The Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building (FWE) houses administrative offices and state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms for teaching and research. Its nature-inspired interiors and outdoor gathering spaces, situated amongst a beautifully wooded landscape, provide a warm and inviting workspace that fosters an inspiring environment for faculty, staff and students.
Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building
Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center
The Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center (SDFEC), or the Dixon Center, was established with a gift to Auburn University from Solon and Martha Dixon, residents of Andalusia, Alabama. Solon Dixon’s love of natural resources, Auburn University, and young people created a vision that became reality in 1978 with his donation of 5,350 acres, the Dixon family home and funds to construct facilities on the property. Eighty additional acres were later added, bringing the total to 5,430 acres.
Kreher Preserve and Nature Center
In 1993, Dr. Louise Kreher Turner and her husband, Frank Allan Turner, donated 119 acres of forest land to Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. As Auburn and the surrounding areas continued to grow, the Turners wanted to see their land remain an intact nature preserve and become a source of environmental education where “students” of all ages could study, learn, appreciate and enjoy the natural world. Today, it is known as the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center (KPNC).
Crooked Oaks
Auburn’s legendary football coach, Pat Dye, developed Crooked Oaks as his homestead and a place where visitors could relax and enjoy the outdoors. Located in Notasulga, the 415-acre property includes Dye’s former home, guest cabins, lodge, pavilion, multiple gardens and gazebo that are open and ready to accommodate everyone from gameday fans to brides and grooms. During Coach’s life, Crooked Oaks became a beloved part of him, where he enjoyed the wonderful people he met and the great friends he made. The guests who returned year after year became a treasured part of his extended family. Now bequeathed to Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, the Auburn Family is proud to continue Pat Dye’s tradition of Southern hospitality.
Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest
Located along Moore’s Mill Road just east of Auburn, Alabama, the Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest (MOT) is a 400-acre living classroom dedicated to showcasing practical forest and wildlife management for private landowners. Through the generosity of Mary Olive Thomas, the forest has supported Extension outreach and Auburn forestry education since 1977, providing a place where landowners, students and natural resource professionals can see sustainable management practices in action. Today, the forest continues to reflect Thomas’ vision by demonstrating techniques that enhance forest health, wildlife habitat and long-term stewardship of Alabama’s working lands.
