Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest

The 1,036-ha Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest is the only such forest established by an act of Congress. It became an experimental forest in 1945 with the creation of the East Texas Branch Station in Nacogdoches, Texas, which was later renamed the Wildlife Habitat and Silviculture Laboratory.

Until about 1961, the Austin was used primarily for silvicultural research. Beginning in the early 1960s, the forest was increasingly used for wildlife research. Initial wildlife studies focused on game species (especially deer and squirrels), but current wildlife research concerns mostly nongame species.

Climate

Located on the Western Gulf Coastal Plain, the Austin experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rainfall averages about 1270 mm per year. About half of this rainfall occurs during the April through September growing season.

Soils

The Mantachie-Marietta soils of the bottoms are loamy and somewhat poorly drained to moderately well drained. They are frequently flooded and have moderate permeability. The upland terraces consist of Attoyac-Bernaldo-Besner soils, which are loamy, well-drained soils of level to gently sloping sites with moderate permeability.

Vegetation

Upland portions of the Austin (about 364 ha) consist of loblolly and shortleaf pine and pine-hardwood stands. Mature bottomland hardwoods occupy the remaining two thirds of the forest. The dominant hardwoods throughout the Austin include many species of oaks and hickories.

USDA Forest Service facilities include an office, shop, gas/oil and chemical storage building, pole barns, and improved dirt roads. The SFA Interpretive Trail System consists of 4.8 km of trail (including 1.5 km of universally accessible trail), picnic and parking area, information kiosk, interpretive signing, bird observation area, several 15-m bridges over Jack Creek, drinking fountains, and flush toilets. The East Texas Plant Materials Center also has an office with a conference room, seed-processing building, and several pole barns. There are 3 water wells on the Austin.

Maps

• Map of Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest
• Stephen F. Austin Interpretive Trails Map
• Roads to Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest

Forest Orders

The following documents define prohibited acts in the Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest. 

• Forest Order (trails) No. 08-13-01-21-147
• Forest Order No. 08-13-01-21-148

Directions to Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest

Coordinates: 31.498812, -94.756136

From Nacogdoches: Proceed approximately 6.5 miles west from Loop 224 on Hwy. 7 to FM 2782. Turn left (south) and proceed approximately 2.4 miles to the entrance to the Forest, which will be on your right.

From Lufkin: Turn left (west) from Hwy. 59 onto FM 2782 approximately 2.6 miles north of the Angelina River. Proceed past the Alazan Bayou Wildlife Management Area (on your left) to the entrance of the forest, which is on your left.

Interpretive Trails

The Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest (SFAEF), located 8 miles southwest of Nacogdoches, Texas, offers quiet refuge to all who seek the natural enchantment of a forest experience. Tucked away in the heart of the Pineywoods, the Forest is bordered on its southern and eastern boundaries by the Angelina River and the Alazan Wildlife Management Area.

The SFAEF is a 2,560-acre tract consisting of approximately 1,800 acres of mature bottomland hardwood with the remainder being southern pine and mixed pine/hardwood forest. Part of the Angelina National Forest, SFAEF is administered by the Southern Research Station through its Wildlife Habitat and Silviculture Laboratory in Nacogdoches.

Since its adoption into the National Forest System in 1945, the primary objective of the experimental forest has been wildlife and timber management research. The site is also used as an outdoor classroom in the study of forest ecosystems for students majoring in forestry, wildlife management, forest recreation, and environmental science. In 1990, management objectives for the SFAEF were expanded to include educational and recreational opportunities for the general public.

Completed in the summer of 1997, the Forest's innovative interpretive trail system represents the commitment of the USDA Forest Service to meet the changing needs and perspectives of society. Unique in its concept and design, it features the first major trail in this region designed and constructed for universal accessibility. Two separate loops, spanning a distance of 2.8 miles, take visitors into some of the most dynamic and scenic areas of the Forest.

