Practice bird-watching, fishing, gardening and geo-caching skills at Family Outdoor Adventures kick-off celebration

Manuel Saldaña and Sergio Castro pot plants at a family event at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center.

Nacogdoches Naturally will host a kick-off celebration featuring family-friendly activities for its new Family Outdoor Adventures program from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will have a fishing casting station where young anglers can test their skills and the local Audubon Society will have bird-watching activities. In addition, the Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center and the Stephen F. Austin State University Team Geo will have GPS units available for families to practice geo-caching skills, and the Forest Mobile provided by Los Amigos del Bosque will be on site for forest fun.

"We are excited about being able to start off our program with this fun, educational day for families to be together outdoors," said Kerry Lemon, project director.

The yearlong Family Outdoor Adventures program, made possible by a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program, will offer weekend events once a month for families to learn about nature and enjoy hands-on activities. At the kick-off celebration for the program, families can preview and sign up for the activities that will be presented throughout the year.

"By bringing families together for family-oriented outdoor education and recreation programs, we hope to facilitate the development of lifelong outdoor skills and interests," said Elyce Rodewald, education director of SFA Gardens and program coordinator for Nacogdoches Naturally.

"We also envision that participants in the program will build stronger bonds with each other, the community and the natural world," Rodewald said.

For more information about the Family Outdoor Adventures program, call (936) 468-1832.