Minnesota Ag Connection - DNR State Fair Exhibit to Educate about Public Lands

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DNR State Fair Exhibit to Educate about Public Lands
Minnesota Ag Connection - 08/17/2018

Educational displays, exhibits, presentations, and music and entertainment highlight the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' annual exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair, which runs Aug. 23-Sept. 3 in Falcon Heights.

This year's theme, "Public lands, owned by you, managed by DNR" will be showcased with a Legacy Amendment 10th anniversary tribute.

"We are shining the spotlight on public lands because we know Minnesotans truly value them for recreation, conservation and their economic benefits," said Dawn Flinn, who helps coordinate the DNR exhibits.

The DNR State Fair log building opened 84 years ago; its park-like location provides fairgoers with a great opportunity to experience the outdoors in the midst of carnival rides and food stands.

"It's a popular state fair landmark, meeting place and must-visit destination that has helped generations of people create life-long memories," Flinn said, adding "Minnesotans are passionate about the state's natural resources. This is a great way for us to spread the word about how interesting, important and exciting nature is."

The new Legacy Amendment exhibit in the DNR building will provide visitors with an actual red carpet treatment, and features a children's play area as well as information on the many ways Legacy funds conserve and improve public land. Informational displays show how Legacy Amendment dollars are spent, but visitors can choose a lighter activity, such as having their photo taken on the red carpet.

Other displays inside the DNR building include state parks and trails, wildlife, rocks and minerals, aquatic invasive species, state lands and forests.

Other features at the DNR building and exhibit include:

- Outdoor fish pond with about three dozen fish species.

- Photo opportunities from the giant hiking boot in the forestry exhibit.

- DNR fire tower; visitors can climb its 84 steps.

- Presentations, bird shows and musicians on the DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage and Garden Stage.

People can also buy hunting, fishing licenses and state park vehicle permits at the DNR building. Les Kouba Outdoors will be located in a building just east of the outdoor fish pond. A portion of their merchandise sales will be used to assist with DNR moose research.

For schedule of events, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/events/statefair/schedules.html.

The DNR's State Fair building and surrounding park area are located at the corner of Carnes Avenue and Nelson Street in Falcon Heights. It will be open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily during the fair.

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