Stephen F. Austin State University

07/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/11/2025 08:56

SFA Gardens to receive grant for trail remodel


NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin State University will receive a 2025 Recreational Trail Program grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department following an environmental review and grant agreement.

Dr. David Creech, SFA Gardens director, and Dr. David Kulhavy, professor in the College of Forestry and Agriculture, serve as principal investigator and co-investigator, respectively, for the project titled "Building a Path to the Future at the SFA Gardens."

"This award proves that SFA and Nacogdoches can work hand in hand to develop a regionally recognized resource," Creech said. "With 138 acres of gardens and natural areas, wonderful plant collections, miles of trails, and boardwalks and bridges at every turn, this garden is now recognized as a regional resource."

Once completed, the project will rehabilitate nearly seven miles of asphalt trails, five miles of dirt trails and 370 linear feet of boardwalks and bridges in the Mast Arboretum, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, Gayla Mize Garden and Pineywoods Native Plant Center. New features will include 1,250 feet of new trails and 12 trailhead signs throughout SFA Gardens.

The total project cost is $356,944, of which the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will contribute $285,004 and SFA will contribute $71,940.

Originally built with support from federal and state funds over the last 20 years, the trails, which are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, are maintained by SFA Gardens staff members and volunteers.

For more information about SFA Gardens, visit sfasu.edu/gardens.

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