A relentless drought and unprecedented wildfire season devastated much of the state during the past year.

Once vast and beautiful, many Texas landscapes are nearly barren. And though we’ve seen recent rains, forecasters say it could be another year before there is significant relief.

But there is help.

Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo & Spring Fling is designed to help families learn a little about the land on which they live — and how to best take care of it — through hands-on clinics, live demonstrations and children’s activities.

Though Expo & Spring Fling is an annual event, this year organizers have placed a special emphasis on helping residents recover from drought and wildfires.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. It doesn’t matter if you’re an urban homeowner or a rural landowner. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got just one tree in your yard or thousands of them. Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo & Spring Fling has got you covered.

We’ve got free, hands-on clinics and live demonstrations that will teach you how to nourish your plants and trees, attract wildlife to your property, collect and use rainwater and protect your home from wildfires.

And don’t forget to take your little ones to the Family Adventure Zone, where they can climb a rock wall, take a peek at a live screech owl and learn how to kayak.

At Expo & Spring Fling, you’ll play for a day but learn for a lifetime.

Win a free iPad2!

You came. You saw. you conquered. Now tell us what you thought and you could win!

Tell us about your experiences at the 2012 Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo & Spring Fling on Sat. March 24, and we'll enter you in a drawing for a shiny, new iPad2.

You can take the survey anytime between March 24 and 31. So come back here after your day of fun at Expo & Spring Fling and tell us what you thought!

Free Clinics & Live Demonstrations

Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo & Spring Fling is offering five hands-on, outdoor clinics.

Plants & Water
Picture a yard without plants. With Texas still reeling from one of the worst droughts in recorded state history, it's probably not too hard to imagine. But drought isn't always a death sentence. Plants can survive tough times if you’ve selected the right plant and given it the right care.

Talk to Texas Master Gardeners, horticulturists and other experts about your plant problems. Learn about alternatives such as rainwater harvesting, xeroscaping and other irrigation solutions.

Trees
Learn how to go green when everything around you is turning brown. Coming off the state’s driest year on record with little relief in sight, it’s important for home and land owners to give their trees a fighting chance. Proper selection and planting methods, as well as appropriate care and maintenance, are key to survival.

Wildfire
Is your family prepared for a wildfire? The devastating 2011 fire season proved that no part of Texas is immune to the dangers of deadly wildfires. Make sure your home, family and community are prepared and protected. 

Visit with community wildfire planning specialists who can help you devise a strategy that will help keep you and your family safe, should a wildfire breakout in your community.

Wildlife
It doesn’t matter if you simply want to enjoy birds, bees and butterflies in your backyard or if you’re looking to increase native game and wildlife on your property. This clinic covers it all with experts on hand to answer all your questions.

Get your photo taken with Smokey Bear!

10 to 11 a.m.  12 to 1 p.m.  2 to 3 p.m.