AMES, Iowa -- Fairgoers will find Space Invaders at the ISU Extension booth in the Exhibits Hall under the Grand Stand (east end) during the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 11-21. Space Invaders include invasive species that threaten Iowa's biodiversity. Whether accidentally or intentionally introduced, the species have no natural enemies in Iowa to limit their reproduction, and spread rampantly, costing agriculture, forestry, fisheries and other human enterprises an estimated $137 billion annually.

Check out live examples of invasive species, including Eurasian watermilfoil and Zebra mussels that are threatening Iowa's waterways. Discover how other Space Invaders, such as Purple Loosetrife, Garlic Mustard and many others, are harming our state. Fairgoers can learn how to stop or reverse their spread. Display hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

Booth visitors can earn a chance to win an iPod mini by completing a technology survey (one iPod given away each day). The survey will focus on how people use technology to get news and for educational and entertainment purposes.

The exhibit also features the new Food Guide Pyramid. Computer stations will enable visitors to enter data and find out their personal dietary recommendations.

"Midday" and "Talk of Iowa" programs will be broadcast over WOI from the ISU Extension exhibit Monday through Friday during the fair.

ISU Extension will have several webcams at various locations at the state fair. To view the webcams or get more information about ISU Extension activities at the state fair, visit www.extension.iastate.edu.

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