Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve

A hidden gem in Auburn! Great place to take the kids! The paths are well maintained and so is the playground. It is also a great place to take pictures and explore.

I think we’ve all had experiences that we get so stoked about we can’t help but immediately share. Without a doubt the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is one that I didn’t want to hesitate very long to write and share in both words and pictures. Visualize outdoor classrooms, because that is what it primarily is. The preserves mission is to educate both young and old about the ecosystem of the park.
This nature preserve sets on one hundred and twenty acres of gorgeous woodlands and pond. It was donated by Dr. Louise Kreher Turner and Frank Allen Turner to Auburn University in 1993. The location is on the edge of town approximately 3 miles North of Auburn on Hwy 147, or College St. Signage is excellent to pull into the gravel lot and locate parking.
There is no admission charge to enjoy. However, they strongly encourage volunteerism if you can spare time doing park clean up, or assisting with a program. If you don’t have time then cut a check to become a member and receive some perks that are offered.
One paid staff person, administrator Jennifer Lolley oversees all of the programming and staff of just a couple part time grounds people. I had the pleasure of bumping into her on one of the days I visited. From just talking with her a few minutes I could tell that she has a passion for what she does at the preserve. It really shows through the excitement in her voice when she describes what they accomplish on a daily basis and future plans development of new programing.
Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Science provides funding for Louise Krecher. An original trust given by the family provides a budget for educational purposes and property upkeep. AU funds the administrators salary, but little else. Recently the university has aggressively and successfully went after grant money that brightens the future of the preserve.
I ran across a children’s camp in progress today. The young campers seemed to be having an an awesome time. The young staff, high school age I believe, were energetic and really having a great time with the young kids. There are many areas on the grounds where educational classrooms take place. However, it appeared there primary spot is the pavilion. Here they have benches to set on and some reptiles, turtles and other creatures native to the land that the preserve sets on.
A nature playground is up front close to the parking lot and is really, really cool for the little ones to have a ball. I believe this is one of the most creative and unconventional designs for a children’s play area you will find in the country. Anyone can have a cookie cutter steel structures, but you can see the ingenuity it took to come up with these different play stations. There is beavers lodge which is a slide, eagles nest a sand pit, a tree house, a tunnel and an activity table. All among tall trees providing a wonderful cover from direct sun light.
There are around four miles of glorious walking trails that are mostly shaded and flat. This means even those that may be only young at heart can get out and enjoy the entire network of trails and take in it’s audacious scenery. Other things to explore is programing under the Canopy. An amphitheater designed by Auburn U. architecture students that is truly one of a kind.
On one of the days visiting I ran into a grounds keeper named Dan. He is a part-​time employee that had completed an internship at the preserve and was looking for a full time position in a park. He was more than happy to stop dead in his tracks to answer a lot of questions that filled in a lot of this review I am writing.
Environmental education programing is also offered in the form of Astronomy nights, bird and reptile observations and nature photography. These are regularly scheduled programs offered by professionals in their respective fields of interest. The cost is usually very minimal, or FREE to members.
The largest portion of education at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is it’s outdoor classrooms where you can totally immerse yourself with many hands on activities. The preserve is available to school field trips, churches, scouts and any other group calling educational tours. Speaking of the scouts they will feel right at home with many of their friends that have earned Eagle Scouts by completing projects around the grounds. They are well marked so visitors walking the trails can pay tribute to these young leaders of the Boy Scouts.
Make it a point to schedule a visit to the Louise Kreher and check out their abundant amount of educational programs going on in this Summer. What guest will take away is a sense of incredible gratitude that this land was preserved and saved for future generations to appreciate.