"Meet the Creepy Crawlers" at SFA's Pineywoods Native Plant Center

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Nacogdoches Naturally will sponsor a Family Outdoor Adventure at Stephen F. Austin State University's Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 3.

"Meet the Creepy Crawlers" is a fun event that provides an opportunity to learn about forest animals that slither, creep and crawl. There will be live animals, "creepy crawler" crafts and a guided safari hike.

"Families will get a close-up look at worms, bees, snakes and insects," says Kerry Lemon, project director of Nacogdoches Naturally. "By introducing some of the most misunderstood woodland creatures in safe and non-threatening ways, we hope to cultivate a greater appreciation for these animals. There is so much fascinating information to be learned about the natural world."

Education and increased familiarity through these types of family events can raise the comfort level for families as they pursue outdoor experiences, Lemons said. Quoting from Richard Louv's book "Last Child in the Woods," she added, "It's a good thing to learn more about nature in order to share this knowledge with children; it's even better if the adult and child learn about nature together. And it's a lot more fun."

Nacogdoches Naturally Family Outdoor Adventures is a project sponsored by SFA Gardens and is partially funded through a More Kids in the Woods grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-U.S. Forest Service. Activities are designed to cultivate outdoor skills and an awareness of forest ecology with the goal of families developing lifetime enjoyment of the natural world. Programs are family friendly and appropriate for all ages.

Cost for the event is $10 per family. For more information, call (936) 468-5586 or lemonkb@sfasu.edu.