Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– What started as a quarter-acre plot planted by Stephen F. Austin State University students behind the Agriculture Building in 1985 has blossomed into six themed gardens encompassing 138 acres. To celebrate, SFA Gardens is hosting its 40th Anniversary Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 throughout its gardens.
“SFA Gardens is more than just plants,” said Dr. David Creech, director of SFA Gardens. “It's a community of people who recognize the value of a large green resource, located in the middle of town, in making a difference in the quality of lives for residents and visitors. With wonderful plant collections, miles and miles of trails, and boardwalks and bridges at every turn, this garden is recognized as a regional resource.”
The community is invited to join SFA Gardens staff and volunteers for a series of scavenger hunts from 10 a.m. to noon at the Mast Arboretum, Kingham Children’s Garden, Gayla Mize Garden, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, Pineywoods Native Plant Center and Hinds Park. Participants will discover and learn about the treasures they can find in the gardens.
After the scavenger hunt, community members can enjoy arts and crafts, educational activities, live music and cake from noon to 2 p.m. at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center. Individuals or families who participate in the scavenger hunt will be eligible for prizes during the afternoon celebration.
A temporary museum exhibit at the native plant center’s Brundrett Conservation Education Building featuring photographs and other memorabilia from the past 40 years of SFA Gardens will be on display.
SFA Gardens, part of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, provides research opportunities for faculty members and students at SFA and other universities.
“Our gardens are a great setting for learning,” said Kay Jenkins, SFA Gardens educational programs coordinator. “Our SFA faculty members in art, biology, education, environmental science, forestry, horticulture and kinesiology hold classes and labs in the gardens, where their students can experience the natural ecosystems found in East Texas as well as cultivated species from around the world.
“We host hundreds of elementary students from the East Texas region every year for educational programming and invite the community for Family Fun Days,” Jenkins continued.
Nacogdoches has earned the title “Garden Capital of Texas” due in large part to SFA Gardens’ extensive collection of ornamental shrubs and trees, native plant demonstration gardens, and rare trees, shrubs, vines and perennials. SFA Gardens attracts thousands of visitors to Nacogdoches each year, particularly in spring for the azalea blooms and in fall for the colorful foliage. In 2024, the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden and the Gayla Mize Garden were ranked in the top 10 things to do in Nacogdoches by Tripadvisor. Also in 2024, Texas Monthly named SFA Gardens as one of the most underrated travel spots in the Lone Star State – college landmarks edition.
SFA Gardens is largely supported through endowments, memberships, gifts, grants and donations. Commemorate its 40th anniversary by visiting the gardens and considering donating a monetary gift at gosfa.com/givetogardens.
For more information, call (936) 468-4129 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.