Early Childhood Education at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center
Where Wonder Begins
At the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC), we believe that a lifelong love of nature begins in childhood. Our early childhood education programs are rooted in the understanding that the natural world is not just a backdrop for learning—it is the classroom itself. Through immersive, play-based experiences in the forest, children develop curiosity, resilience, empathy, and a deep connection to the environment that will guide them throughout their lives.
Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool
Our flagship program, the Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool, is a nationally recognized model for nature-based early education. Led by experienced educators and grounded in an emergent curriculum, the preschool fosters holistic development—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive—through daily exploration of the outdoors. Children learn to observe, question, and engage with the world around them, building foundational skills that prepare them for academic success and responsible citizenship.
A Mission-Driven Approach
KPNC’s early childhood initiatives are more than educational—they are transformational. Our programs are designed to:
- Cultivate environmental stewardship from the earliest years.
- Support whole-child development through nature immersion.
- Provide inclusive, accessible, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Serve as a living laboratory for Auburn University students and researchers in early childhood education, environmental science, and related fields.
A Lasting Impact
By nurturing a sense of wonder and belonging in nature, KPNC’s early childhood education programs lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and compassionate future. We invite you to explore, support, and grow with us as we continue to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders—one muddy boot and curious question at a time.
Nature Preschool
Nurtured in Nature
