by Al Donner, Sacramento FWO
It is a typical August afternoon in Sacramento, 100 degrees in the shade--and there is no shade where you are, on the tarmack midway at the California State Fair. You are just outside the entrance kiosk of "Discovery Island,"  chatting to passers-by and inviting them into the shaded, cooler areas of Discovery Island where exhibits and activities abound.

Discovery Island is Region 8's large exhibit area at the Fair. Located between the horse arena and the living farm plots, completing its fifth year as part of the Fair in 2008. By now Discovery Island has become a sought-after attraction for Fairgoers, and a part of summer for many Region 8 FWS personnel.

In 2008 nearly 100 FWS personnel from throughout California and even several from neighboring Nevada volunteered to work one or more shifts at the Fair, or to help set up and take down the exhibit. They worked over 150 shifts during the Fair's 18 days, and more than 53,000 fair-goers enjoyed Discovery Island.

Exhibits helped visitors learn about the Endanagered Species Act, better understand the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its imperiled fish species, found out that Klamath NWR was the nation's first waterfowl refuge (and celebrating its 100th anniversary).

Visitors found entertaining activities for the kids--as well as a shaded place for weary parents to rest as their kids learned about species while making salmon egg bracelets (but not real eggs).

Most all, though, it was a chance for average folks to meet and talk with those often unknown federal employees who are responsible for the nation's rare species. Casual conversation with real people helps the public better understand our work and to appreciate it more.

Discovery Island begins each spring with planning by Viola Taylor of the External Affiars team in the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office. Viola is the sparkplug who, day-in and day-out, keeps the Fair show going for FWS. And with the energy of nearly 100 FWS volunteers who make time for the Fair in their busy workload, Region 8 presented a highly informative, people friendly face to the world again in 2008.