NEW DEBUT: Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve to open Sensory Forest

Auburn University’s Nature Preserve, Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, plans to hold the grand opening for East Alabama’s first Sensory Forest on Saturday, April 2 from 10AM-3PM. Here’s all you need to know.

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

Covering 120 acres at N College St, Auburn, AL 36830, Kreher Preserve and Nature Center (KPNC) is Auburn’s nature preserve cultivating environmental education and conservation.

Dr. Louise Kreher Turner along with her husband, Frank Allan Turner, donated the land to Auburn University’s Forestry and Wildlife Sciences in 1993. The founders hoped the preserve would grow into a place where everyone could learn about and appreciate the natural world.

Teaming up with ATLC

Teaming up with Auburn’s Therapy and Learning Center, the preserve is creating a natural learning space aimed at engaging all of the seven senses. They plan to create an experience stimulating the senses and producing growth in development. This all-inclusive experience is a game changer for the development of all types of community members.

The Forest

What will this Sensory Forest entail? Along with being ADA accessible, the forest features sensory therapy and natural experiences targeting sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste, movement and body awareness. Here’s what you can discover within the forest:

• Proprioception tools
• Sensory sanctuary
• Sensory garden
• Sight search
• Sound activities
• Touch path
• Vertical smell, touch and taste planters

Get Involved

Whether it be through sponsorship or donations, there are many ways to get involved at the nature preserve. Along with the Sensory Forest, Kreher is bringing to life a Learning Trail and Environmental Education Building serving as a center for relaxation, education and connection with nature as well as each other.

Check out more events they have on the horizon here.

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