Falconer headlining this year's Conservation Expo

A falconer, more trap shooting and archery, and animals from the Minnesota Zoo are some of the main attractions for the upcoming 4th annual Conservation Expo Aug. 15-16 in Wadena.

"The trap shooting and 3D archery are both days this year because everyone wanted it," said Molly Costin, one of the organizers of the event.

Costin said both events were popular as one-day offerings, so they'll be offered a second day.

The Minnesota Zoo will be back again with animals this year, and demonstrations will range from no-till farming to one called "what's in your woods?"

The big attraction this year might be Tom Smylie, a former regional director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Costin said. Smylie will bring a Harris hawk and a peregrine falcon for a falconry demonstration. Smylie has worked with the USFWS to repopulate the peregrine falcon. He'll put on a show with his birds and will even take volunteers from the audience to be part of the show, Costin said.

Gates open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 for the show, and will close that day at 7 p.m. The expo is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16.

Other presentations will include turkey hunting tips, wild game cooking, bird house building, emerald ash borer and buckthorn presentations, big buck tips from the Hillview Management Area, and more.

Costin said booth space is still available.