Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains three nature centers, Reedy Creek, Latta and McDowell. Steven’s Creek Nature Center is opening soon, but is already hosting some activities (see below.) 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.
Many of the events in this post have been canceled. Please check back soon for updates.
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
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 Nature Center
Latta Nature Center
6211 Sample Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078
Northern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1129
Mon – Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Update: Latta Nature Center is closed as they transition to Quest. (See below.)
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 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.
Quest
6345 Sample Road, Huntersville
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, in partnership with Carolina Raptor Center, is building a brand new destination for outdoor recreation and environmental education in North Mecklenburg County. Nestled inside the Latta Nature Preserve, “QUEST,” scheduled to open in early Spring 2020, will be the place to go to learn, play and explore the wonders of water, woods, and wildlife.
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.
Steven’s Creek Nature Center
15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
980-314-2526
Mecklenburg County’s newest nature center will be coming to Steven’s Creek Nature Preserve. Although it’s not open yet, it will be hosting some activities, mostly outside. See some of them below.
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
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 or call the phone number for the nature center.
Hike For Your Health
Tuesday, January 12th, 2021
Tuesday, January 19th, 2021
Tuesday, January 26th, 2021
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021
Tuesday, February 9th, 2021
Tuesday, February 16th, 2021
5 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Get outside, get moving and get healthy! Enjoy fresh air, sunshine and beautiful surroundings with like-minded people. Ages 12 and up
Nurtured by Nature
Saturday, December 19th, 2020
Saturday, January 16th, 2021
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
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. December program will include a focus on the winter solstice and include a fire! Come get well in the woods!
Friday Morning Hike
Friday, November 27th, 2020
Friday, December 4th, 2020
December 11th, 2020
December 18th, 2020
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Latta (old Nature Center)
Free (follow above links to register)
Our nature preserves are biodiverse with everything from ferns to piedmont prairie flowers. Come hike with a naturalist and explore our trails where we will identify different plants and gather a greater understanding of the importance of our preserve. Meet at the old Nature Center (6211 Sample Rd)
Adventures in Nature
Thursday, January 7th, 2021
Thursday, January 14th, 2021
Thursday, January 21st, 2021
Thursday, January 28th, 2021
Thursday, February 4th, 2021
Thursday, February 11th, 2021
Thursday, February 18th, 2021
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (follow above link to register)
Being active in nature is great way to safely expend all that pent up energy! Send the kids on an outdoor adventure where they can run off some energy while spending a little time with other kids. We might build a fort, or play hide and seek, or investigate a stream or challenge ourselves to a brisk hike or maybe even safely build a fire! The list is endless and the choice is up to the group! Are your kids ready to join the adventure? Age 6-10.
Walk for Wellness
Friday, January 8th, 2021
Friday, January 15th, 2021
Friday, January 22nd, 2021
Friday, January 29th, 2021
Friday, February 5th, 2021
Friday, February 12th, 2021
Friday, February 19th, 2021
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (follow above link to register)
Wellness comes in many forms; physical, mental, spiritual and walking is one of the easiest ways to achieve it! Walking for wellness will get our hearts pumping, our minds eased and our souls connected. This is a medium to fast pace walk on a paved greenway surface. Age 12+.
Craft Along
Friday, January 22nd, 2021
3 p.m.
Virtual
Free (follow above link to register)
It’s DIV (Do It Virtually) crafting! Get creative with a virtual craftmaster as they walk you creating a unique, nature themed craft. Each registered participant will receive a supply list prior to the program so you can craft along at home!
All Ages
Winter Wonder Family Hike and Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, January 23rd, 2021
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (follow above link to register)
Nature provides many lessons for our heads and our hearts. Discover the magical world around you as we stroll through the trails together while completing a scavenger hunt! This will be a slow-paced hike focusing on the winter treasures surrounding us. Must be able to walk up to 3 miles on uneven terrain. Meet at parking lot kiosk in front of Reedy Creek Nature Center. All ages.
History Hike — Robinson Rock House
Saturday, January 23rd, 2021
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (follow above link to register)
The Robinson Rockhouse is a ruined tumble of rocks that used to be one of 3 rock houses built in Mecklenburg County around the 1800s. We will look at the land for evidence of the past while walking through the history of the people who used to call Reedy Creek Nature Preserve home. (2 miles total, out and back) Meet at parking lot kiosk in front of Reedy Creek Nature Center. Ages 10+.
Owls of Mecklenburg County
Thursday, January 28th, 2021
6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (follow above link to register)
Come out to the nature preserve on this full moon and discover the world of owls. We will explore the owl species that can be found in the county and then head out on the trail for a quick prowl in hopes of seeing or hearing one. Must be able to walk up to 1 mile on uneven terrain. Age 8+.
