Fire and forests might sound like a dangerous combination, but in East Texas, the two have evolved together. Fire has long played a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems in our Pineywoods and Post Oak Savanna regions, where regular low-intensity burns once shaped open woodlands, fueled wildflower displays, and supported native wildlife. Now, after a weather delay, area residents have the perfect opportunity to reconnect with this essential force of nature at the newly rescheduled East Texas Fire and Nature Festival on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tyler Nature Center, located at 11942 FM 848.

Hosted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and a coalition of state, federal, tribal, and conservation partners, the free, family-friendly event is packed with hands-on activities, expert-led talks, and fire-related demonstrations. Weather permitting, the day will include a live prescribed burn to demonstrate how carefully controlled fire helps reduce wildfire risk while rejuvenating native grasses and wildflowers.

Throughout the day, there will be guided nature walks starting each hour, covering birding, tree ID, and the benefits of prescribed burns. Special indoor presentations will delve into fire prevention, small land restoration, and pollinator conservation. A wide array of interactive stations and activities will keep all ages engaged. Visitors can explore fire engines, test their skills with the engine hose challenge, make wildlife tracks, dress like a firefighter, or try their hand at archery and fly fishing.

Gardeners and landowners will especially enjoy visiting with the Smith County Master Gardeners, who will be on hand to share practical information about Firewise landscaping. This thoughtful approach to planting and maintenance helps defend homes and property against wildfire by reducing fuel sources and encouraging fire-resistant plantings. For example, spacing plants appropriately, using stone mulch near structures, pruning dead limbs, and choosing native species with high moisture and low resin content can all make a big difference. Plants like beautyberry, liatris, bluebonnet, Turk’s cap, phlox, and asters are both fire-smart and pollinator-friendly choices for our region.

The festival is the first of its kind in East Texas and represents a growing awareness of the benefits of reintroducing fire into our land management toolbox. With partners including the Texas A&M Forest Service, USDA Forest Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas Longleaf Team, Great Plains Fire Science Exchange, Tall Timbers, and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the day promises a collaborative, educational, and inspiring look at how fire and nature work hand in hand.

Whether you’re a gardener, hunter, hiker, landowner, or nature lover, the East Texas Fire and Nature Festival offers a rare chance to learn, explore, and enjoy the outdoors with the whole family. For more information, contact Danielle Okay at (903) 216-4402 or danielle.okay@tpwd.texas.gov.

Mark your calendars, pack a water bottle, and head out to the Tyler Nature Center Saturday June 7 for a day full of fire, fun, and forest-friendly facts.

Greg Grant, Ph.D., is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, read his “In Greg’s Garden” in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens” or “Rebel Eloy Emanis Wildlife Sanctuary.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.

Image caption: Fire was a natural part of the East Texas landscape for thousands of years.