REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center’s Nurtured in Nature Series offers early-childhood, nature-based education for children and their parents from age 0 to 5. Each program is designed for specific developmental stages and works to integrate nature into the life of you and your child(ren) from the very beginning.

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The classes will be loosely structured with teachers guiding caregivers in ways to learn and connect with their babies and nature. The morning will start with a meet & greet and an introduction to our theme for the week. Then, the class will set out on a short walk together to explore the forest.

Nature Babies classes are held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 am and are free for everyone. Caregivers are welcome to wear their babies, carry them, or push them in a stroller.

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ENROLL NOW

Tree Tots is a nature-based-play class where children are encouraged to use their senses to explore their natural environment and learn together through play. Tree Tots builds on the nature-focused development children and caregivers experience with Nature Babies, but is also excellent for families new to the Nurtured in Nature Series.

Caregivers are a vital part of the Tree Tots experience, fostering their child’s curiosity and helping them explore the great outdoors. Classes are loosely structured with teachers functioning as guides; asking questions to encourage wonder and allowing our Tree Tots to make choices throughout our journey.

Classes will begin with “circle time,” where we will get to know one another with a welcome song and brief discussion. We’ll continue with story time, focusing on the week’s theme, before setting out to play and learn as we go. Tree Tots is connected to and builds the foundation for Forest Friends, the next step in nature-education at the KPNC.

Each season, Tree Tots participants may choose to meet on Thursdays or Sundays (or both) for six weeks (Summer session is four weeks). Children will learn about a different topic each week of the 6-week session.

2025 Tree Tots Schedule

Tree Tots is $60 per student for a season of 6 classes ($48 for members) (Individual classes are $12 each per student, when available). A discount of 10% is available for siblings living in the same household.

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ENROLL NOW

Forest Friends is an award-winning program offering unique, hands-on, nature-based education at the preschool level for children and their caregivers. This program is the third stage in the Nurtured in Nature Series, and whether you and your child have followed the entire series, or are just joining us for Forest Friends, the lessons learned here culminate in a meaningful and impactful connection to nature that will last the child’s life.

Each season, Forest Friends participants may choose to meet on Thursdays or Sundays (or both) for six weeks (Summer session is four weeks). Children will learn about a different topic each week of the 6-week session.

Forest Friends is $60 per student for a season of 6 classes ($48 for members) (Individual classes are $12 each per student, when available). A discount of 10% is available for siblings living in the same household.

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REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 3, 2025

Pond Pals provides the opportunity for early elementary students to learn and apply nature-based lessons and concepts that supplement their school curriculum. Students will 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!

Each season, Pond Pals meets four times on Saturdays, and students will learn about a different topic each week of the 4-week session.

2025 Pond Pals Schedule

Pond Pals is $40 per student for a season of 4 classes ($32 for members).

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All Nurtured in Nature Series classes will be held at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center unless otherwise noted. The nature center is located at 2222 N. College Street near the AU Fisheries and Hwy 280. For more information, visit auburn.edu/preserve, email preserve@auburn.edu, or call 334-844-8091.