Leaping Leprechauns at Reedy Creek Park (and more free events at Mecklenburg County Nature Centers)

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains three nature centers, Reedy Creek, Latta Plantation and McDowell. The nature centers provide an excellent introduction to the wildlife and plant life of the area. In addition, they also host festivals, workshops, nature hikes, campfire and more events, many of which are free.

Scroll down for a list of upcoming list events.

Each of these nature centers is on a nature preserve with its own unique character and features. Read on to learn a little bit about each one, and scroll down to see some of the upcoming free events at the nature centers. A good way to find out about the nature centers’ upcoming events and news is to follow Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers on Facebook.

The nature centers are free to visit.

Reedy Creek Nature Center

Reedy Creek Nature Center
2900 Rocky River Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215
Northeastern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1119
Mon – Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The nature center features live, native animals, an exhibit hall, a classroom, and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens, and a demonstration compost area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for several nature preserve trails.

Fishing is available at the two ponds. Those age 16 and older need fishing licenses.

There’s a natural playground outside the nature center and ten miles of marked trails. One highlight of the trails is the Robinson Rock House. The ruins of the circa 1790 home is a popular destination of hikers. (The hike is short and easy enough for small children.

Adjacent to the nature preserve (it shares an entrance) is Reedy Creek Park, which includes two playgrounds, a dog park, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pit, a community garden, softball and soccer fields, picnic shelters and more.

Latta Plantation Nature Center

Latta Plantation Nature Center
6211 Sample Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078
Northern Mecklenburg County
704-875-1391
Mon – Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Nature Center features live, native animals, a discovery hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens, garden pond, and demonstration compost area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for several nature preserve trails.

Latta Plantation is a gateway to Mountain Island Lake and provides a perfect place to launch kayaks onto Gar Creek and Mountain Island Lake, including an ADA accessible ramp. There are many places to fish. Those 16 and older need a North Carolina fishing license.

The preserve includes 16 miles of trails, and is the only only public Mecklenburg County property open to horseback riding, with 13 miles of those trails designated as horseback and hiking trails. The remaining three are just for hiking.

One section of trails has become known as a year-long site for fairy houses and is a fun place to explore with young children. One of the most popular events is the annual Fairy House Festival in February.

Also of interest, adjacent to the nature preserve (same entrance from Sample Road) is Historic Latta Plantation, a living history attraction, and Carolina Raptor Center, a rehabilitation center for injured birds of prey, as well as an education center where the community can learn about these birds.

McDowell Nature Center

McDowell Nature Center

15222 South York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Southwestern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1128
Mon – Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Campground: 980-314-2267

The Nature Center features live native animals, a discovery hall, and a gift shop. Visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the Ozone Garden or the demonstration compost area, or enjoy a natural play area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for miles of hiking trails.

The nature preserve includes seven miles of hiking trails, boat ramps and fishing docks. Those age 16 and older need a North Carolina fishing license.

On the property is also McDowell Campground, which offers 56 reservable campsites, including primitive sites, RV sites with full hookups, and rent-a-tent sites. Camping is also available on the adjacent Copperhead Island.

Other Nature Preserves

There are additional nature preserves that do not have nature centers. You can find a list of them here.

One of them, in Ballantyne, is Big Rock Nature Preserve. The video at the top of this post gives you a feel for how big those rocks are!

Upcoming free events at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers and Preserves

Visit the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers’ Facebook page to see even more events. Some have fees. Keep in mind that for most of the events you need to call in advance and register. Also check out the intended age range. To register, follow the link for the event.

 

Reptile Encounters
Sunday, March 17th, 2019
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Latta
Free

Meet some of the nature center’s resident reptiles up close during one of these live animal shows. No Registration Required. All Ages

Leaping Leprechauns
Sunday, March 17th, 2019
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Leprechauns have been seen all over Reedy Creek! They have found our biggest treasure… the wildlife! If you can catch one then maybe he will share his secrets on where to find the wildlife! How many can you find? Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 4 and up

Spring Equinox and Full Moon Celebration
Wednesday, March 20th, 2019
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

The energy is going to be on fire this year as the Spring Equinox is accompanied by a Full Moon. Celebrate this special time with a walk on the trails, campfire and nature connecting activities. Must call 980-314-1119 to register
All Ages

Spring Family Fun Hike
Sunday, March 24th, 2019
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Latta
Free

Investigate the early signs of spring by taking a walk through the trails of the nature preserve. Explore nature by observing budding trees and flowers and identifying wildlife that call the nature preserve their home. All ages

Owlet Nature Play Dates
Monday, March 18th, 2019, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Monday, March 25th, 2019, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Monday, April 1st, 2019, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Monday, April 8th, 2019, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Monday, April 15th, 2019, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Monday, April 22nd, 2019, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Monday, April 29th, 2019, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Welcome all families! Get reconnected to nature, one another, and witness the wonder of child-led play and self-discovery. Every month will be a new theme and each day will be filled with hands-on experiences, nature hikes, songs and stories, and free play. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 3 to 6

Nurtured by Nature
Saturday, April 6th, 2019
2 p.m. to 4 .m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Curious about how nature can contribute to your health and wellness? There is evidence that time spent in nature has many benefits which include decreased stress and a boost in your mood. This will be a low-key class which may include slow/meditative walking through the woods, pausing for observation, breathwork, inspirational readings/storytelling, meditation and journaling. Each monthly class will be different. Come get well in the woods! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 16 and up

Fit in Nature
Thursday, April 11th, 2019
6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Also: Thursday, April 25th, 2019, 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Attain wellbeing both physically and mentally in the great outdoors! Allow yourself to have fun while connecting with nature during this fitness class. All levels welcome as we work at our own pace. Class includes trail walking with strength exercises and lots of laughter along the way. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 16 and up

Spring Mandala
Sunday, April 14th, 2019
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Oh the renewal of spring! Renew your spirit by creating a mandala from nature! This is a wonderful way to slow down and appreciate nature. Mandalas are artistic creations of repeating patterns within a circle. They are much easier to create than you might think! We will be creating one using items found in nature to commemorate the spring season! If you have some flowers or even petals lying around then bring them along! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 4 and up

Full Moon Hike
Friday, April 19th, 2019
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Immerse yourself in the magic of a Full Moon in the Nature Preserve. We will open ourselves to this energy as we explore the trails after hours. All ages welcome but must be able to walk up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
All ages

Stream Restoration Tour
Saturday, April 20th, 2019
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

The trails have been closed for months on end due to a massive stream restoration project. It is now done and most of the trails are reopened! Discover the history of the streams and what happened to lead up to the damage. Explore the restoration techniques using our stream table model. We will then go on a walk to see parts of the stream that didn’t need to be restored so you can see what a healthy stream looks like. We will then venture to see new parts of the stream and visualize what it may look like in 10 years! This project is extremely exciting because it is one of the few stream restorations of its size and scope. It has the potential to educate generations on the importance of streams to the ecosystem! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 12 and up