Fun in February: Art, Cooking, and Bears, Oh My!

February brings a lot of fun events and programs to the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center! We would love for you to come join us for one or all of these offerings! Tickets for each can be purchased on our Marketplace

Saturday, Feb 18 at 10:00am Science on Saturday’s BEARS with Dr. Todd Steury.

The black bear is the Alabama State mammal. And yet, the most recent estimates suggest that we may only have as many as 300 of these animals in the state. In this talk, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology Todd Steury will describe the almost 10 years of research his lab at Auburn University has done to understand why we don’t have more individuals of the species in the state. The presentation will include information on the techniques they have used to study bears, their research findings so far, and their plans for future research. 

Monday, Feb 20th from 1:00-3:00 Family Art Fun: Drawing

We will be practicing our drawing skills and learning techniques through nature and natural elements. There will be guided instruction and then you will be given an opportunity to practice the skills we have learned with feedback. The class will include a 30-minute hike for inspiration.

Saturday, Feb 25th from 2:00-4:00pm Campfire Cooking: Desserts

Join this fun, casual cooking class that explores tips, tricks, and recipes for cooking over an open fire.  Cyndi Czerkawski (In The Garden instructor) takes a farm-to-table approach to campfire cooking using fresh, local ingredients.  Whether you are experienced or you are new to open fire techniques, you are bound to get something new out of this class, not to mention the great food!

In our second workshop, we will explore the sweeter side of campfire cooking with a concentration on desserts.

Campfire Cooking

Saturday, February 4th (Soups and Snacks) and Saturday, February 25 (Desserts)

Join our resident chef, Cyndi Czerkawski, as she gives tips and tricks to how to cook a superb meal over the campfire. Both programs will be from 2:00-4:00pm, February 4th will focus on soups and snacks and February 25th will be desserts! Tickets are $20 per person and are available on our Marketplace. Meet at the main pavilion! More information here

Science on Saturday: Bird-Friendly Coffee

January 28, 2023 with Dr. Jonathon Valente

Protecting biodiversity while sustaining agricultural production for a growing human population is one of the greatest challenges society faces. Navigating this clash of priorities is particularly difficult in tropical regions that tend to support a rich pool of native species but also high rates of human poverty. On January 28, Dr. Jonathon Valente, a federal scientist with the USGS and assistant professor at Auburn University, will discuss his research on the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia, one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet, but also home to millions of coffee farmers and their families. In collaboration with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Dr. Valente is studying how tropical birds use forests and coffee farms in the region. Through this work, he is helping to improve the Smithsonian’s Bird-Friendly Coffee certification program which promotes biodiversity and economic stability by rewarding farmers for using wildlife-friendly farming practices. 

Tickets are $5 ($4 for members) https://secure.touchnet.net/C20021_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=5070

The KPNC Celebrates 30 Years!

2023 is the 30th anniversary year for the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, and we invite you to celebrate with us all year!!! We will be hosting anniversary events each season, along with a myriad of fun and exciting activities as we look back at the first 30 years of the KPNC, and as we look forward to what the next 30 years will bring!

Join our newsletter to keep up with all the fun!

And follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We will be posting every Monday and Thursday throughout the entire year, highlighting some of our favorite plants and animals at the KPNC, along with its natural history, human history, and the incredible programming and resources that the KPNC brings to our community.

We look forward to celebrating with you!!

Ho Ho Ho Hike and Holiday Celebration December 3, 10:00am

TICKETS on SALE November 7 at 8:00am

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 Ho Ho Ho Hike and Holiday Celebration. Children of all ages are invited to this holiday celebration on Saturday, December 3rd from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. Children are required to be accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Children 23 months and younger are FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket.

The cost is $15/person for participants 24 months (2 years) and older. Make sure to purchase your tickets early, because this event sells out fast! 

Tickets for this event will go on sale Monday, November 7th at 8:00am online through the KPNC Marketplace.

Visitors will engage on a “Santa-hunt” through the woods so wear comfortable walking shoes. In addition, the event will include nature-themed crafts, performances and cookies and hot chocolate. There will also be a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus!

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The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center offers a variety of opportunities in the Auburn area to experience both visual and performing arts, entertain and develop new ideas, cultivate new talent and provide ways for the community to come together. There are classes and workshops for all ages, art exhibits shown in the center’s gallery, community theatre programs and special events held throughout the year. To learn more about the Arts Center, you can visit www.auburnalabama.org/arts.

AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles Oct. 28th at 4:30pm

AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles returns this coming Friday, October 28th at 4:30pm with special guest, Aubie. Join Kayla Wilson, resident herpetologist and naturalist, for this one-hour presentation about the awesome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond! Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining, hands-on program with live animals. Admission is $5 ($4 for members); children 3 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased here