UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- If You're Concerned About Pennsylvania's Air, Water And Soils, You'll Find Something Of Interest At The Natural Resources Conservation Partnership Area At Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 16-18.

Through exhibits, demonstrations and tours, visitors can learn how federal, state and local agencies and private organizations work together to ensure the future of the state's natural resources. Exhibits and activities will focus on such topics as farm programs, conservation, soils, sustainable agriculture, composting, forestry and protecting the Chesapeake Bay.

On Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m., Kathleen McGinty, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, will be on hand at the Solar Park in the Natural Resources Conservation Partnership Area, where she'll talk about sustainable and alternative energy programs for Pennsylvania. The Solar Park will feature a fountain, pump and fan, all powered by solar energy.

A variety of free tours will depart from the Natural Resources Conservation Partnership Area all three days:

--Forest Stewardship. This walking tour will cover woodlot issues and how to effectively manage the trees on your land. Buses to the demonstration woodlot will leave daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.

--Grazing and Forage Management. Learn about grazing animal behavior, carbon accounting in grassland agriculture and NRCS grazing programs. Buses leave daily at 1:30 and 3 p.m.

--Ground Water Contamination Prevention. The Pennsylvania Ground Water Association will demonstrate how a properly constructed water well protects the quality of the water against surface and subsurface contamination. Buses leave daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

--Stream Corridor Management and Riparian Buffers. What is a riparian buffer and why is it important to Pennsylvania streams? Find out about the benefits of forested and grassy riparian buffers and how to install and maintain them. Buses leave daily at 11 a.m., with additional tours on Aug. 17 and 18 at 3 p.m.

--Soil Quality & Agronomic Management. Find out how the use of intensive agronomic practices can conserve soil and nutrients, improve water quality and enhance farm profitability. Also learn how the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement, the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy goals, and the Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance promote crop residue management and soil quality. Daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Penn State's Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 16; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 17; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 18. Admission and parking are free.

For information on Ag Progress Days, visit the Web at http://apd.cas.psu.edu.

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EDITORS: For more information on the Natural Resources Conservation Partnership Area at Ag Progress Days, contact Molly McDonough at (717) 237-2208.

Writer-Editor: Chuck GillOffice 814-863-2713 FAX 814-863-9877