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.
Carolina Raptor Center, a neighbor in Latta Nature Preserve, is moving its operations to Quest. Raptor programs are started to take place at Quest.
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, find the event in Park and Recreation’s activity search website or call the phone number for the nature center.
Family Creek Crawl
Saturday, May 14th, 2022
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free Ages 4 and up
Feel the cool water between your toes! Listen to the creek as it speeds past riffles! Watch as dragonflies zip through the rushes! In this family friendly program, “use you senses” to explore the above and below the surface of Stevens Creek.
Notes: Pre-registration required for all participants (adult and child alike) 3 days before start of program; can register as a group. Dress for the weather and to get wet; wear closed-toed shoes that will stay on your feet (old sneakers with socks are best) and bring a full change of clothes; bring a water bottle and snacks as desired.
Secrets of the Shell — World Turtle Day
Sunday, May 22nd, 2022
1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ages 9 and up
Have you ever wondered what secrets turtles are hiding under their shells? Well, wonder no more – our investigations have brought these mysteries to light and we’re eager to share. This family-friendly program includes the chance to interview some of these enigmatic creatures yourself. Happy World Turtle Day!
Notes: Pre-registration required 3 days before start of program; register as a group including everyone ages 7+. Not a drop-off program; an adult must attend with children under the age of 16.
Raptor Rescue Explained — The Basics
Thursday, May 26th, 2022
7 to 8 p.m.
Quest
Free
National Composting Day
Saturday, May 28th, 2022
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ages 7 and up
Home composting has many benefits and can be so simple. Explore our vermicomposting system (that means worms!) and leave with your own countertop compost bin. Feel the satisfaction of making something yourself and taking one step towards a zero-waste lifestyle. One compost bin per registration; see additional registration details below.
Notes: Pre-registration required 3 days before start of program; register for total number of compost bins you’d like to take home (minimum 1 per group; maximum 1 per person attending). An adult must participate with children under age 16.
Community Nature Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, May 29th, 2022
1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free
World Otter Day
Sunday, May 29th, 2022
1 to 2 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ages 4 and up
Can you smell underwater? Otters can! Are you waterproof? Otters are! Float down to Stevens Creek to discover these and other adaptations that make River Otters so awesome (as well as adorable). After a short presentation, get up and moving with interactive activities. Bring the whole family – adults and kids ‘otter’ not miss out.
Notes: Pre-registration required 3 days in advance; register total number of people ages 4+ in your group.
Nature Hike and Fire
Thursday, June 2nd, 2022
7 to 9 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Ages 14 and up
National Trails Day Family Hike
Saturday, June 4th, 2022
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Ages 5 and up
Raptor Connection
Thursday, June 9th, 2022
2 to 3 p.m.
Quest
Free
Conversation Conversations: Avian Influenza
Thursday, June 16th, 2022
7 to 8 p.m.
Quest
Free
Reedy Creek Reptiles
Saturday, June 18th, 2022
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Raptor Rescue Explained — Up Close & Personal
Thursday, June 23rd, 2022
7 to 8 p.m.
Quest
Free
Plastic Bag Free Day Drop-In Craft
Saturday, July 9th, 2022
1 to 4 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free All ages
Let’s create better shopping habits this summer. Drop in this ‘Plastic Bag Free Day’ to decorate a totes cute tote bag. While it dries, enjoy a walk on our trails or explore the nature center, all for free. Pre-register or drop in while supplies last.
Pollinator Prowl
Sunday, July 10th, 2022
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
World Snake Day
Sunday, July 17th, 2022
2 to 3 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ages 4 and up
Slither your way to the truth about the misunderstood and underappreciated snakes. Meet live native snakes, test your knowledge about snake facts, and gain a new preceptive for these beneficial predators. By the end, you’ll be thanking snakes for your pizza…
Notes: Pre-registration required; online up to 3 days in advance or call 980-314-2526 ext. 0 if less than that. Register total number of adults and children ages 4+ in your group.
Sweep-netting in the Prairie
Saturday, August 6th, 2022
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m
Stevens Creek
Free (drop-in)
Ages 4+
A world of insects is hidden the tall grasses at Stevens Creek. Butterflies, grasshoppers, ladybugs, crickets…what will you catch in your net? Start in the nature center to grab your supplies, then head out into the prairie to sweep for bugs of every shape and size. Bring your critters back to identify and investigate under the microscope.
Notes: Pre-register or drop in; if registering, include total number of participants ages 4+. Insect repellant and light weight long pants/long sleeves are recommended for your safety.
Up Close with Microscopes
Saturday, July 16th, 2022
Saturday, August 13th, 2022
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ages 4-17
Everyday objects become fantastical when viewed up close through a microscope. Test your identifying skills with a warm-up ‘mystery item’ game. Then combine science with art as you collect natural items, examine and draw them under different magnification.
Notes: Pre-registration recommended; drop-ins taken that morning up to the maximum 15 participants. Register each child ages 4-17; adult participation required but do not register.
World Lizard Day
Sunday, August 14th, 2022
2 to 3 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ages 4 and up
Grab a friend or two or even three as we dive into the unique world of lizards. Meet live lizards, learn how and why they detach and regrow their tails, plus create your own lizard craft to take home. It’s scaley fun for the whole family.
Notes: Pre-registration required; online up to 3 days in advance or call 980-314-2526 ext. 0 if less than that. Register total number of adults and children ages 4+ in your group.
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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:Monday, June 27, 2022
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Wednesday, June 29, 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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