By JACQI LEVYA-HILL
Special to the PARADE
The Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo (WOWE) is back and is celebrating a big milestone. Save the dates Feb. 5-7, 2026, and plan to visit the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary for its 30th year, bringing together nature lovers, conservationists and curious families for three days of discovery along the Lower Laguna Madre.
Known affectionately as WOWE, the annual expo shines a spotlight on the rich biodiversity of South Texas through engaging presentations, interactive exhibits and up-close wildlife experiences. This year’s lineup features expert-led talks on pollinators, native plants, birds of prey and other coastal wildlife that make the Rio Grande Valley one of the most ecologically unique regions in the country.
But the excitement begins even before the main event. From Feb. 2–4, pre-expo field trips will take participants into the field at Bahia Grande and other nearby wildlife refuges. These guided outings are designed to immerse attendees in the habitats they’ll be learning about during the expo, offering chances to spot migratory birds, observe native plants and gain a deeper appreciation for local conservation efforts.
A longtime crowd favorite, Jonathan Wood returns with his nationally acclaimed The Raptor Project, an educational show that highlights birds of prey and the importance of protecting them in the wild. New to WOWE this year is a special appearance by Gator Country, the expo’s sister alligator sanctuary, which will present two live reptile ambassador shows on the final day. It marks the first time in WOWE history that the organization has brought its large-scale reptile program to South Padre Island.
This year’s 30th anniversary celebration also features special keynote presentations from Jeff Grayum of The Peregrine Fund. Grayum began his work with the organization on the Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk Program before transitioning to the California Condor Program. He now serves as a conservation field biologist, contributing to both the Aplomado Falcon Recovery Program and condor conservation efforts. His work plays a key role in restoring the endangered Aplomado Falcon population in South Texas. Grayum will speak Feb. 6 from 11–11:45 a.m. and again from 2–2:45 p.m., offering attendees a closer look at the science and dedication behind modern raptor recovery.
For many residents, the expo is more than an event it’s a tradition. “WOWE is one of those weekends that reminds you why we’re so lucky to live here,” said Elena Ramirez, a Laguna Vista gardener and avid birdwatcher. “You can spend the morning learning about native plants, the afternoon watching a raptor fly overhead, and leave feeling inspired to protect the wildlife right in your own backyard.”
As WOWE marks three decades, organizers say the goal remains the same: to connect people with nature and inspire stewardship of the coastal environments that define the region.
To learn more about pre-expo field trips, presentation schedules and updates, visit spibirding.org/wowe.
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