Coastal Expos Coming Soon

Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.texas.gov

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AUSTIN, Texas — “Protect Rivers to Conserve Bays” is the theme for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s upcoming Coastal Expo events.

“Rivers are the lifeblood of Texas bays. They protect and nourish the plants and animals that create ecologically healthy and economically beneficial estuaries,” says Larry McKinney, Ph.D. and Coastal Fisheries Division Director at TPWD.

At Coastal Expos, visitors interact with crabs, fish, and other coastal animals while learning about freshwater inflows, coastal conservation issues and beach habitats. The expos will be held in Marble Falls and Edinburg. Admission is free.

Activities include touch tanks with a wide variety of live coastal animals such as sea urchins, sea squirts, crabs. At the glass-bottom stream, visitors will learn about animals’ natural habitats and how bugs can indicate pollution levels in water.

Participants will also have an opportunity to solve a mysterious fish kill, paint images of coastal fish, identify beach objects by touch, and learn about fishing, boating safety, and other coastal issues through a variety of fun and educational devices.

TPWD is partnering with Lower Colorado River Authority for the Marble Falls event.

The World Birding Center-Edinburg and the City of Edinburg are partnering to bring Coastal Expo to Edinburg. TPWD Department divisions that contribute their time and staff include: Coastal Fisheries, State Parks, Communications, Wildlife, Inland Fisheries, and Law Enforcement.

Local volunteers are needed and will be given a short training class the day of each event. No previous experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt.

Coastal Expo details are as follows:

  • Marble Falls — March 11-12 at Johnson Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Those interested in volunteering should contact Frank Falkstein at (512) 397- 6718 or frank.falkstein@lcra.org.
  • Edinburg — March 16-17 at Edinburg Municipal Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a Friday evening event from 6-10 p.m. Those interested in volunteering should contact Kris Shipman at (956) 381-9922 or moliva@edinburgwbc.com.