Stevens Creek Nature Center, at 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, North Carolina, is within Stevens Creek Nature Preserve.
The nature center features live native animals, two classrooms (including one rentable space), gift shop, and an exhibit hall with interactive exhibits. The exhibits focus on protecting water quality and include an augmented reality sand table, living stream with fish and turtles, and 5-foot tall model of the federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter mussel.
Environmental education and outdoor recreation staff offer public and private programming for all ages. Visitors can borrow loaner backpacks to take activities out on the trails or busy bags for smaller children to play with inside.
Events at Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve
Visit Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s activity search website for even more events. Some have fees. Keep in mind that for most of the events you need to call in advance or register online. Also check out the intended age range.
To register, find the event in Park and Recreation’s activity search website or call the phone number for the nature center. We provide links to register and for more information for each event, when available.
Here are just a very few of the upcoming events!
Birding at Stevens Creek
Thursdays, March 5, March 19, April 2, April 16, 2026
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+
Step out onto the trails as we explore the preserve and search the skies for our beloved winged friends. From the radiant Northern Cardinals to the majestic Red-shouldered Hawks, the list of potential sightings is endless. Along the way, work on identification techniques to help everyone become better birders. Open to all levels of bird watching; BYO binoculars or borrow a pair from the nature center.
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue Open House
Saturday, March 7, 2026
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free (no pre-registration)
All ages
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue is a nationally recognized wildlife rescue and animal sanctuary specializing in avian, reptile, and farm animal species. During this open house, meet some of their resident animals, participate in activities and crafts, and learn about opportunities for summer camps, volunteering and how you can help local wildlife.
Nature Nerds Walk & Talk
Monday, March 9, 2026
Monda, April 13, 2026
Monday, May 11, 2026
10 to 11:15 p.m.
Free (sign up at above link)
Ages 18+
Everyone can be the teacher and share their nerdy knowledge! From new nature facts to trivia of your favorite tv show, meet your fellow nerds out in nature for a Walk and Talk. Our Environmental Educator will lead you along our first trail loop to share fascinating science facts and open the discussion for new discoveries. New topics every month!
Adult/Senior Cards, Games and Puzzles (drop-in)
2nd Tuesday of month
2 to 4 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
Ages 18+
Bring a friend or make new ones at Stevens Creek’s new monthly drop-in time for social card games, board games and puzzles. They provide a variety of options but feel free to bring your own as well and teach everyone a new game! BYO snacks and beverages as desired.
Why All the Buzz for Buzzards?
Friday, March 13, 2026
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Vultures, commonly nicknamed “buzzards”, are celebrated internationally this week! Dubbed “natures clean-up crew”, these critically important animals help keep our environment clean and minimize spread of disease. Enjoy fun crafts and interactive activities that will help you appreciate these feathered friends.
St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Put your natural knowledge to the test – follow the Leprechaun’s clues to find the hidden treasure. Choose the short version to stay close to the center, or challenge yourself with the longer version on the trails. This self-guided activity requires only your brain and a sense of adventure. Start at the Nature Center to grab the clues and may the luck of the Irish be with you!
International Beaver Day
Saturday, April 4, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Free
Ages 4+
Simon says clap your hands. Simon says stomp your feet. Simon says slap your tail like a beaver! Discover how beavers use their tail and other unique physical adaptations to thrive as nature’s architects. Take a short stroll on accessible paths to spot beaver activity in the Preserve.
Notes: Registration required for ages 4+; pre-registration recommended but walk-ins take that day up to maximum of 20; children younger than 4 can tag along with older siblings/adult. Not a drop-off program; children must be accompanied by a registered & participating adult age 18+. This program takes place inside the fully accessible nature centers and on accessible trails in the Preserve; expect to travel approx. 1/3 mile total. This program takes place inside the fully accessible Nature Center and on accessible paths.
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Stevens Creek Nature Preserve and Center
15700 Thompson Road
Mint Hill, NC
