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Kreher Preserve & Nature Center: Auburn's Outdoor Classroom

Explore Auburn's natural beauty: hiking trails, diverse habitats, and environmental education at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center.

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The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC) is a 120-acre nature preserve and outreach program of Auburn University's School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences [2, 10]. With miles of trails, diverse habitats, and educational programs, it offers a natural escape and learning environment for all ages [2, 13].

A brief summary to Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails, as the terrain can vary [15].
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife viewing [6].
  • Check the KPNC website for upcoming events and educational programs [3, 6].
  • Visit the preserve during different seasons to experience the changing landscapes and wildlife [6].
  • Be sure to explore the butterfly garden and the old homestead site for a glimpse into the area's natural and cultural history [2, 5].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Auburn, drive north on N College Street (Highway 147) for approximately 3 miles [9, 13, 15]. The KPNC entrance is on the right, just past the Auburn University Fisheries ponds [9, 13]. Limited parking is available at the main lot [13]. If the main lot is full, overflow parking is available at the nearby Embrace Church (2142 N College St), with a short walk along the powerline trail to the KPNC entrance [13]. Parking is free [7].

  • Walking

    If you're near Auburn University's campus or along N College Street, walking to KPNC is a good option [13]. From the intersection of College Street and Samford Avenue, head north on College Street for about 3 miles [13]. The entrance will be on the right [13]. Be mindful of traffic [13]. There are no costs associated with walking [13].

  • Public Transport

    Auburn University students and employees can use the Tiger Transit service to reach KPNC [7, 13]. Call (334) 844-8600 to request the North College Line to stop at the preserve [9, 13]. Confirm the exact drop-off location and walking route when booking [13]. This service is primarily for those affiliated with the university [7, 13]. Tiger Transit is free for Auburn University students and employees [7].

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Discover more about Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC), formerly the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, is a sanctuary of natural beauty and environmental education [2, 15]. Established in 1993 through a donation by Dr. Louise Kreher Turner and her husband, Frank Allan Turner, the preserve is managed by Auburn University's School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences [8, 10]. Their vision was to create a space where the community could connect with nature, study the environment, and appreciate the natural world [8, 12]. KPNC features a diverse landscape with seven distinct natural habitats, including a Longleaf Pine Demonstration Forest, Wildflower Trail, and Boulder Ridge [15]. Visitors can explore over 6 miles of trails that wind through these habitats, offering a variety of terrain for both novice and experienced hikers [7, 15]. Points of interest along the trails include a butterfly garden, an old homestead site, a turtle pond, and a waterfall [2, 5]. The Frank Allen Turner Memorial Canopy, a 150-seat multi-level meeting area, serves as an outdoor classroom and event space [2, 15]. A nature playground provides a creative space for children to explore natural elements [7, 15]. KPNC offers a range of educational programs and events for all ages, including guided nature walks, workshops, camps, and school field trips [2, 6, 10, 16]. These programs aim to promote environmental stewardship and provide hands-on learning experiences [2, 3]. The preserve also participates in conservation efforts, such as the restoration of the endangered Indigo Snake [15]. The KPNC is open to the public seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, with no admission fees [2, 4]. It serves as a valuable resource for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community engagement in the Auburn-Opelika area [2, 8].

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