Learning with Littles at the Ecology Preserve

It is no doubt that Auburn has so much to offer to our community, and there are so many hidden gems in our town on the plains. One of those gems is the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center.

The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center is a hidden diamond tucked in the woods up North College Street. It’s here that I like to take my little one to explore, hike, and play. Regardless of the age of your child, there’s something at the ecology preserve for everyone. 

While my one-and-a-half year old enjoys time at the playground, his favorite thing to do is to roam and explore throughout the woods. It’s here that he can safely run and soak up everything that nature has to offer. For him, leaves, sticks, bark, dirt, and bugs are all so fascinating, and it’s here that he gets to safely and easily explore those things. 

Recently we stumbled upon the sensory garden where children can smell, touch, see, hear, and taste different aspects of the garden. From the smell of rosemary to the sight of bright flowers to the feel of lambs ear, this sensory garden is perfect for little children. There’s a spot to sit and rest and take it all in, and the flower boxes are at an appropriate height for small children. It’s evident that a ton of detail went into this sensory garden nestled in the middle of the woods. 

There’s many other fun things to do at the nature center. The playground includes a treehouse with a small library where children can climb and grab a book, a sandpit, a spiderweb climbing rope, a lookout spot, and much more. Right outside of the playground are picnic tables perfect for lunch or a meeting in nature.  

The ecology preserve may just be my favorite spot in Auburn. I love taking my family hiking there and taking my son there to play. The shade from the trees makes being outside in the summer bearable, and the beautiful forest is breathtaking. 

It’s at the ecology preserve where I feel like we can be our best selves. Out in nature. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Surrounded by insects and birds and plants. 

It’s at the ecology preserve where I feel like my son has the room to truly develop and grow. It’s an amazing thing as a parent to see your son grow before your very eyes, and I see that here at the ecology preserve.   

The ecology preserve, I think, also helps us fulfill our role of being parents. As parents, we are the very first educators of our children. I think a lot of times we forget this fact. The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center makes my job as the educator of my children so much easier. While at the preserve my child is getting the opportunity to learn and explore and grow, all within the freedoms that nature provides. Isn’t this the dream of education?  

So, if you ask me, the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center is the place to go. From numerous scheduled programs to free drop-ins, everyone can find something to do and enjoy here. To check it out and learn more, head to www.wp.auburn.edu/preserve. 

For the love of nature, go check out the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center and let your child play in the dirt, get his hands dirty, and explore to his heart’s content.