Full Moon Hike: Wolf Moon
Thursday, January 28th, 2021
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (follow above link to register)
Explore Stevens Creek Nature Preserve by the light of January’s full ‘Wolf Moon’ and dig deeper into this moon’s namesake. Age 18+.
Survival Skills Series: Atlatl
Friday, January 29th, 2021
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Stevens Creek
$7 (follow above link to register)
Take a step back in time and make one of the oldest tools in human history – an atlatl. With a campfire nearby to keep you warm, craft your own take-home atlatl, then test your hunting skills during a fun survival challenge. Age 10+.
Modern Fire Building (Beginner)
Saturday, January 30th, 2021
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (follow above link to register)
Whether you are a beginner or need to brush up on your fire craft skills, the Survival Dude is here to assist your on your journey of self-reliance in the outdoors. This class will go over the basics to modern fire building and culminate by attempting to build a five minute fire. We will go over fire structures, materials, heat sources, safety and more as you learn by doing!! (All supplies will be provided.) Age 8+.
Modern Fire Building (Intermediate)
Saturday, January 30th, 2021
2 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (follow above link to register)
Even if you are a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, fire building is a skill that requires constant practice to be efficient. Let the Survival Dude expand your current knowledge as we build different fire structures for differing weathering conditions, master the “five minute fire” and discover how different wood sources effect your fire. As always, we will be outside the entire class and applying our new found knowledge hands-on! (All supplies will be provided.) Age 8+.
Intro to Archery
Friday, February 5th, 2021, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, February 8th, 2021, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, February 19th, 2021, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Stevens Creek
$10
Age 11-16
Be the first to try the newest outdoor recreation offering, archery! Bows and arrows are some of the oldest tools humans have ever used, and still use to this day. Get a grip on basic terminology, practice proper form and safety with a recurve bow, then use your new-found knowledge with a little target practice.
Black History Nature Series: Hiking for the Culture
Saturday, February 6th, 2021
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Kick off Black History Month with a hike “for the culture” as we explore our local nature preserve and pay homage to African-American pioneers and organizations in outdoors spaces.
Monthly Mosey
Saturday, February 6th, 2021
2 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
This walk is for folks who want to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Expect frequent stops to look at anything and everything, from the ground to the sky. We’ll go about a mile on natural-surface or gravel trails. Close-toed shoes are strongly recommended.
Winter Lantern Hike and Campfire
Saturday, February 6th, 2021
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
You’ve made it through the holidays and welcomed a new year, but winter isn’t over yet! So hold a light to the dark days of the season as lanterns illuminate your journey through the Stevens Creek trails. Back at the nature center, laugh in the face of cold nights by cozying up to a campfire with friends. February might feel like a long cold month, but this evening program celebrating light and warmth is sure to lighten the mood. This program is free, but registration is required. Age 18+.
New Moon Hike and Fire
Thursday, February 11th, 2021
6 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Immerse yourself in the magic of a New Moon in the Nature Preserve. We will open ourselves to this energy as we unwind on the trails, connect with nature and set intentions over a fire. Must be able to walk up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Must register in advance. Age 14+.
Great Backyard Bird Count (Adult Hike)
Friday, February 12th, 2021
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Stevens reek
Free
Take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a nation-wide event that engages bird-watchers of all ages in citizen-based science. After adjusting your binoculars and reviewing the basics of bird ID, follow ‘Birdman Matt’ on a search for native and migratory birds. Numbers and species sighted will be recorded and shared with the Audubon Society to create a real-time snapshot of what birds are in the preserve.
Saturday Crafternoon
Saturday, February 13th, 2021
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Every 2nd Saturday, we will meet up for a different craft in the afternoon. This month, we will make Valentine ornaments with natural objects. As always, wear clothes that can get dirty! Skills needed: squishing clay, finding heart shapes. Age 4+.
Great Backyard Bird Count (Family Hike)
Sunday, February 14th, 2021
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a nation-wide event that engages bird-watchers of all ages in citizen-based science. After adjusting your binoculars and reviewing the basics of bird ID, follow ‘Birdman Matt’ on a search for native and migratory birds. Numbers and species sighted will be recorded and shared with the Audubon Society to create a real-time snapshot of what birds are in the preserve. Age 10+.
Intro to Longboarding
Wednesday, February 17th, 2021
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
$5
In this introductory session, practice the basics of longboarding. You’ll receive a guided lesson on proper board control and use, then have the rest of the time to cruise around our paved paths. All safety gear provided or bring your own if desired. Age 10-15.
Survival Skills Series: Firebuilding
Thursday, February 18th, 2021
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
$4
One of the best ways to beat the chill is to cozy up to a warm, crackling fire. Lighting one sounds simple, but there may be more to it than you realize. Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts as you practice starting a fire using a variety of methods.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and 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.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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