Rick J. Lewandowski

Rick J. Lewandowski, director of the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, will be the guest speaker for the Stephen F. Austin State University SFA Gardens’ monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series, slated for 7 p.m. March 19 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. March 19 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center.

Rick J. Lewandowski, director of the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, will present “Plant Treasures in the Piney Woods of the Gulf South.”

Lewandowski has been director of the center since 2013. Previously, he was director of Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware for 13 years where he led its transition from private estate to nonprofit. He also was curator of the living collections and director of horticulture with the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia where he served for 16 years.

Lewandowski is a seasoned horticulturist, garden designer, plant explorer and environmentalist with over 35 years of experience. He is passionate about native plants, environmentally responsible gardening and connecting people with the natural world. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and master’s degree from the University of Maryland.

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 PNPC and Raguet Elementary School, located at 2428 Raguet St.
 
For more information, call (936) 468-4129, or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.