Youth Educational Programs

Educational Outreach

Volunteers Wanted

If you love seeing children experience nature-based activities as they grow in environmental literacy, we have a place for you. No matter your experience level or availability, SFA Gardens Environmental Education Programs have plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. Please visit our Volunteer page to get started.

SFA Gardens offers educational programs for students designed to get them outside and encourage curiosity about the natural world. Pre-visit packets include information to help educators and their students prepare for their visit to the Brundrett Conservation Education Building and the SFA Gardens. The packet also includes the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills - or TEKS - that the activities will cover.

EcoAdventures: A Homeschool Journey into Nature

This event is sold out. Please email sfagardens@sfasu.edu to be placed on a waiting list in case there are cancellations.

Homeschool K-12 students are invited to “EcoAdventures: A Homeschool Journey into Nature” from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center. Students in grades K-5 will experience nature-based activities that model the life stages of trees, the essential needs of animals, animal adaptations for survival, and methods of plant seed dispersal. Offerings for students in grades 6-12 include analyzing the gene pool of a threatened and endangered animal, conducting research on invasive species of East Texas, and designing an imaginary ecosystem restoration project. The event cost is $5 per student, with no charge for accompanying adults.

Wild About Science

This annual fall event provides fourth and fifth graders outdoor nature-based learning adventures. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 18 and 25 and will offer students three 40-minute activities to model and explore the journey of a water molecule in the water cycle, the way trees compete to meet their essential needs, the way society uses resources, and the factors that make renewable resources sustainable. Please complete the registration form to sign up your classes for this event.

Bugs, Bees, Butterflies and Blossoms

This annual spring event is for students in kindergarten through second grade. Check back for dates, registration information, and more details for this popular event or complete this form to be added to the contact list for this event.

Earth Explorations

This new event is for students in third grade and is currently under development. Check back for dates, registration information, and more details or complete this form to be added to the contact list for this event.

Learning Excursions

In addition to the large educational programs offered each year, SFA Gardens Environmental Educational Programs staff, volunteers and partnering organizations host smaller groups of students for nature-based learning excursions that meet the students’ educational needs.

Educators, scout leaders and others who want to help children engage in environmental educational activities or in learning outdoor skills should complete this contact form to help us plan your visit.

Pineywoods Summer Camp will return in Summer 2025.