Stanislaus County Fair CEO Chris Borovansky knows a good thing when he sees one. During the 2010 Merced County Fair he viewed the Wetlands Exhibit and knew it was something Stanislaus County Fair visitors would want to see.

Borovansky invited the exhibit’s organizer, the Los Banos Wildlife Area Complex’s Education Center, to bring its educational display to the Turlock fairgrounds.

“We’ve started to raise awareness and to introduce people to wetlands and public use locations in the area,” said Los Banos Wildlife Education Coordinator Candace Sigmond.

At the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds the effort has doubled, size wise that is. The fair gave the Wetlands Exhibit nearly 5,500 square feet, nearly double the space it had at the Merced Fair.

More space means more ways to reach the public about the importance of wetlands and preservation. Los Banos Wildlife Complex brought in the Endangered Species program from California State University, Stanislaus, the Department of Fish and Game, the Great Valley Museum and State Parks. Additionally, exhibits such as taxidermy of area wildlife such as foxes, coyotes and bobcats were included.

“A lot of people don’t know about all the animals that live in the Valley and if you don’t know about them you don’t know what kind of habitat and conditions they need to survive,” said Sigmond.

Along with conservation displays, a historical outlook on hunting and fishing is featured, complete with automated galleries and activities for kids.

“It’s important to have the hunting heritage displays. It shows the progression of hunting from commercial hunting to modern regulated hunting,” said Sigmond.

The Wetlands Exhibit is open from 12 noon to 11 p.m. today and Sunday at the Stanislaus County Fair.

To contact Jonathan McCorkell, e-mail jmccorkell@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2015.