"Love Your Mother" was the theme for the 10th anniversary of Tukwila's Backyard Wildlife Festival, held this year on May 8.
Although it fell on Mother's Day weekend, this "mother" referred to Mother Earth. It also was scheduled to take place on International Migratory Bird Day.

The festival provided 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 said 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 was the dedication of Codiga Park at 12535 50th Pl. S. along the Duwamish River.
Other activities included festivities at Tukwila Community Center. These included arts and crafts for kids, lectures and demonstrations by Ed Hume and Linda Chalker-Scott, and a workshop on composting.

Attendees also went on self-guided tours of local gardens that have been certified as "Backyard Wildlife Habitats."