Tukwila, the first city in the state to be certified as an official Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, will host the eighth annual Backyard Wildlife Festival on May 10.

The festival will feature a day full of outdoor events and exhibits designed to stimulate the minds and senses of both adults and children.

This year, Tukwila's festival will feature keynote speaker David Mizejewski. He is currently host and co-producer of Backyard Habitat on Animal Planet, a television series airing since 2005 that shows people how to transform their yards and gardens into thriving habitats for birds and other local wildlife. (http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/backyard/meet/meet.html)

The event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave S,

The goal is to demonstrate ways that individuals and families can welcome wildlife into their backyards. There is no cost to attend.

The festival is part of the Tukwila Centennial program. Details are available at www.tukwila100.com.

"The festival is always filled with so many amazing things to see and do," said Mayor Jim Haggerton. "This is an event where kids, parents, grandparents and couples can all find something unique and engaging to walk away with."

Part of this year's theme is to highlight all things "green" and will feature educational booths at which families can learn about watersheds, noxious weeds, composting and recycling. Native-plant vendors will explain the ecological benefits of cultivating regional and local plants in your garden. There will also be a local recycled art showcase and contest.

One of the festival's major draws each year is the garden tour. Each private garden on tour is certified as a backyard wildlife habitat, which means there will be no shortage of wildlife and rich natural ecosystems.

The garden tours run from 1 to 5 p.m.

The "Procession of Species" parade features kids marching in costumes that replicate their favorite species of wildlife.

Kids can either make a costume at a mask-making workshop from 9 to 11:45 a.m. or bring a costume they prepared at home.

The parade begins at noon as participants march along the shores of the Duwamish River.

The festival also will include a marketplace where a variety of local arts and crafts will be showcased in addition to a wide range of food vendors and educational booths.