NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

HARRINGTON, DE - July 24, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's (DNREC) education building at the Delaware State Fair, featuring the “Leave No Trace” exhibit, was recognized by fair officials with the Directors Choice Award for the most outstanding exhibit at this year’s fair. DNREC’s building, located on East Rider Road on the fairgrounds in Harrington, is open 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. everyday, July 24-29.

Designed by DNREC’s Christy Shaffer, the “Leave No Trace” exhibit highlights the importance of protecting the outdoors from overuse and abuse. The exhibit includes a rustic campsite with cleverly crafted “critters” to encourage people to respect wildlife and “leave what you find” – to ensure future generations can experience the beauty of nature.

The building also features 15 displays on DNREC’s various environmental programs, including P2, pollution prevention programs for industry and business, the State of Delaware’s Green Energy Program offered to electric customers of Delmarva Power, tips on recycling, and information on Delaware’s beautiful state parks and the special demonstrations conducted by park naturalists at the fair. This year’s family favorite, “Be a Wildlife Detective” teaches ways to identify the signs of different wildlife species found in Delaware and their important habitats.

According to Helen Haughey, Chair of DNREC’s state fair committee, several new exhibits are included in the building this year. “DNREC’s fair team worked extremely hard to develop exhibits that would appeal to both adults and children,” said Haughey. “The response from our visitors has been wonderful. People have enjoyed the new displays and interactive games and activities, that are not only educational but fun for the entire family,” she said.

In addition to the “Leave No Trace” exhibit, the DNREC building includes a new sign and landscaping, as well as a new Division of Fish and Wildlife outdoor pavilion with rotating displays by conservation partners including, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Quality Deer Management Association, and the Delaware Orthinological Society.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control envisions a Delaware that offers a healthy environment where people include a commitment to the protection, enhancement, and enjoyment of the environment in their daily lives. DNREC’s scientists and educators are dedicated to preserving the environment and to protecting human health, ecosystems, and the beauty of Delaware’s environment.###

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