Maryland designated milk as the official state drink in 1998. Most Maryland milk cows are Holsteins (easy to recognize with their large black and white spots). All State Drinks
In 1999, Maryland had about 85,000 milk cows throughout the state. A single cow can produce up to 8 gallons of milk, consume about 80 pounds of feed, and drink 30 to 40 gallons of water per day. Milked twice a day, Maryland cows produced 1.365 billion pounds of milk in 1999.
Maryland designated lacrosse as the official state team sport in 2004 (Maryland also recognizes a state sport and an official state exercise). All State Sports
Maryland designated walking as the official state exercise in 2008; the only state so far to adopt a state exercise (Maryland also recognizes a state sport and an official team sport). All State Sports
Astrodon johnstoni was designated the state dinosaur of Maryland in 1998. Maryland also designates an official state fossil (Miocene shell). All State Dinosaurs
The skipjack was designated the official state boat of Maryland in 1985; fleets of skipjacks used to dredge oysters from the floor of the Chesapeake Bay in winter. All State Boats
Maryland designated the blue crab as the official state crustacean in 1989. The Chesapeake Bay is famous for its blue crabs. All Aquatic-Life Symbols
The blue crab's scientific name (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) translates as "beautiful swimmer that is savory." The name also honors Mary Jane Rathbun, the scientist who described the species in 1896. The blue crab is native to the western edge of the Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to Argentina.
Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) was proposed as the official state reptile of Minnesota in 1998 and 1999. All State Reptiles
Minnesota designated the red pine (Pinus resinosa) as the official state tree in 1953. All State Trees
Commonly called Norway pine, legislation noted "the sturdiness and majesty of the tree, and how it helped lay the foundation for the wealth of Minnesota."
Minnesota designated Lester soil as the official state soil in 2012. These soils are very productive and of significant importance to the economy in Minnesota. All State Soils
Lester soils are in 17 different counties in south-central Minnesota and total over 600,000 acres. These soils formed under woody vegetation that has been removed in most areas for agricultural production. The principal crops are corn and soybeans.
Minnesota designated "Hail! Minnesota" as the official state song in 1945; written by University of Minnesota students Truman E. Rickard (music and first verse in 1904) and Arthur E. Upson (second verse in 1905). All State Songs