The Pascagoula River Nature Festival begins next week and organizers hope the event will increase tourism by highlighting the area’s natural beauty.

The festival was established seven years ago to build a regional market and help create an “eco-tourism” industry in south Mississippi.

The spring festival, coordinated by the Pascagoula River Audubon Center and the Institute for Compatible Development, is a series of nature events taking place throughout Jackson and George counties April 14 to 25.

Activities include presentations about river wildlife and habitats, boat tours of the river, trail walks and the Singing River Biathlon.

On the Web: www.pascagoularivernaturefestival.com