit, always a family favorite, includes an array of native fish and wildlife to view up close.

In addition, the DNREC building features 15 displays on the department’s various environmental programs. The Delaware Energy Office’s exhibit provides ideas on easy ways homeowners can save money on energy costs. A new mosquito control exhibit highlights how to reduce pesky mosquitoes in your own backyard. The new water resources exhibit engages all ages and tests their knowledge on the various programs that protect water resources in our state. Information on Delaware’s air quality, the harmful effects of ozone, and the ways people can safeguard their health is included in the air quality exhibit.

DNREC’s displays and exhibits are designed to encourage public participation in the learning process through hands-on activities and educational games that appeal to both adults and children. Visitors can speak one-on-one with DNREC’s scientists and educators, who are not only dedicated to preserving the environment but are committed to protecting human health, ecosystems, and the beauty of Delaware’s environment.###

Media Contact:
Melanie Rapp
Public Affairs Office
(302) 739-9902