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Kreher Preserve & Nature Center: Auburn's Natural Escape

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

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The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC) is a 120-acre nature preserve in Auburn, Alabama, offering diverse habitats, walking trails, and environmental education programs. It's a place where visitors can connect with nature through hiking, birdwatching, and exploring various gardens and natural features.

A brief summary to Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Check the KPNC website for upcoming events, guided hikes, workshops, and family activities.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking, and bring water and insect repellent.
  • Explore the nature playground with children for a fun and engaging way to connect with nature.
  • Take advantage of the self-guided tour options using the online interactive trail map or picking up a trail guide at the entrance.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Auburn, head north on N College St (Highway 147) for approximately 3 miles. The entrance to the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center will be on your right, just past the Auburn University Fisheries ponds. Limited parking is available in the main lot. If the 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. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Auburn University students and employees can utilize the Tiger Transit service to reach the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Call (334) 844-8600 to request the North College Line to stop at the preserve. Confirm the exact drop-off location and walking route to the entrance when booking. This service is primarily intended for those affiliated with the university. The Lee-Russell Public Transit is available for the general public by calling (334) 749-9092. Bus fares vary.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Auburn University campus or along N College Street, walking to the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center is a viable option. From the intersection of College Street and Samford Avenue, head north on College Street for approximately 3 miles. The entrance will be on your right. Be mindful of traffic and pedestrian safety along this route. There are no costs associated with walking.

Unlock the Best of Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

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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 an outreach program of Auburn University's School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. This 120-acre preserve features a variety of natural habitats and over six miles of well-maintained trails, offering a space for recreation, education, and relaxation. Visitors can explore themed gardens like the Butterfly and Vegetable Gardens, discover natural features such as Boulder Ridge and Hidden Falls, and observe local wildlife around the Turtle Pond. The preserve also includes a Longleaf Pine Demonstration Forest showcasing this important regional ecosystem. Families can enjoy the nature playground, complete with a human-sized eagle's nest and beaver lodge. The KPNC hosts various environmental education programs, workshops, and events throughout the year, focusing on engaging people of all ages. These include guided hikes, nature walks, youth camps, and adult classes. The Frank Allen Turner Memorial Canopy, a 150-seat amphitheater, serves as a gathering space for educational programs and special events. Established in 1993 through a donation by Dr. Louise Kreher Turner and her husband, Frank Allan Turner, the KPNC aims to foster appreciation and stewardship of the natural world. The preserve officially opened to the public in 2008 and has since become a valuable resource for the Auburn community and beyond.

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