Coastal Expos are free and open to the general public, although if they’re part of a larger event that event may charge admission.

The Killeen expo will take place at the Special Events Center on Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Another expo will take place on Nov. 16–18 in conjunction with the South Texas Wildlife & Birding Festival in Kingsville at the First United Methodist Church Community Life Center.

Coastal Expos are fun, family-oriented events where visitors interact with live crabs, fish, and other coastal animals while learning about freshwater inflows, coastal conservation issues and beach habitats.

Activities include touch tanks with a wide variety of live coastal animals such as sea urchins, sea squirts, crabs, and other sea life. 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.

Other Coastal Expos for next year include:

For more information or to volunteer for any of these events contact Kris Shipman at (512) 912-7037 or Kris.Shipman@tpwd.state.tx.us. No previous experience is necessary. Volunteers can be taught everything needed at the event.