The third annual Gunpowder Polar Fair took place Saturday at the North Point State Park. Situated on the shores of the Chesapeake, the Park offers a perfect venue for events like the Polar Fair. People young and old came out to learn more about the environment and to meet some of the great people working to protect our planet. Thank you to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources(DNR) for hosting the party.
   From speaking with Sara Witcher I learned there was a record turnout to the fair this year which is all the more encouraging. It was great to see kids playing the many games Sara and her fellow DNR employees had set up including the "tent of secrets" that engaged kids to find clues on environmental protection. The "Scales and Tales" program had a cool display to teach the kids and parents about Maryland's ecosystems and there was even professional Kite flyers to keep the visitors entertained. Many local businesses and organizations where represented including the Baltimore Climate Action Network, the National Wildlife Federation, the Maryland Conservation Corps, Greenspring Energy, Terra Logos, and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to name a few.

    There are countless new initiatives being introduced but one that stood out to me was the "Bike 2 Work Day" sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. Commuters are encouraged to put down their car keys and grab their helmets on Friday, May 15th and bike to work. The event intends to educate people to the growing traffic around Baltimore and it's adverse effect on the air we breath. Not to mention our stress levels. You can find out more by visiting www.Bike2WorkCentralMD.com.  Thanks to all the people who worked hard to make the Polar Fair a success and I hope to see you all there next year.