February 20, 2013 - SFA Public Affairs

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Join Nacogdoches Naturally Family Outdoor Adventures on Saturday, March 2, for a guided hike on the trails of Nacogdoches.

The group will meet at 9 a.m. at the Stephen F. Austin State University Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., and begin the hike on the Tucker Woods trails. The walk will continue along LaNana Creek through the lower trails of the SFA Arboretum, across the bridge and into the Ruby Mize Azalea Garden. The group will then cross the street to wander the new Gayla Mize Garden.

There will then be an opportunity for rest and snacks before participants head back to the PNPC to arrive by noon. This easy, low-stress walk will be taken at a leisurely pace. Round-trip distance is about three miles.

"This will be a great way for families to enjoy the natural beauty of East Texas in early spring," said Kerry Lemon, Nacogdoches Naturally project director. "There will be opportunities for bird watching, plant identification and observing the wonders of nature as we stroll along the trails."

Nacogdoches Naturally will provide snacks for the event. Backpacks, binoculars, magnifiers and field guides will be available for check-out.

Nacogdoches Naturally Family Outdoor Adventures is a project sponsored by SFA Gardens and funded through a More Kids in the Woods grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-U.S. Forest Service. Activities are designed to cultivate outdoor skills and an awareness of forest ecology with the goal of families developing a lifetime appreciation for the natural world. Programs are family friendly and appropriate for all ages.

Cost for the event is $10 per family. Please register for the event by Thursday, Feb. 28, by contacting Lemon at (936) 468-5586 or lemonkb@sfasu.edu.