Stephen F. Austin State University

The Stephen F. Austin State University Mast Arboretum will offer a class titled "Landscaping is for the Birds" from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, Sept. 16. The class will be held in Room 118 of the Agriculture Building on Wilson Drive.

Greg Grant, research associate with the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, will share his life-long love of admiring and attracting birds through the use of native plants and proper landscaping.

"As usual, Greg Grant will both entertain and educate while informing people how to attract fine feathered friends to their home landscapes," said Elyce Rodewald, Mast Arboretum educational programmer.

Grant has declared his farm in Shelby County a "bird sanctuary" and has erected more than 100 bluebird houses for what he refers to as "his children."

"I love all birds, but my two favorites are woodpeckers and bluebirds," Grant said. "Woodpeckers and bluebirds both benefit from dead trees, pesticide-free insects and plants that bear small fruits."

Cost for the seminar is $20 for Arboretum and Pineywoods Native Plant Center members or $30 for non-members. To register for the class or for more information, call the SFA Mast Arboretum at (936) 468-1832.