The State Fair will host Department of Environmental Conservation exhibits for visitors August 26 through September 7 in Syracuse, including free tree seedlings, sporting license sales and outdoor recreation displays.
DEC's Aquarium building will sell hunting, fishing and trapping licenses along with a $5 Trail Supporter patch. Patch proceeds go to the Conservation Fund's outdoor recreation, trail maintenance and development account.
The Aquarium will feature trout from DEC's Randolph Fish Hatchery, lake sturgeon from its Oneida Fish Hatchery and warmwater species collected from Oneida Lake. Hunter Safety staff will share course information, while Environmental Conservation Police officers will discuss waterfowl hunting and non-toxic shotgun ammunition.
Free seedlings from DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery will be distributed each day while supplies last. A tree-planting display will explain proper planting techniques, and residents can record new trees in the state's Tree Tracker, which supports a goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033.
The Conservationist magazine booth will offer $2 off a one-year subscription and two bonus gifts while supplies last. Visitors can also enter a free drawing for a kayak, subject to eligibility rules.
An information booth outside the Aquarium will provide material on recycling, composting, climate change, air quality and wetlands. DEC's Office of Indian Nation Affairs will be available September 4 for Native Americans Day.
Forest Rangers will staff a booth near the New York State Police exhibit with hiking preparedness information and equipment used for wildland firefighting and search-and-rescue operations.
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