More than 2,500 fair-goers recently visited the Delaware Conservation Partnership display at the 2009 Delaware State Fair.  The Partnership, consisting of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts, and DNREC, Division of Soil & Water Conservation, hosted a display highlighting the secrets of soils in our everyday lives.  The Sussex Conservation Districts’ colorful worm costume, based on NRCS’ official S.K. Worm character, was on display and enticed fair attendees to check out the display. 

Visitors to the display were able to make and take home a mini soil profile of Greenwich loam, Delaware’s state soil.  The 41 partnership employees and Earth Team Volunteers staffing the display reminded fair-goers that the soil supports all life and serves as the foundation upon which we build.  Everyone was aware that the plants that produce our food and fiber grow in soils, but many were surprised to learn that soils are used to make everyday products such as makeup, bricks, medicines and more. 

In keeping with the theme of the building, “Color Your Footprint Green,” the Partnership’s display conservation tip encouraged visitors to “Go Green – Conserve Soil!”  Soils were chosen as the topic of this year’s display to remind everyone of the importance of soil and soil conservation since it can take up to 500 years to form one inch of soil.