Take an interpretive tour through the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center with a trained naturalist. Nature Walks offer excellent opportunities to socialize and learn, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. If you are new to the area or uneasy venturing out on your own, this is a great way to safely explore the outdoors while learning about the plants, wildlife, and ecology of our area. Guided Nature Walks feature a different topic each month chosen from a variety of seasonal themes. 2016 themes include:
January – Warm for the Winter: This month we will teach you how animals stay warm for the winter, what they eat, where they sleep as we hike out looking for birds and mammals who stayed for the winter.
February – Watersheds: This month we will learn all about state watersheds, river basins and our own Saugahatchee watershed!
March – Invasive Plant: We will investigate plants that have snuck into Alabama from other countries and why they are so detrimental to our ecosystems. We will enjoy a hike looking and pulling up any of these bad invasive plants and planting some good native plants!
April – Earth Day: Enjoy a walk on our wonderful earth learning all about the history of Earth Day and ways to take care of our favorite planet!
May – Native Americans: Learn about the Native American tribes of Alabama and the Muscogees (upper Creeks) that once lived at the preserve.
June – – No hike offered
July – Butterflies: Learn all about beautiful butterflies. Walk to our butterfly garden to observe butterflies in all stages of life cycle.
August – Carnivorous Plants: Learn all about the fascinating world of bogs and the incredibly adaptive plants that live there!
September – Honey Bees: This month learn all about these fascinating insects and taste some local honey- from our own hives. We will learn all about pollination and the waggle dance while out on our hike to see our bees.
October – Fall Foliage: Come and learn all about seasonal changes and the signs of fall!
November – White-tailed deer: Hikers will investigate the wonderful world of the white-tail deer.
December – Great Backyard Bird Count: We will teach you the common winter birds found in our part of the state, ways to attract birds to your yard, and bird watching tips. Learn about the Great Backyard Bird Count and become a citizen scientist to help researchers gain a clearer picture of bird populations with the data you gather in a fun activity the whole family can enjoy.
Walks are offered the second Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. No pre-registration is required. Canceled in the event of rain. Hikes are free to the public. Donations are welcomed. All hikes are offered at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn. The nature center is located 3 miles north of Toomer’s Corner. Traveling from the south, the KPNC entrance is on the right, just north of the AU Fisheries complex.