Everything Nac

    Elyce Rodewald, education coordinator for the SFAGardens, will host a soap-making workshop, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 5, in Room 118 of the Agriculture Building on Wilson Drive.

    “Gifts from the Garden” participants will create a variety of herbal soaps, learn recipes and techniques of soap making, and take home samples of luxurious soap they make themselves.

    “The soap will be made from coconut and palm kernel oil, lye, essential oils, and dried herbs,” Rodewald said. “Participants will learn the step-by-step process of soap making, so they have the skills to make soap at home on their own.”

    “This is great soap,” she added. “Once you use it, you’ll never go back to store-bought. This is a fun workshop – don’t picture yourself stirring over a hot iron kettle. Join us for wonderful fragrances and special gifts from the garden!”

    Cost for the seminar is $25 for SFA Garden Members and $35 for non-members. To register for the seminar, or for more information, contact the education office at (936) 468-1832 or email erodewald@sfasu.edu.

    Nacogdoches Naturally will host a family field trip to Martin Dies, Jr. State Park beginning at 7:30 am. Saturday, Nov. 12. Nacogdoches Naturally is sponsored by SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in an effort to connect families with East Texas parks and recreation facilities.

    Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is a 705-acre recreational area between Woodville and Jasper on B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, about one hour and 45 minutes from Nacogdoches. Outdoor activities at the recreation area will be provided by Katherine Crippens, park naturalist.

    “Ms. Crippens will be leading a guided hike in the morning, and then after lunch she will present a raptor program for our group,” said Kerry Lemon, Nacogdoches Naturally program director. “One of the objectives for the program is to connect families with the many outdoor recreational resources in our region. This will be a great chance to learn more about this wonderful park and the facilities available there.”

    Activities are designed to cultivate outdoor skills and awareness of outdoor education, with the goal of helping families develop a lifetime of enjoyment in the natural world. The Family Outdoor Adventures programs are family friendly and appropriate for all ages.

    Participants will meet at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., and will return at 4 p.m. Cost for the event is $5 per family. Lunch will be provided.

    SFA van transportation will be available, but space is limited. Registration deadline for the event is Thursday, Nov. 10. For information, call Kerry Lemon at (936) 468-5586 or e-mail lemonkb@sfasu.edu.