Making a World of Difference

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The Rainforest

Welcome to the Rainforest, home to two-thirds of all living animal and plant species on Earth. Did you know that rainforests help to clean the world’s air and water and that various jungle plants give us medicines that we need when we are sick? Rainforests are very important to us and are shrinking every day due to agricultural clearance and heavy logging. In fact, approximately 90% of West Africa’s rainforest has been destroyed. In this year’s Going Green attraction we take you even deeper into the rainforests of the world. Rainforests are found on either side of the equator, like a belt around your waist, and the weather near the equator is perfect for lush forests to grow. This year in Going Green you will learn all about the multiple layers of these tropical woods and the different flora and fauna that have adapted for life in these particular areas. There is more diversity of wildlife in the world’s forests than anywhere else on earth. You will be able to meet some of these creatures in this year’s Going Green attraction in its new home.

EMERGENT LAYER
The Emergent Layer is the highest level of the rainforest. Giant trees reach to the sky, and it is not uncommon for the hardwood evergreens and broad-leaf rainforest trees to reach an amazing 180’ to 200’ in height. This is important because they need to be able to withstand the strong winds and hot temperatures in their surrounding environment. The Emergent Layer is also the world’s finest Natural Aviary as rainforests are home to nearly 1/3 of our planet’s thousands of bird species, including hummingbirds and eagles. Many other animal species of bats, butterflies, and monkeys also seek food, nesting, and shelter here as they look for a safe-haven away from the predators of the forest. The animals from this layer make their homes in the very top of the forest, and here at the Fair you will be able to see some real animals from the Emergent Layer staring Melvin the Monkey and his Colony of Monkeys and hundreds of butterflies in Becky’s Butterfly Habitat.

CANOPY LAYER
The Canopy Layer is found directly beneath the Emergent Layer and is the primary life sustaining layer with an abundance of food. This layer forms a natural roof over the remaining two layers beneath and consists of a thick layering branch system of limbs and vines that create natural vistas and forms a natural umbrella. This cover absorbs ultra-violet rays from the sun and protects the plant and animal species from the UV rays. The Canopy Layer is also home to many species, including Birds, Butterflies, Monkeys, Parrots, and the slow moving Sloth. Sam the Sloth will again be visiting Going Green along with his friends Trudy and the rest of the Toucans.

THE UNDERSTORY LAYER

Leafy bushes and the tops of small trees make up this layer, called the “understory.” It is dark and hot here, like on the forest floor. Tiny frogs hide in the leaves. The Understory Layer is home to a variety of Birds, Lizards, and Snakes, as well as predators including Jaguars, Leopards, and Boa Constrictors. Insect life is also abundant at this level. Only approximately 5 percent of the sunlight shining on the rainforest reaches the Understory Layer because the leaves are much larger at this plane.

THE FOREST FLOOR

The rainforest starts at the leafy Forest Floor. This layer receives 2 percent of sunlight, so only plants adapted to a lower dosage of light can cultivate in this region. Because of this, the Forest Floor is relatively clear of vegetation. It also contains decomposing animal and plant matter, which quickly disappears due to the warm, muggy conditions that encourage rapid decay. In addition, many forms of fungi grow here and assist in the decaying of the plant and animal waste.

Going Green Stage Presented by Burrtec
Rainforest Alive is a new show that tells the story of the forest layers. Each animal has its own special place in the rainforest. They may visit with their neighbors, or eat out now and then, but they always return home. From the tips of the trees to the forest floor, each layer of the forest has a name. Meet the monkeys, toucans, iguanas, snakes, and more as you learn about these great creatures and where they live.

Show Times:
Saturday - Monday, Sept 5 – 7 only:

11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 9:30 pm
Wednesdays – Fridays:

9:30 am (FairKids only), 11:30 am (FairKids only), 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm.
Saturdays – Sundays:

11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm

Rainforest Crafts - Make all kinds of fun crafts and learn about the different creatures and tropical plants that live in the Emergent Layer of the rainforest. Learn about where rubber comes from, fascinating forest facts, who the forest acrobats are, and more while you make crafts at the Going Green Stage. Did you know that there is a plant with its own water tank? Many creatures actually live in these water tanks and you can find out about these plants at our Rainforest Craft area.

Craft Times:
Saturday - Monday, Sept 5 – 7 only; 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm
Wednesdays – Fridays; 10:30 am (FairKids only), 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm.
Saturdays – Sundays; 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm

Shop Til You Drop!
Go Green, Shop Green! Going Green – Making a World of Difference will showcase the latest and greatest in the “green” shopping world. Stop by and check out the many earth-friendly products from bamboo clothing to recycled jewelry, energy efficient hot tubs, windows and doors, all natural health and beauty products, whole house solar systems, plus much more! Every step you take to reduce, reuse, or recycle leaves a green footprint on the earth.