Nacogdoches Naturally will host a day of outdoor exploration at Mission Tejas State Park on Saturday, Feb. 11, where participants can spend the day hiking part of the original El Camino Real trail and touring the replica of a Spanish mission and a restored log home.
The event will begin at 8 a.m. at Stephen F. Austin State University’s Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. The group will return to Nacogdoches at approximately 4 p.m.
Located in Houston County, 22 miles northeast of Crockett, Mission Tejas State Park was built in 1934 as a commemorative representation of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in the province of Texas. Also in the park is the restored Rice Family Log Home, built in 1828 and restored in 1974. The home is one of the oldest structures in the area and served as a stopover for immigrants, adventurers and local residents traveling the Old San Antonio Road across pioneer Texas.
“The park provides replicas of Texas history in a beautiful piney woods setting,” said Kerry Lemon, event coordinator. “Under the guidance of park staff, we will learn some of the history of pioneer life in this area.
Cost for the event is $5 per family, with lunch provided by the Nacogdoches Naturally program. Limited SFA van transportation will be available, and participants may travel in their own vehicles. Registration deadline for the event is Thursday, Feb. 9. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Nacogdoches Naturally is sponsored by SFA Gardens and funded through a matching grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Activities are designed to cultivate outdoor skills so that families develop a lifelong appreciation of the natural world. All programs are family friendly and appropriate for all ages.
For information, call (936) 468-5586 or e-mail lemonkb@sfasu.edu.
