10 free things to do in May 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.

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. Watch a video that 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.

 

International Salamander Awareness Day
Saturday, May 5th
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McDowell
Celebrate salamanders on “International Salamander Awareness Day” – May 5, 2018! Come by McDowell Nature Center for a free impromptu demo from 10am to 12pm and from 1pm to 3pm.
Enjoy a salamander meet-and-greet and learn more about these secretive amphibians and their role in our ecosystems.
All ages. Registration NOT required.

Primitive Skills: Fire Building
Saturday, May 5th
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek

Fire building is an art form, for any primitive skills expert. Because you are not in a “survival” situation there is no immediate need for a fire. It is rather a skill garnished by one’s knowledge of trees and surroundings and a test of patience. Here we will go over the different tools for making a friction fire, demonstrate the different techniques and then you will get your chance at trying it out. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 8 and up
Free

Adult Hiking Series: Wild Woodlands
Tuesday, May 8th
2 p.m.
McDowell

Get up and get active while searching for wildflowers with a McDowell Naturalist during this 75-minute, adult only hike through McDowell Nature Preserve. Registration required. Free admission. Ages: 18+

Craft: Spring Mandala
Saturday, May 12th
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek

Feeling creative? Want to join us to make a spring mandala? 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 8 and up
Free

Mother’s Day Family Hike
Sunday, May 13th
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Latta

It’s Mother’s Day. Celebrate this special day by taking a stroll with the family in the nature preserve. Explore the trails with a naturalist as we hike around the Prairie and discover why this area is unique.
All Ages – FREE

Grow a Vibrant Veggie Garden
Saturday, May 19th
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Latta

Learn the basics to get started growing your own food at home! Learn hands-on how to prepare the soil, create a garden layout, plant the right seeds, and control your weeds and pests. If you don’t have a lot of space for a garden, you can try container gardening. This is the first program of a spring-summer garden series. Ages 10 and older – FREE

Sustainable Crafts
Saturday, May 19th
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Latta

What’s more fun than recycling? UPcycling! Give new life to recyclables and transform them into tiny window gardens. Bring your creativity and green thumb! Age 6 to 12 w/ Adult – FREE

Family Spring Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, May 20th
3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
McDowell

Discover the bounty of spring at McDowell Nature Preserve through a competitive scavenger hunt! Families will work together to find wildflowers, amphibians, birds and other native plants and animals. Bring your smartphone to take pictures of your discoveries. Since this is a timed activity, participants must arrive no later than 3:30pm to participate for prizes. Registration required for ALL participants, adult and child alike. Free admission. All ages.

What’s more fun than recycling? UPcycling! Give new life to recyclables and transform them into tiny window gardens. Bring your creativity and green thumb! Age 6 to 12 w/ Adult – FREE

Insect Safari
Saturday, May 26th
10 a.m.
Reedy Creek

Kids, come explore the world of tiny creatures. Have you ever wondered, how many insects are there? Do they all fly? How do they eat? Why do some of them like flowers so much? Is a spider an insect? If so, this class if for you. Feel free to wear a pair of antenna! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 3 to 12. Free

Family Birding Hike
Monday, May 28th
9:30 a.m.
McDowell

Learn the ins and outs of birding during this family-friendly hike. Guided by a McDowell naturalist, families will discover areas in the preserve that are prime birding spots, develop bird identification skills and enjoy time in nature. Binoculars and field guides provided. Registration required for ALL participants, adult and child alike. Free registration. Ages: 8+