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Marybeth Hagood checks water quality at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Pineywoods Native Plant Center with local elementary school students.

The Mast Arboretum at Stephen F. Austin State University will host a Garden Guide training class beginning with an orientation session from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. The class prepares volunteers to give guided tours of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Mast Arboretum and Pineywoods Native Plant Center. Garden Guides introduce small groups of students to the gardens through hands-on activities that might involve exploring the inside of a flower, learning about honeybee communication, taking a closer look at soil or forest habitats, or measuring a tree. According to Elyce Rodewald, education coordinator for the gardens, advanced horticulture knowledge is not necessary, but a love and appreciation for energetic, curious children is. Training classes will be held Jan. 20-21 and Jan. 27-28 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the center. To register for the class, or for more information, contact Rodewald at (936) 468-1832 or by e-mail at erodewald@sfasu.edu. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Gardens volunteer Marybeth Hagood, pictured, checks water quality at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Pineywoods Native Plant Center with local elementary school students.