Jack Creek Loop

Jack Creek is a cool, clear, spring-fed perennial stream which serves as the centerpiece for this loop. Traversing gentle slopes along the banks of the creek, this barrier-free, 0.8-mile-long surfaced trail provides universal access to a mature mixed forest where 100-year-old pines and hardwoods still stand stalwart against the rush of modern time.

The rich, moist soils along the creek support diverse vegetation dominated by hardwoods. The large, old trees in this area offer the visitor a soothing environment for exercise as well as opportunities for quiet reflection and relaxation. Since these trees also provide cover and food, which support many species of birds and mammals, wildlife viewing (especially birding) is an inherent part of the unobtrusive visitor's experience.

Management Loop

As environmental issues become increasingly a part of public awareness and concern, the Forest Service is taking the initiative to provide and promote conservation education. Experiential learning opportunities offered in a living outdoor classroom are geared toward fostering respect for our forest resources and appreciation of sound management principles. Once federal injunctions are lifted from the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas and treatments can be imposed, the Management Loop will be dedicated to the demonstration of the best management practices for both timber and wildlife.

Winding 2.0 miles through five different units of the Forest, this loop will provide visitors a chance to view an array of forest management practices at various stages of process. Not just a path through the Forest, the trail is like a corridor through time. Integrated into the management objectives for each different area, it will permit visitors to witness firsthand the forest's response to various treatments across the years. Visitors may also observe wildlife while learning about a variety of forest habitats.

General Information

Approximately one half of the more than 300 species of birds which are common to east Texas are found in the various habitat types on the Forest. More than 80 species of butterflies add color and quiet beauty, while the anticipation of catching a glimpse of one of the roughly 30 indigenous mammals makes each visit exciting for wildlife lovers.

The temperate climate of east Texas permits year-round use of the trail and invites visitors to appreciate the special beauty each season brings. The trail is open to the public daily during daylight hours for wheelchair and foot traffic only. Binoculars and cameras can enhance lasting memories. Visitors may wish to bring their own water, as fountains are only available near the parking area and trail entrance. Insect repellent is advised from May through September. Handicap and bus parking spaces are provided. Shaded picnic tables are provided adjacent to the parking area. Accessible restrooms are located at the trail entrance. Pets must be kept on a leash. Firearms are prohibited. The Jack Creek Loop has a moderate difficulty rating, while the Management Loop offers a more challenging and strenuous walk. Interpretive materials are available for self-paced, self-guided tours, or special arrangements can be made for conducted group activities.

The following topics have been studied at the Austin:

• Hardwood control and pine harvesting methods
• Effects of hardwood removal on deer
• Effects of prescribed fire on mushrooms
• Impacts of different levels of shading on the production and fruiting of important wildlife browse plants
• Life history of timber rattlesnakes
• Succession of anuran (frog) communities in constructed wildlife ponds
• Habitat use and movement patterns of alligator snapping turtles
• Food habits of wintering waterfowl
• Effects of acid rain and ozone on pine growth
• Life histories of several woodpecker species
• Use of artificial cavities by prothonotary warblers
• Wildlife use of nest boxes in four habitat types
• Wildlife use of artificial snags
• Woodpecker use of bottomland hardwood snags
• Inoculation of hardwoods with sapwood decaying fungi

Major Research Accomplishments and Effects on Management

Studies on the Austin established effective control methods for undesirable hardwoods. Much of our knowledge about managing southern forests for wildlife (especially white-tailed deer) was derived from studies on several experimental forests, including the Austin. Considerable knowledge about habitat requirements for several woodpeckers also was derived from studies on the Austin.

Research Opportunities

The 688-ha mature bottomland hardwood forest, which is being retained as old growth, represents a unique and rapidly disappearing resource in east Texas. The rivers, streams, and sloughs of the Austin are unique sites for various aquatic studies. The interpretive trails offer and opportunity to study the benefits of conducting forest and wildlife management demonstrations to help educate the public about different forest management practices.

Databases are maintained on the development of heart rot fungi that were inoculated into hardwoods in the 1970s, and snag population dynamics.