A mother and her daughter enjoy a morning trail exploration at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center using a new all-terrain wheelchair.
The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center (KPNC) is expanding access to outdoor recreation through a recent Tier 1 Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, supporting the purchase of three all-terrain wheelchairs designed specifically for trail use.
Named in honor of Christopher Reeve, the foundation was established after he was paralyzed in an equestrian accident and is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals living with paralysis. The grant specifically supports initiatives that address the needs of these individuals of all ages, rather than accessibility more broadly, making this funding especially impactful for expanding inclusive opportunities at the KPNC.
Elizabeth Fritsch, development officer at the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE), assisted with the grant application. Fritsch’s hope with this project aligned with the KPNC’s commitment and desire to create accessible community spaces and outdoor experiences for all. The proposal satisfied the criteria of creating accessible community spaces, accessible trails and camp programming, with an added focus on increasing opportunities for individuals with mobility limitations to engage with nature and the outdoors.
“I believe the KPNC is also one of the many things that makes Auburn the Loveliest Village on the Plains,” Fritsch said. “We are lucky to receive this grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation because it allows us to maintain the true beauty of the Kreher Preserve while also making it more accessible to people with mobility challenges, especially for people with paralysis. We are always looking for ways to get people of all backgrounds out to the KPNC, and because of the foundation’s generosity, people who were not previously able to enjoy the property can now explore safely and efficiently.”
The new trail-rated wheelchairs open new access to outdoor recreation for people of all ages visiting the KPNC.
The all-terrain wheelchairs are designed to navigate uneven trails and natural landscapes, allowing users to access areas that are typically difficult to reach with standard mobility devices. Their addition will enhance the KPNC’s trail system and programming, supporting more inclusive participation across a range of outdoor activities.
“We are incredibly excited and deeply grateful for the donation of these trail‑ready wheelchairs which represent a meaningful step forward for the KPNC,” said Michael Buckman, KPNC manager. “This generous gift opens our trails and natural spaces to visitors who previously faced barriers to access, allowing more people to experience nature firsthand. It directly advances our commitment to inclusivity by ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility, can connect with, learn from and enjoy the Preserve.”
The addition of these unique resources reflects a broader effort to expand access to natural spaces and environmental education. By prioritizing accessibility in outdoor settings, the KPNC is helping ensure that individuals of all abilities can experience the benefits of time spent in nature. The new wheelchairs will be incorporated into KPNC programming soon and made available for community use.
