"Love Your Mother" is the theme for the 10th anniversary of Tukwila's Backyard Wildlife Festival, held this year on May 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Although it falls on Mother's Day weekend, this "mother" refers to Mother Earth. It also has been scheduled to take place on International Migratory Bird Day.
This festival provides educational booths, exhibits and demonstrations regarding the care of the environment.

Tukwila, according to committee member Karla Slate, was the first in the state to become a "Wildlife Habitat Community" as determined by the National Wildlife Federation.

"Tukwila was also the fourth in the country to receive that honor," said Slate.

Slate says Tukwila is the perfect location for a festival such as this because of its many habitats.

"Many people know that the Green/Duwamish River runs through Tukwila, however, many people don't realize that part of the river in Tukwila is also home to dozens of species of wildlife."

Special to this year will be the dedication of Codiga Park at 9 a.m., located at 12535 50th Pl. S. along the Duwamish River.

Other activities include the festivities at Tukwila Community Center, located at 12424 - 42nd Ave. So. Arts and crafts for kids, lectures and demonstrations by Ed Hume and Linda Chalker-Scott, and a workshop on composting will be among the activities at the community center.

Another activity provided to attendees will be a self-guided tour of local gardens which have been certified as "Backyard Wildlife Habitats." There will be maps available to those who wish to take the tour themselves, but also a shuttle for those who are unfamiliar to the area, according to Slate.

All events of the day are free and there is something for everyone.

"Adults can enjoy the classes and education demonstrations offered throughout the day," said Slate. "Additionally, we provide live music at a central location and many of the booths are aimed at both adults and children."

Slate also says not to be discouraged if you are not an "active gardener or bird watcher" because the festival is meant to "educate newcomers and kids who may not already know what our environment has to offer or how to 'go green.'"

For a complete list of activities and their times, go to http://www.backyardwildlifefair.org.