SPANISH FORT, Ala. — In its third year, the Delta Woods and Waters Expo promises more than a simple introduction to the natural amenities the Mobile-Tensaw Delta has to offer.

Organizers of Spanish Fort’s third annual signature event, slated for April 28-30 at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway, have gone out of their way to expand the 2011 offerings in a way that engage festival-goers on every level.

“This year we’ve added some nature-related craft demonstrations that we think will really give people that hands-on feel,” said expo spokeswoman Monica Davis.

Indeed, local ceramic potter John Rezner and pine needle basket crafter Liz Philbric will showcase their talents with free demonstrations in the environmental education center’s Cypress Gift Shop on Family Day April 30.

Rezner’s style dates to the early 19h century, and the Fairhope potter uses an ancient Asian pottery kiln that actually incorporates the flame from burning wood into the firing itself.

Meanwhile, Philbric will walk festival-goers through the pine needle basket making process from gathering the proper materials to putting on finishing touches.

In addition, naturalist photographer Fontaine Howard will be on hand to share her passion for wildlife photography and her passion for capturing images of the elusive Alabama Black Bear as well as red foxes, whitetail deer and other creatures indigenous to the Southeast.

The expo was created in 2009 to expose area youth to the virtues of environmental consciousness and importance of marine safety, while simultaneously addressing the city’s long-range goal of creating a communitywide event that defines and unites its residents.

And as response grows stronger, expo organizers will continue looking for opportunities to showcase not only the beauty of the delta and its surrounding habitats but the innate utility of those natural resources, said 5 Rivers Manager Hank Burch.

“Of course we want everybody to come out and enjoy themselves and have some real family fun, but equally important is our mission to educate anyone who wants to learn about the abundance of natural resources and inspiration we can find in our own backyards,” Burch said.

While the first two days of the annual event are reserved for area fourth-graders, Family Day traditionally offers an expanded slate of 25 activities and demonstrations, covering everything from small-boat handling and turkey calling to yarn spinning and marine safety. John C. Hall, founding curator of the University of West Alabama’s Black Belt Regional Museum, will reprise his role as storied naturalist William Bartram, who traveled through Alabama in 1775, recording firsthand data on the region’s undisturbed natural environment and native inhabitants.