Axe ’Em, Jacks!
The Mast Arboretum is a 10-acre garden along Lanana Creek on the SFA campus and home to more than 7,500 species of plants, plus a variety of unique display gardens. The garden started in 1985 as a small project on the south side of the agriculture building and is the oldest university arboretum in Texas.
The garden is named in honor of Adlai T. Mast Jr. and Patricia Mast, both passionate supporters of SFA, generous donors to the garden and strong proponents for community beautification.
Alternative Fruit Plots
- Dedicated to figs, jujubes, persimmons and other fruits not found at the grocery store.
Asian Valley
Climate-resilient ornamentals from around the globe that grow in southeastern United States. This collection has been home to azaleas, Japanese maples and other plants native to China.
Bamboo and Ginger Collection
Clumping bamboo and sun-loving butterfly and hidden gingers are being tested here.
Challenger Monument
Trees were planted in memory of the seven Space Shuttle Challenger astronauts who gave their lives on Jan. 28, 1986. Telephone Pioneers of America donated a monument to serve as a memorial to the crew.
Conifer Collection
Luscious evergreen trees blend the Pacific Northwest, Asia and South America with East Texas.
Daffodil Hill
Peak bloom season: February to May
This cheerful floral display blooms each spring and features Campernelle jonquils and southern heirloom narcissus varieties.
Dry Garden
Agave are planted by other woody lilies and drought-tolerant shrubs and trees.
Fern Gully
This area is purposefully designed without color to emphasize the importance of foliage size, shape, form and texture.
Holly Row
This staple in the arboretum includes evergreen specimens of American holly selections and hybrids.
Shade Garden
Towering oaks and pines provide a shady oasis for midstory Japanese maples, camellias and other flowering shrubs and trees.
Wisely Gazebo
Surrounding the gazebo, plantings echo the spirit of SFA with purple foliage and flowers.
The Kingham Children’s Garden (site 22 on map)
The Kingham Children’s Garden was established with community support to create a tranquil and beautiful outdoor space for learning. There are many facets within this garden, but the crown jewel is the Timber Frame Pavilion built in 1998 by the Timber Framers Guild of North America. The Jim and Beth Kingham Children’s Garden is a popular place on campus for picnics and studying, and it welcomes many each April for the Bugs, Bees, Butterflies and Blossoms Festival. This garden is named in honor of Jim and Beth Kingham, enthusiastic supporters of SFA and the Nacogdoches community.
Monarch Waystation and Pollinator Garden
Pollinator-friendly plants provide color for the garden and habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, beetles and bats. This area is a certified monarch waystation, providing an important respite for butterflies on their annual migration.
History of Mast Arboretum
A living laboratory
The Mast Arboretum began in 1985 as a project of SFA’s first-ever landscape plant materials class. Since then, it has gained a reputation for its diverse collection of plants and its dedication to conservation, education and research. Read more about the formative years between 1985-97.
In addition to providing SFA students and faculty with a living research facility, the Mast Arboretum acquires and tests plants for the landscape and nursery industry in the southern United States.