Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

http://www.wsfa.com/story/37462294/auburn-university-nature-center-added-to-alabama-birding-trails

The Alabama Birding Trails has announced that Auburn University’s Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, informally known as the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, will be designated as an Alabama Birding Trail location as part of the regional Piedmont Valley Birding Trail.

Approximately 80 different bird species can be found on the property throughout the year, including the belted kingfisher, Mississippi kite and indigo bunting. The preserve habitat hosts migratory birds in the spring such as warblers, vireos, tanagers and orioles. Fall and wintering birds such as nuthatches, kinglets and woodpeckers are frequently observed.

Visitors to the Kreher Preserve are also able to observe various species of raptors including hawks, owls and vultures. Nesting bald eagles are present on nearby properties and are frequently observed flying into and over the preserve.

“The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center is enjoyed by the university community as well as thousands of locals and visitors every year,” said Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. “We hope that by adding it to the Alabama Birding Trail even more families will be exposed to the opportunity to enjoy this unique discovery center with its miles of beautiful trails, natural habitats and educational programs.”

Preliminary findings from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation estimates that in 2016, more than 101 million Americans—nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population—participates in some form of fishing, hunting or other wildlife-associated recreation such as birdwatching or outdoor photography.

“The economic impact of outdoor and wildlife-related recreation is a boom for the U.S. economy representing nearly 1 percent of the gross domestic product,” said John Wild, president of the Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau.

“With the addition of the Kreher Preserve and the Lee County Fishing Lake to the growing list of birding sites in Lee County, including the Wood Duck Preserve and Chewacla State Park, we anticipate the new designations will draw more people to the Auburn/Opelika area who will also visit our hotels, enjoy meals in restaurants and make retail purchases while they are here.”

The Alabama Birding Trails is a partnership of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development and the Birmingham Audubon Society. It highlights many of the birds found in Alabama and encourages economic development through a tourism-based model.

More information about Alabama Birding Trails can be found online.

-Written by: Jamie Anderson

We are sad to announce that we will be postponing fire on the Plains due to the rainy forecast. We are planning to reschedule for later in the spring. So, check back for a reschedule date.

Join us at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center on Saturday, February 10th from 10 am-1 pm for “Fire on the Plains!”. There is no charge for this interactive, all-ages, educational program that will explore how fire shapes the natural landscape of the forest. Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Extension faculty, Fire Ecology Experts and the Alabama Forestry Commission will assist with prescribed fire demonstrations teaching how good fires can help prevent bad fires from occurring. Guests will be able to assist with the prescribed burns (weather permitting).

Fun and educational activities will also be available at our longleaf pine ecosystem including a longleaf game for the children. The Auburn Fire Department will be available to answer any questions you have about fire safety and to explore their truck and equipment. Smokey the Bear will teach us how to prevent wildfires and have a safe camp fire.

Camp fire demonstrations will be available for participants at our amphitheater with music from the Fireside Pickers. Hot cocoa, coffee and s’mores kits will be available for purchase along with Firetruck Bar-B-Que’s food firetruck for lunch purchase.
FIRE ON THE PLAINS

The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center is excited to once again offer Spring Break Camps for the children in our community. There will be two Spring Break camps this year, one will be held on March 12, 13, and 14th and the second on March 19,20, 21st. Both camps will be from 8:00am-3:00pm for 1st-6th graders with the theme being, Nature Getaway. Registration for these events begins on January 22nd. Check our interactive calendar for more details.