The South Alabama Land Trust will bring its annual Gulf Coast Nature Expo to a new location this fall, offering a free day of conservation, education and outdoor fun for the community.

The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope. The family-friendly gathering will feature live raptor demonstrations, marine life touch tanks, interactive exhibits and hands-on art activities according to a news release. Local nonprofits and government agencies dedicated to protecting coastal Alabama’s natural resources will host exhibits and booths to share their work and invite the public to get involved.

“We’re honored to host this year’s Nature Expo at Weeks Bay Plantation,” said Heather Stringfellow, who owns the property with her husband, Tynes. “We believe in SALT’s mission to connect people to nature and protect the beautiful landscapes that make this region so special. Opening our land to the community for a day of learning, fun and exploration is something we’re proud to be a part of.”

Weeks Bay Plantation, once a private blueberry farm and now a public venue, offers a scenic backdrop surrounded by farmland and forest. The site provides a fresh setting for the Expo, which in previous years was held at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.

Along with educational programming, food trucks will be available throughout the day. Admission is free, though guests are encouraged to reserve a spot at https://southalabamalandtrust.org/bird-expo/ to help organizers prepare.

The Expo coincides with SALT’s 35th anniversary. The group was founded in 1990 and has since worked to conserve coastal lands across south Alabama. Its Land Guardian program invites residents to support ongoing efforts to protect the region’s natural resources for future generations.

For more information on the Gulf Coast Nature Expo, membership opportunities or SALT’s conservation projects, visit www.southalabamalandtrust.org.