Where Leisure Meets Learning
Two of our springtime favorites are now open for registration. Nature Explorers, our program designed for homeschooling families, engages learners in hands-on science engagement through outdoor education. This program is open to students and families from all ages and begins in March. An annual family favorite, our Leprechaun Hike will take place March 15 and 16 and will feature fun activities throughout the woods as participants search out the forest leprechauns. Register for both HERE.
Registration for 2025/2026 is now full, please email Sarah Crim at natureeducation@auburn.edu to be added to the waitlist
Registration for our First-Class Woodland Wonders for 2025/2026 can be done HERE. This class is for students who are 4 as of Sept 1. 2025.
We currently have open spots for our First-Class classroom opening February 18th, 2025. Students must be 4 as of Sept 1, 2024. Register HERE
For more information on any of these programs, email Sarah Crim at natureeducation@auburn.edu
Register for our Spring Break, Summer Ecology, Woodland Wonders, and Summer Adventure Camps HERE beginning at 8:00am on Jan 7th. In addition, registration for our Winter session of our Nurtured in Nature Classes also begins on the 7th. Email natureeducation@auburn.edu with any questions.
If you love the woods as much as we do, come join our staff. Apply here: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/44107
Join us in making a beautiful holiday wreath from fresh and natural materials. We will supply all the materials, just come and enjoy a moment to take all the creativity and warmth of the season. Register HERE
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 7th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center.
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!
Tickets are $15/person (children 2 and under free).
Visit our website for more information: aub.ie/hohohohike
Come learn more about the AUsome Ampibians and Reptiles from Alabama and beyond. Participants will have the opportunity to see and touch these animals up close. This session will be led by Michelle Simpson and feature animals from the Auburn University Natural History Museum. Tickets are $5 online or at the door and available for purchase HERE.
The nightmares are coming back this year as visitors will enter the woods of haunted folktales and dreams. This after-hours event takes place October 25-26th with groups of 13 entering the woods from 7:30pm-10:30pm. Tickets are $12 each and recommended for people 13 and up. They can be purchased here.
If you are interested in volunteering for this event please do so HERE or you can email us at preserve@auburn.edu.
Come learn more about the AUsome Ampibians and Reptiles that are a part of our native Alabama ecosystem. Participants will have the opportunity to see and touch these animals up close. The presentation will be led by Dr. Wes Anderson of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and will begin with a visit from Aubie at 4:15pm Tickets are $5/person and can be purchased HERE at our Marketplace.
Come join us on the trails as the KPNC transforms into a magical place where animals and plants can talk and interact with their human friends for just three enchanted evenings, October 17-19th. Participants will embark on a guided journey through the woods where they will get to meet talking insects, mammals, and more and learn more about them and their home in the forest. Tours take between 40-50 minutes and depart every ten minutes between 5:30-7:00pm. Tickets are $10 each for participants 3 and older and s’mores are available for purchase to enjoy after the hike. Purchase your tickets here.