NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Area residents are invited to participate in a Garden Guide training class at Stephen F. Austin State University.

This class will prepare volunteers to give guided tours of the SFA Mast Arboretum and Pineywoods Native Plant Center to area school children. Garden Guides introduce small groups of students to the gardens through hands-on activities. The volunteers may be found encouraging students to explore the inside of a flower, learn about honeybee communication, take a closer look at soil, investigate forest habitats or measure a tree. Advanced horticulture knowledge is not necessary, but a love and appreciation for energetic, curious children is.

An orientation will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the Tucker House Conference Room at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. Training will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 27 and 28, at the same location. To register for the class or obtain more information, contact Elyce Rodewald, education coordinator, at (936) 468-1832 or erodewald@sfasu.edu.