Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is a nature preserve located in the state of Alabama.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The preserve is an excellent place to visit for those looking for a peaceful escape in nature. It is set on 120 acres of land, with a variety of hiking trails, nature walks, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

One of the top reasons to visit the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is to experience nature at its best. The preserve is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including hardwood forests, wetlands, and meadows. Visitors can explore the various habitats and observe unique wildlife such as whitetail deer, grey squirrels, and turkeys.

There are several points of interest within the preserve that visitors should not miss. One of the most notable attractions is the Kreher Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs for all ages. Other attractions include the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, the Wetlands Boardwalk, and the Lake Overlook Trail.

Interesting facts about the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve include its history as a former cotton plantation and its transformation into a nature preserve in the 1990s. The preserve is also home to several endangered and threatened plant species, including the Alabama leather flower, the glade fern, and the roughleaf loosestrife.

The best time of year to visit the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. However, the preserve is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different activities and wildlife viewing opportunities depending on the season.

Overall, the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, hikers, and families looking for an educational and fun-filled outdoor experience.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks