Dr. James A. Robbins

Dr. James A. Robbins, extension specialist in commercial ornamentals at the University of Arkansas' Division of Agriculture, will be the guest speaker for the SFA Gardens' monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series, slated for 7 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center.


NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. Dr. James A. Robbins will present "Reflections on the Changing World of Ornamentals in the USA."

For the past 18 years, Robbins has been an extension specialist in commercial ornamentals at the University of Arkansas' Division of Agriculture. His role is to support all green-industry businesses, including garden centers, wholesale growers and landscapers.

Robbins' research emphases is in container fertility, container substrates, woody-plant evaluation and nursery inventory.

A self-described plant geek and addicted plant photographer, Robbins has directed the Arkansas Statewide Plant Evaluation Program since 1999. He also has been very involved in research and extension activities related to the use of 'unmanned aircraft systems' in agriculture since May of 2000.

The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month and includes a rare-plant raffle after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series fund are always appreciated.

Parking is available at the nearby Raguet Elementary School, 2428 Raguet St., with continual shuttle service to the Brundrett Conservation Education Building.

For more information, call (936) 468-4129 or email grantdamon@sfasu.edu.