Bayous, bays and beaches. When it comes to environmental diversity, the Gulf Coast has it all. One of our local and most well-known natural beauties is the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
This vast body of water where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley rivers flow into Mobile Bay has been named “America’s Amazon,” and it’s no wonder why. Spanning over 250,000 acres, it is home to some of the most diverse wildlife and vegetation in North America, including 500 plants, 300 birds, 126 fishes, 46 mammals, 69 reptiles and 30 amphibians.
The Delta has played a key role in the history of Alabama, providing the path of exploration and the eventual settlement of the state, and its impact has not been lost with time. Today, it serves as a wealth of information for wildlife observers and those studying the wetlands. It is also a prime location for boating, fishing and hunting. Gifted with such a resource, it is our responsibility to learn its history and preserve its legacy.
The Delta Woods & Water Expo aims to do exactly that. Sponsored by the City of Spanish Fort and held at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, this free three-day event will take place April 28 – 30. It will showcase the incredible natural resources the Mobile-Tensaw Delta offers and educate all who attend on the value of this unique and exceptional environment.
“Delta Woods & Waters Expo is a great opportunity for families to get outside and learn about the awesome wildlife and ecosystems in our area, to get hands-on with the Delta, and maybe even find ways as a family that we can be better caretakers of our beautiful community,” said Heather Allen, the donor coordinator for the Delta Woods & Water Expo.
The first two days of the expo are reserved exclusively for fourth graders from local schools to go on scheduled field trips. More than 700 students will be able to learn about the value of the Delta and the ways it impacts our area.
Students will be taught the history of the Delta and the various ways it has contributed to the history of Alabama with living history presentations. Through touch tanks, they will learn about the native plants and animals that live there. Boat handling demonstrations and safety procedures will show them how to camp responsibly and practice boating safety on the waters of the Delta, allowing them to see why it is so important that this ecosystem be protected.
April 30 is Family Day and will take place from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. It is open to the public and the event includes free parking and free admission with a shuttle service running throughout the day. Live demonstrations and interactive displays put on by experienced outdoorsmen, professionals, educators and enthusiasts alike will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about Alabama’s history and the significance of the Delta.
To make this a perfect weekend adventure for the entire family, there are a few things you should know:
- A majority of the expo’s activities are outdoors, so bring some sunscreen and bug repellant! A few presentations and the arts and crafts activities will take place indoors.
- There will be a variety of food trucks at the expo. The confirmed food trucks that will be available include Bondi Bowls, Good Guys Food Truck, Greek Gals Yummies, Lil J’s Southern Cooking and Catering and Waffle Bar and Bakery.
- Boat tours are available for $10 on April 30. With only two tour times during the day, boats are expected to fill up quickly. Tickets may be purchased in advance on the Blakely State Park website.
The Delta Woods & Water Expo will take place April 28-30, 2022. For more information, visit deltawoodsandwatersexpo.com.