The Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo continues to add new activities while sticking to a hands-on formula that has made it the largest free event of its kind in the nation. Last year approximately 42,000 people visited Expo at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department headquarters in Austin.

"Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo is like the world's fair for the great outdoors," said Ernie Gammage, Expo director. "It's a great chance to see and do it all in a safe setting with expert guidance. In everything, you'll find a message of stewardship, the idea that we all have a role to play in the conservation of the natural world."

Expo premiered in 1992 as an annual tribute to the great outdoors, featuring activities related to hunting, fishing and outdoors sports. The event is also a way to teach visitors about wildlife conservation while introducing them to activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, shooting, bird watching and learning about plants and animals native to Texas.

New for Expo XVII is "Be a Diver" program that gives children and adults the opportunity to don real SCUBA equipment and dive in a 4-foot-deep 18,000-gallon pool with a local professional dive instructor.

There are age and height requirements and other rules.

Featured guests Hector and Diane DeLaGarza, a husband-and-wife pro-angler team from Garland, will be on hand to teach fishing basics and talk about their lives as professional anglers.

The couple will head the Fishing FUN-damentals activity in which they will answer basic questions about fishing.

His shooting show is like an updated Buffalo Bill or Annie Oakley trick-shooting event set to visuals and music.

Another new activity this year is "Wildlife: CSI (Critter Scene Investigation)." Much like crimescene investigators piece together clues in their line of work, children will get to touch skins and skulls and look at animal tracks as a way to identify and learn about animals in the wild.

Irene Hamel, a TPWD wildlife interpretive specialist, said Wildlife: CSI is a great way to introduce children to the outdoors.

"Kids aren't spending as much time out-of-doors as they once did," she said. "At Wildlife: CSI, they can learn why a beaver's hide is adapted for living in water, and how different birds build their nests. Popular activities like climbing walls, kayaking area, mountain biking, archery and shooting sports will return this year, as will touch tanks and ice tables displaying marine animals from the Texas coast.

Austin Energy is sponsoring an expanded area in which they will teach visitors how to practice conservation at home.

Visitors who want to see live animals and learn about protecting wildlife will have two events they can attend. Chris Bellows from Sea World will bring his Amazing Animals show to the Expo at which visitors can see animals from all seven continents, and John Karger, a master falconer and raptor rehabilitator, will present a show with live eagles, hawks and other birds of prey during his Last Chance Forever Birds of Prey show.

In addition to free admission and activities all day Saturday and Sunday, water, air-conditioned shuttle bus service and parking all are free. Food may be brought in but coolers are discouraged because of the long walk to the grounds. Visitors are advised to bring cameras and sunscreen, and a little cash to buy food or outdoor gear and Expo merchandise.

Free parking near the grounds is limited, but free shuttle buses will run from Highland Mall.

For more information, including maps and directions, visit the TPWD Web site or call (800) 792- 1112.