Note to Editors: Digital images of the USGS Holiday Train Show can be downloaded at http://www.usgs.gov/trains/media-images.html

The U.S. Geological Survey's 12th Annual Holiday Train Show is a treat you won't want to miss! Once again the public is invited to join the fun of watching model trains zip past miniature towns, tiny farms and even an active volcano. Come to the USGS in Reston, Va. to see this one-of-a-kind event that will become a holiday favorite.

When:
· December 18-21, Monday - Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
· December 19, Tuesday, is "Community Night." Trains will run until 9:00 p.m
· Friday, December 22, 9:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Where:
· U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Va.
· Parking and admission are free.
· For more information call (703) 648-5000 or visit the USGS web at http://www.usgs.gov/trains/

Activities:
· See Lionel, American Flyer, G and HO scale trains
· Shop for unique holiday gifts at the USGS Earth Science Information Center
· Visit the Nation's largest earth science library
· Learn about USGS science at the special hands-on computer exhibits during Community Night, Dec. 19.

Looking for an unusual gift? Print your own customized map with the new automated map-on-demand kiosk at the USGS Earth Science Information Center in Reston, VA. The ESIC is open each weekday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and on December 19, 2000, until 8:30 p.m. Here's where you'll find free general interest publications and teaching materials; and where you can purchase topographic maps, satellite image maps or a geologic map of your neighborhood. Call 1-888-ASK-USGS for product information, or visit http://ask.usgs.gov/ .

As the nation's largest water, earth and biological science, and civilian mapping agency, the USGS works in cooperation with more than 2,000 organizations across the country to provide reliable, impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers. This information is gathered in every state by USGS scientists to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters, contribute to the sound conservation and the economic and physical development of the nation's natural resources, and enhance the quality of life by monitoring water, biological, energy, and mineral resources.

In-depth information about USGS programs may be found on the USGS home page at http://www.usgs.gov. To receive the latest USGS news releases automatically by e-mail, send a request to listproc@listserver.usgs.gov. Specify the listserver(s) of interest from the following names: water-pr; geologic- hazards-pr; biological-pr; mapping-pr; products-pr; lecture-pr. In the body of the message write: subscribe (name of listserver) (your name). Example: water-pr joe smith.