Sarah Crim
Sarah Crim has been serving others ever since she graduated from Auburn University. Holding both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in forestry from Auburn, she has been involved with helping students achieve academic greatness and opening doors to outdoor education for people of all ages.
A graduate of the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE), Crim began her career at the CFWE as director of student services.
“Through this position, I was able to work with undergraduate students as they progressed through their academic studies and help them decide on their career paths and professional journeys,” Crim said. “During this time, I also came to be in connection with the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center (KPNC) and served on the hiring committee for the KPNC’s first manager.”
To this day, Crim enjoys reminiscing about her educational experiences at the CFWE with faculty and staff, while also witnessing the next generation of undergraduates creating academic memories of their own.
“I love walking down the halls and seeing photos of my past, whether it be past professors or past practicum experiences, alongside photos of the present,” Crim said, “To see old traditions mixed with new and the growth of the college is truly heartwarming. I love getting to be a part of the college that gave me so much.”
As her family grew, so did her appreciation for outreach and outdoor education. She longed to provide the same experiences for her children as well as others in the community. Sprouting from this desire was Forest Friends, Crim’s first outdoor education program. Sixteen years later, this program is still going and helped give rise to the ever-popular Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool, which was established in 2019.
Today, Crim serves as education director of the KPNC and has helped exponentially grow the preserve’s education offerings and outreach initiatives
“I have been honored to be a part of the KPNC and its growth in the community,” Crim said. “It means so much to me to have been a part of so many people’s lives and adventures there.”
Crim says that, when she is not in the woods, she can normally be found spending time with her family around Auburn and Opelika, Alabama, or potentially on a run with friends. Outside of the Auburn community, Crim adds that she still has more national parks to cross off her list and more live music concerts to attend.
