Jackson, MS-The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) will hold "Conservation Celebration" November 3-4, 2012, in honor of its 80th Anniversary.  The weekend-long celebration will include a festival at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (MMNS) on Saturday, November 3, and free admission to MDWFP State Lakes, State Parks, and Wildlife Management Areas November 3-4.

The MDWFP is also offering free admission to the festival at the MMNS where activities such as archery, laser shooting, and face painting will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Participants will also be able to tour the MMNS' Robotic Dinosaur Exhibit free of charge.

"This has been an extremely special year for our agency as we have celebrated the conservation achievements that have made our state's wildlife populations and habitat what they are today," says Dr. Sam Polles, MDWFP Executive Director.  "We encourage every Mississippian to celebrate our natural heritage by getting outdoors."