Jun 11 Thursday
This beginner-friendly program is perfect for anyone wanting to try sewing in a fun and relaxed environment. We’ll provide the materials and simple step-by-step guidance—you bring the creativity!
SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. on June 11 in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet Street, Nacogdoches. Dr. Yan Chen, will present “Tea Magic: the Science behind Flavor and Health of Tea.”Dr. Chen is a professor in Medicinal Plant Physiology at the LSU School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences since 2020. Prior to that, she worked at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in Ornamental Horticulture for 15 years.
Dr. Chen was born in Beijing China and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from China Agriculture University, and her PhD in horticulture as well as a Graduate Certificate in entomology from Kansas State University. Dr. Chen's research focuses on plant nutrient physiology, integrated pest management, and developing production guidelines for new specialty crops.
One of her recent research programs involves developing tea, Camellia sinensis as a new specialty crop for Louisiana. Working with new and established tea farmers in the region and collaborating with scientists at a national scale, the research and extension efforts made by the “Tea Team” at the LSU Agricultural Center over the past five years have helped this new crop get established in Louisiana, Mississippi and East Texas.
Learn about the health benefits of drinking tea and the unique approaches of U.S. tea growers in creating award-winning flavors with Dr. Chen. Tea samples from the 2026 spring flush will be available for attendees to enjoy at this event.
The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month and includes a plant raffle after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, however donations to the lecture series fund are always appreciated.
Parking is available at the PNPC, 2900 Raguet St., or Raguet Elementary School, 2708 Raguet St.
For more information, call (936) 468-4129 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
Jun 12 Friday
Get in the Blueberry Festival spirit. Join us for a quick class on making blueberry fudge. Please bring a small container so you can finish the product at home.
Jun 26 Friday
Get ready to step into the extraordinary world of Taylor Swift with Blank Space, Los Angeles' premier tribute band that redefines what it means to celebrate music's most iconic artist. Fronted by the charismatic Olivia Moretti, who embodies Taylor’s spirit with every note and move, Blank Space is more than just a tribute—it’s a full-scale recreation of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking performance with musicians and dancers, dazzling visuals, and intricate choreography. This show takes fans on a diverse musical journey. From her heartfelt country ballads to the electrifying pop anthems that shook the world, Blank Space delivers a seamless, song-by-song recreation of Taylor's hits. Each performance is crafted with precision and passion, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the stories, emotions, and magic behind Taylor’s music. Prepare for an unforgettable night filled with love, heartbreak, and the infectious energy that has made Taylor Swift a global sensation. Blank Space is not just a concert—it’s a celebration of music, connection, and the unparalleled artistry of Taylor Swift. Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie or a casual listener, Blank Space invites you to sing, dance, and relive every moment of Taylor’s incredible career. Join the party and experience the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute with Blank Space—a night of music, memories, and pure joy awaits.
Jul 25 Saturday
Bellamy Brothers, Howard and David. created a patent on the newly cool “duo” category in country music. In the era of the 2000’s, The Bellamy Brothers hold the record in both the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and the Country Music Association Awards (CMA) for the most duo nominations. Numerous Grammy nods have also been directed toward the brothers. They honed their early skills playing black clubs throughout the south, and singing backup for artists such as Percy Sledge, Eddie Floyd, and Little Anthony & The Imperials. Within a few months, the brothers moved north, immersing themselves and their rock/country sound in the Atlanta market. These days when the subject turns to touring, The Bellamys are showing a new generation of country music how it’s done. “We’re old road dogs,” grins Howard.