We have decided to cancel the March 23rd In the Garden workshop due to low attendance. We hope that you will join us on April 20th for the next garden workshop. Thanks!
Introducing Two New Programs…
We are excited to introduce two new programs under our ‘Nurtured in Nature‘ umbrella. Registration is now open!
Pond Pals (6-8 year old’s)
Pond Pals extends our Nurtured in Nature series to some of our young elementary-aged students. These classes will meet four times from 9:30 – 11 AM on Saturdays in April and May. Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on, nature-based activities and projects, engaging both their bodies and minds. Pond Pals is a caregiver and child class so caregivers are expected to stay with their pal and enjoy the fun!
Nature Navigators (12-15 year old’s)
Our newest nature series for our older explorers, Nature Navigators classes will bring an in-depth and project-based look at some of the unique aspects of the forest including topics on the flora and fauna of the KPNC, mushrooms, geology, and more. The classes will culminate in a management plan for the KPNC woods after spending weeks studying the various pieces that make this ecosystem so special. Classes will meet Saturday’s from 10 – 11:30 AM for six weeks beginning March 16th.
KPNC 30th Anniversary Photo Contest Calendar
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center with this stunning 24-month, 2024/25 calendar. The calendar is beautifully illustrated with the incredible work of the winners of the 30th Anniversary Photo Contest. All photos were taken at the KPNC.
All proceeds from calendar sales support the KPNC’s mission! Thank you for your support!!
![](https://kpnc.auburn.edu/files/2024/01/Retail-Graphic-compressed-cf117423ac2081cd-993x1024.jpg)
Camp Registration Begins January 8
We are looking forward to spending spring break and summer outside this year embracing a New Year of outdoor exploration and adventure. Registration for Spring Break Camp, Summer Ecology Camp, Woodland Wonders Camp, and Adventure Camp begins January 8th at 8:00am and will continue until our spots are filled.
Whether learning about Alabama’s native biomes and species at Summer Ecology/Woodland Wonders Camp or going to visit them at Adventure Camp, there are options for kids from 3 years-8th grade.
Questions? Email natureeducation@auburn.edu
Register through our Marketplace
Winter Tree Tots and Forest Friends Registration Open
![](https://kpnc.auburn.edu/files/2023/12/Screen-Shot-2023-12-11-at-10.54.17-AM.png)
Registration is now open for our Winter Session of Tree Tots and Forest Friends. These caregiver and child classes will take their participants on a wonderful exploration of wintertime play in the woods. Classes begin January 18, 19 ,and 21st. More information on our Nurtured in Nature classes can be found here. Registration is $60/student for the six-week session and can be done here.
Holiday Walk in the Woods
A Holiday Walk in the Woods is back and better than ever! With fantastic performances representing different organizations, traditions, and cultures, this has become one of the favorite holiday events in our community!
We are happy to partner with the Auburn Area Community Theater for three different performance events: Fri, Dec 15, 5 – 8 PM; Sat, Dec 16, 10 AM – 1 PM; and Sat, Dec 16, 5 – 8 PM. Guided walking tours debark every ten minutes along a well-lit and easy trail, and stopping at six to eight stations along the one-hour route you’ll enjoy unique and diverse performances.
![](https://kpnc.auburn.edu/files/2023/12/IMG_1675-1024x764.jpg)
#GivingTuesday
![](https://kpnc.auburn.edu/files/2023/11/20191120_094139_HDR.jpg)
Happy Giving Tuesday!
On this global day of giving, we invite you to support our nature center and its mission to connect people with the natural world. Your donation will help us:
- Protect and preserve our local ecosystems
- Educate children and adults about the importance of conservation
- Provide opportunities for people to experience the beauty and wonder of nature
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.
Donate today and help us make a lasting impact on the environment and our community.
HoHoHo Hike & Holiday Celebration
Tickets on sale now!
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center are joining together to present the HoHoHo Hike and Holiday Celebration. Children of all ages are invited to this holiday celebration on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center.
![](https://kpnc.auburn.edu/files/2023/11/PXL_20221203_164058360-1024x771.jpg)
![](https://kpnc.auburn.edu/files/2023/11/PXL_20221203_155125377.PORTRAIT-1024x771.jpg)
The KPNC will be transformed into Santa’s Workshop with nature-themed crafts, performances, cookies, and hot chocolate. There will be a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus! And the event will include the traditional hike and a fun “Santa-hunt”. Wear comfortable walking shoes and come celebrate the holiday season with the Clauses!
Learn more at aub.ie/hohohohike.
Environmental Education Building
Construction begins Monday on the new Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Environmental Education Building! To learn more about this incredible new resource for our community, please visit aub.ie/kpnc-eeb.
Construction will be ongoing until the summer of 2024, during which time a large portion of the KPNC’s main parking lot will be closed. The following diagram shows the suggested traffic flow through the portion of the parking lot that will remain open. All access to the KPNC will be routed down the gravel drive. Due to the increase in pedestrians, vehicle traffic down this drive will be limited to authorized vehicles, emergencies, and those with accessibility needs only.
In addition, our neighbors, Embrace Church, are partnering with us to provide additional parking. With fewer than half the normal parking spaces, you may find it easier to park at Embrace and walk down the powerline trail to the KPNC. Signs are in place to direct you to “additional parking.”
Please contact us if you have any questions or need help.
![](https://kpnc.auburn.edu/files/2023/10/Parking-Lot-Diagram-EEB-Construction-868x1024.png)
Nature Nightmares
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!!
October 27 & 28, 7:30 – 11 PM
![](https://kpnc.auburn.edu/files/2023/09/PXL_20221023_022359935.NIGHT_-1024x771-1.jpg)
Nature Nightmares is a haunted hike through the pitch-black forest of the KPNC – a hike like you’ve never experienced before. With evil creatures lurking in the shadows and frightening entities waiting for wary visitors, we dare you to come and conquer the darkness!
If you want to volunteer to be a scary actor or help coordinate the event, please sign up HERE.