Run for Preservation by Christie Bradley Auburn local, Nick Holler, will be directing Auburn’s 10th annual Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve Trail Run, Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Forest Ecology Preserve. The 5k trail run takes place on the trails that run though forests on the Preserve, 120 acres that were donated in 1993 to Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. Holler, a 32-year runner, and his wife Margaret came up with the idea for a trail run 10 years ago as a way to introduce people to the Preserve and give runners a new experience, as there were no other trail runs at that time, Holler said. “The race is held in support of the Preserve, which is extremely important to both Margaret and me. The Preserve is one place in Auburn where families can go to experience nature relatively undisturbed with a degree of solitude,” Holler said. “It provides for the education of children and adults through interpretive and hands on experiences, thereby fostering an appreciation and understanding of our natural world,” he said. Holler is a retired Professor Emeritus in Biological Sciences and the former 13-year leader of the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, later Zoology and Wildlife Science. “It serves as an outdoor classroom available for schools and other groups to use for educational field trips or meetings," Holler said. "Each year a number of local elementary school classes come to the Preserve for programs. Most important to Margaret and me, the Preserve offers opportunities for children to experience the wonder of nature,” he said. All proceeds go to programs that support the Preserve. Auburn Running and Track Association provide support for the race each year, along with local sponsors. Nick and Margaret Holler, J & M Bookstore, East Alabama Medical Center, Auburn Bank, Creative Habits Landscaping, Franklin Tire and Auto, East Alabama Ear Nose and Throat, The Orthopedic Clinic Crown Trophy, Master Graphics and Kinnucans are this year’s local sponsors. Holler says, other upcoming races to get involved in around Auburn include the Toys for Tots 10K on December 4th, the Auburn Classic Half Marathon on January 22, 2011, and the Love Your Heart Run 10K on February 19th. The race will be held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, located on U.S. Highway
147, North College Street, north of Shug Jordan. The entrance is before Farmville Baptist Church. For those wanting to run the race, registration is Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.