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September 14, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Polk County Commerce Center / Pedigo Park
Participating Organizations:
Our exhibitor list is still growing – Check back for more updates before the event!
- Acorn Forestry
- AquaTech Unlimited
- Big Thicket Biosphere Reserve
- Dark Sky Texas
- Drone Bros.
- Friends of Lake Livingston
- Green Star Wetland Plant Farm
- Iron Oak Armory
- J.C. Allen
- Landsdowne Moody
- Lonestar Healthy Streams
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Rotary Club
- SHSU Texas Invasive Species Institute
- Texan EMS
- Texas A&M Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory
- Texas A&M Forest Service
- Texas Brigades
- Texas Children in Nature
- Texas Conservation Alliance
- Texas Forestry Association
- Texas Grazing Lands Coalition
- Texas Land Conservancy
- Texas Master Naturalist Program
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
- Texas Partnership for Forest and Water Conservation
- Texas Water Development Board
- Texas Wildlife Association
- Watson Preserve
- Wildlife Habitat Federation
- Wood Turned Creations
- Xerces Society
Free Workshop Schedule
These exciting and informative workshops will be held in the Polk County Commerce Center building. Free to Expo attendees! Seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Learn more about our speakers here.
| Room A | Topic | Presenter |
| 10:00am | Fish management strategies for pond owners | Todd Sink, TAMU Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory |
| 11:00am | Water quality for fisheries management – Pond stocking | Todd Sink, TAMU Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory |
| 12:00pm | LEAP Program – Nature Backpacks | Sarah Coles, Texas Children in Nature |
| 1:00pm | Small Acreage Management / Wildlife Tax Valuation | Jared Schlottman, Texas Wildlife Association |
| 2:00pm | Texas Youth Hunting Program – Youth Hunter Safety | Briana Nicklow, Texas Wildlife Association |
| 3:00pm | Conserving Texas Habitats: Grassland Restoration in Urban and Rural Landscapes | Schyler Rhea, Wildlife Habitat Federation |
| 4:00pm | Integrated Pest Management | Elizabeth “Wizzie” Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife |
| 5:00pm | Hybrid Bass Stocking Program – Lake Livingston | Michael Bischoff, Happy Hookers & TPWD |
| Room B | Topic | Presenter |
| 10:00am | Aquatic Vegetation Identification/Management | Brittany Chesser, TAMU Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory |
| 11:00am | Audubon Conservation Ranching | Anita Gilson, Audubon Private Lands |
| 12:00pm | Invasive insects and plants/management | Ashley Morgan-Olvera, Texas Invasive Species Institute |
| 1:00pm | From Dairy to Prairie | Julie Mattox – Lone Star Land Steward |
| 2:00pm | Two-Part Presentation: Sustainable Silvicultural Practices, and Prescribed Fire and Wildfire Response | Caleb Bryant (Sustainable Silvicultural Practices) and Jacob Reeves (Prescribed Fire and Wildfire Response), TAM Forest Service |
| 3:00pm | Water quality BMPs, forest watershed function | Julia Schmidt, TAM Forest Service Water Resources |
| 4:00pm | Landowner Timber Management | Bob David, Forester |
| 5:00pm | TBD | TBD |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the East Texas Conservation Expo?
This expo is an opportunity for the East Texas community to learn more about new and traditional agricultural, timber and water resource products and services. Through workshops, displays and demonstrations, agricultural, timber and outdoor recreation producers and suppliers, along with environmental organizations, will showcase technology, conservation sustainable practices, and innovative ideas in support of conserving our great state’s resources.
Who should attend this event?
Anyone interested in land management, agriculture, timber, outdoor recreation, water resources, or environmental conservation will enjoy this event. Families are welcome!
Is there a charge for admission?
There is no charge for general admission. For those attending the hunter education course, there is a $15 fee.
How do I sign up for the Hunter Education course?
Please visit this page on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website to register: https://tpwd.elementlms.com/course/hunter-education-classroom-course-10026/
Can I reserve seats at the free workshops?
No, the free workshops will have first come, first serve seating.
What should I bring to the event?
Water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Where should I park?
Free parking for the Expo will be available at both the Polk County Commerce Center and the Pedigo Park Pavilions. Please note, the Chamber of Commerce parking lot will be reserved for those attending the Hunter Education Course.
Will food and beverages be available?
Yes! We’ll have several food trucks on site.
Can children attend?
Absolutely! Several booths will feature fun, interactive displays for children.
Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, no. While we love our four legged friends, we have a couple of organizations bringing rescued wildlife to our booths, and pets might stress them out.
Do I need to be present for the raffle drawing?
No, raffle winners will be contacted after the event.
More details coming soon!
Questions in the meantime? Feel free to drop us a line at etconservationexpo@gmail.com.
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