Everything Nac

Dr. Hans Williams, dean of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, received the Laurence C. Walker Distinguished Service to Forestry Award at the Texas chapter of the Society of American Foresters meeting held this month in Lufkin.

“I am humbled and honored to be recognized by Texas SAF for service to the forestry profession,” Williams said. “The excellent national reputation of our forestry program is due in large part to Dr. Larry Walker’s visionary leadership and exemplary record of service to the profession and Texas.”

Walker served as the first dean of SFA’s School of Forestry, and his contributions to the profession are nationally recognized. This annual award recognizes forestry professionals who display continuing service and leadership in the Society of American Foresters, professional achievement in the field of forestry, and service to the local or regional community.

Additionally, William Alders received the Student of the Year Award, recognizing his service and academic achievements. Alders graduated in December 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from SFA, but he was previously unable to receive the award due to restrictions triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Texas Society of American Foresters is one of 30 state and multistate societies that comprise the Society of American Foresters, an organization of professional foresters dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of forestry.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s horticulture program will host the annual Spring Plant Fair from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the SFA Plantery, located at 1924 Wilson Drive.

Plants available for purchase include edibles like tomatoes and peppers, as well as a variety of summer annuals, including begonias, coleus, globe amaranth, summer snapdragons, vinca and more. All plants grow and perform well in East Texas.

The Plantery, a program within the SFA Department of Agriculture, allows students to grow and raise plants in the Sprout microfarm, greenhouses and teaching gardens around the Agriculture Building.

The plant sale also is an opportunity to tour the plant-growing operation and view student projects, such as the gravel garden and hydroponic system.

“The students are so excited to show our East Texas community what they’ve learned about growing plants,” said Dr. Jared Barnes, associate professor of horticulture and steward of the Plantery. “We welcome people to come tour the Plantery and buy some plants, since all proceeds support student learning.”

Music, snacks and games will be provided by the SFA Horticulture Club. In the event of rainy weather, the Spring Plant Fair will be postponed until Friday, April 22.

For more information, contact Barnes at barnesj@sfasu.edu. The community also may learn more about the horticulture program by visiting horticultureisawesome.com/the-plantery or by following @sfahorticulture on Instagram.