Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains several nature centers, Reedy Creek, Quest at Latta Preserve, McDowell and Stevens Creek. 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.
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.
Quest at Latta Nature Preserve
Quest
6345 Sample Road, Huntersville
Northern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1129
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Quest is a brand new destination for outdoor recreation and environmental education in North Mecklenburg County. Nestled inside the Latta Nature Preserve, Quest is the place to go to learn, play and explore the wonders of water, woods, and wildlife. Carolina Raptor Center will also be joining this facility soon.
Latta 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.
Stevens Creek Nature Center
Stevens Creek Nature Center
15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
980-314-2526
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Within the preserve, visitors can observe nature in action along 3 miles of natural-surface hiking trails. The path to the pedestrian bridge over the recently-restored Stevens Creek is fully accessible. Self-interpretive trail maps are available for the trails.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Reedy Creek Nature Center
2900 Rocky River Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215
Northeastern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1119
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 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.
McDowell Nature Center
McDowell Nature Center
15222 South York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Southwestern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1128
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 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 in order to fish.
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.
We took a special look at a few of these nature preserves, including videos and lots of pictures. Click on the links below to see them.
Upcoming free and cheap events at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers and Preserves
This is not a complete list of events at the nature centers and preserves.
Visit the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers’ Facebook page or 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 and register. Also check out the intended age range. To register, follow the link for the event or call the phone number for the nature center.
Hike For Your Health
Tuesdays through the January 25th, 2022, except for December 28th
Register here for sessions
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Age 5+
Get outside, get moving, get healthy! Fresh air, sunshine, beautiful surroundings and wonderful people are included! This is a medium to fast pace walk. Adult participation required if under 18.
Saturday Crafternoon
Saturday, November 20th, 2021
Saturday, January 22nd, 2022
2 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Free Age 4+
Register here for sessions
Mid-Week Hike for your Health
Wednesdays, November 24th to January 26th, 2022
9 to 10:30 a.m.
McDowell
Free
Register here
Adult Trail Trekkers
January 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 2022
1 to 2:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free
Register here
Babies in Backpack Walking Group
First Wednesday of month, scheduled through May 4th, 2022
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Register here
Owl Prowl
January 15th, 2022
7 to 8:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free
Register here
Search in the dark for these nocturnal wonders of the sky – owls! Learn all about the role owls play in the ecosystem, how to identify owl calls, and make your own to attract them. The program will begin with a brief lecture-style introduction on owls while the remaining portion will be on our trails. No walk-ins accepted.
Winter Family Hike
Saturday, January 15th, 2022
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Quest
Free
Register here
Family Night Hike
January 15th, 2022
January 29th, 2022
6 to 8 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Register here
S’more Family Time
Friday, January 21st, 2022
4 to 6 p.m.
Quest
Free
Register here
Bring a chair or picnic blanket and curl up by the campfire as we roast marshmallows, hang out with friends, and warm away those winter blues! Marshmallows and roasting sticks provided. Feel free to bring your own s’mores materials for the marshmallows!
Lunar New Year Celebration
Tuesday, February 1st, 2022
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Register here
2022 brings the Year of the Tiger! Celebrate next to a roaring fire (get it?) under the stars. Explore the folklore and traditions of Lunar New Year with family-friendly activities.
Black History Nature Series – Black in National Parks
Saturday, February 5th, 2022
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Register here
Did you know that Blacks make up less than 2% of National Parks visitors? Kick off Black History Month as we dive into the history of African-Americans within the National Park System and their major contributions to those outdoor spaces. This lively discussion-style presentation is best suited for ages 10 and up.
Family Campfire
Saturday, February 5th, 2022
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Register here
Bring the family to Stevens Creek Nature Center for relaxing fun around the campfire. Enjoy games, s’mores, and the great outdoors.
Full Moon Hikes
Wednesday, February 16th, 2022 (Snow Moon) — 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Friday, March 18th, 2022 (Worm Moon) – 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Register here
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
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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. In addition, we can not guarantee that all events adhere to the safety measures that are necessary at this time, so we encourage you to ask any questions of the organizer, to make your best decision, and to stay safe.
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area -- both virtual and in-person
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Monday, January 24, 2022
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve
2900 Rocky River Road
Charlotte, NC 980-314-1119
Stevens Creek Nature Preserve and Center
15700 Thompson Road
Mint Hill, NC
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