PHOENIX - You and your family can enjoy seeing live wildlife, listening to local entertainers, participating in an Arizona Game and Fish Department fishing clinic, and learning more about the earth and our environment at the 3rd Annual Tres Rios Nature Festival.

This family friendly event is open free to the public and will be held on March 11 and 12 at Estrella Mountain Regional Park.

"This event is an opportunity for the whole family to learn about, enjoy and experience the West Valley's rich wildlife, outdoor heritage, and environmental projects," says Festival Co-Chair Jackie Meck.

The Tres Rios event celebrates the wildlife, habitat, heritage, and natural beauty of the Gila, Salt, and Agua Fria rivers.

This year's festival is being combined with Luke Air Force Base's annual Earth Day Event to bring the community an even bigger, better festival than was offered in past years.

It will include information about outdoor activities, wildlife watching, and environmental projects, such as recycling, pollution prevention, and innovative energy solutions.

Live wild animals, kids' activities, and wildlife lectures are also on the agenda. Buses will even take visitors to wildlife viewing areas.

Admission and parking are both free. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 12.

Estrella Mountain Regional Park is located at 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. in Goodyear, just five miles south of I-10 on Estrella Parkway. Vendors will be on hand to sell lunch and snacks.

For more information about this event, which is co-sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, call (623) 204-2130 or go to the festival's Web site at www.tresriosnaturefestival.com.

Tres Rios Nature Festival Offers Family Experience