BY WIL CREWS
SPORTSCREWS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center in Auburn is providing a number of programs and events this fall and winter.
The 120-acre nature sanctuary, located at 2222 North College St., has a mission to promote a sense of stewardship towards nature through quality environmental education, recreation and outreach programs.
It is with these fall and winter programs that Kreher hopes to achieve just that. The following is a list of events, with appeal to people of all ages, that are taking place at the nature center in the upcoming months.
NATURE BABIES:
“Nature Babies is designed to encourage caregivers to take their babies out into the natural world — a world that provides endless ways to interact with your little one; from traversing trails together, feeling the textures of the leaves, playing peek-a-boo with trees and more more,” reads a press release from Kreher. “Classes will be loosely structures with teachers guiding caregivers in ways to learn and connect with their babies and nature.”
Nature Babies is for children up to 2 years old and meets every Wednesday from Oct. 6 to Feb. 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The class is free to members and $5 for non-members. For more information, visit: www.aub.ie/naturebabies.
DISCOVERY HIKES & NATURE WALKS:
“Family Discovery Hikes and Nature Walks are monthly guided hikes through the Kreher forest,” reads a release from Kreher. “Family Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Nature Walks are for adults only and offer opportunities to socialize, learn and just relax and decompress in the quiet, peaceful forest.”
Each month offers a different theme. Discovery Hikes and Nature Walks are free, but donations are welcomed. The events will be rescheduled in the event of rain, so watch for Facebook updates on their page.
Upcoming Themes:
– Fall Wildflowers
– White-tailed Deer
– Attracting Wildlife
– Brumation and Burrows
– Hiking for Health
AUSOME AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES SHOW:
“Join the KPNC educators for a one-hour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond,” reads a press release from Kreher. “Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining, hands-on program with live animals.”
Admission is $5 per person ($4 for members); children ages 3 and under are free. Pre-registration is not required.
The next AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles Show takes place on Oct. 29 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
IN THE GARDEN WITH CYNDI:
The Observer already has a detailed breakdown of these events, here: www.opelikaobserver.com/learn-to-garden-at-kpnc/.
HALLOWEEN ENCHANTED FOREST:
“Experience the trails like you’ve never seen them before, enchanted with forest creatures who are ready to tell you about their life in the Kreher woods,” reads a Kreher press release. “Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy some early Halloween fun! Pumpkin bowling, a campfire, fortune telling, and face painting will be available! S’mores kits and drinks will be available for purchase.”
Tickets are $10 per person; children 2 and under are free. The event will be cancelled or postponed in the event of rain – so watch out for Facebook updates.
This event will take place on Oct. 21, 22 and 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at KNPC.
FALL CAMP:
Kreher offers a fall camp for children in grades one through six.
“Campers will join the KPNC naturalists outside, exploring our natural world and wildlife communities and discovering new adventures all around us,” reads a Kreher press release. “Snacks will be provided; children should bring their lunch and a refillable water bottle.”
Fall Camps are $50 per camper per day, with a 10% discount for siblings living in the same residence.
Fall Camp at KNCP is happening on Oct. 11, Oct. 18 and Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the website to learn more: www.aub.ie/fallcamp.
NATURE ART SERIES:
– Leaf Painting: On Nov. 13 at KNCP, local artist Heather Jackson teams up with the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to bring you this art workshop series for all ages. Each workshop has a nature theme and will explore beautiful and interesting art techniques. As Jackson says, “Art is for everyone – no art experience needed.” Visit the website for more information: www.aub.ie/natureart.
– Holiday Nature Ornament: Jackson teams up with the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center again on Dec. 11.
HOHOHO HIKE:
“This year’s HoHoHo Hike has a new twist,” reads a Kreher press release. “Hikers will visit stations along a well-marked trail to pick up and learn a little about some of nature’s beautiful treasures. Hikers will use these items to create beautiful, custom nature frames for holiday photos. A fun holiday photo opportunity will be set up in the Nature Playground for you to take a family photo. Children will be able to wave at Santa who will be safely nestled in his tree house workshop!”
The event takes place Dec. 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Admission is $5 ($4 for members); children 2 and under are free. Preregistration is recommended but not required. Rescheduled in the event of rain. Visit the KPNC website to learn more: https://aub.ie/hohohohike.
A HOLIDAY WALK IN THE WOODS:
A walking tour through the piney winter woods with lights, decoration and songs by local talent at stations along the trail. All performances will be family-friendly and highlight the diverse traditions and culture of our community. The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will offer a trail stop with woodsy holiday art activities. Additionally, walks will have special surprises and songs for the kids. Details about timed entries and tickets at www.auburnact.org starting Dec. 1. The Holiday Walk in the Woods will take place Dec. 17 and 18 with time still to be determined.
CAMPFIRE COOKING I:
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! Visit our website for more information: www.aub.ie/campfirecooking. Campfire Cooking I is scheduled for Jan. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m.