Hikes, kids’ activities, and more at Mecklenburg County Nature Centers and Preserves

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains three nature centers, Reedy Creek, Latta 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 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.

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.

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.

Couch to Trail
Every Sunday from January 5th to March 29th, 2020
1:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Is your New Year’s Resolution to get fit, lose weight, or start running? Our club is focused on helping new runners get off the couch, on the trail, and making steady progress toward a personal goal. We will meet every Sunday afternoon at 1:30pm until the end of March. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 18 and up

Owlet Nature Play Dates
Mondays, January 27th to March 30th, 2020
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Free
Reedy Creek
Age 3-6

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.

Family Nature Hike: Beechwood Trail
Saturday, March 7th, 2020
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Latta
Free

Start your weekend off on the right foot with a family hike on the Beechwood Trail in Latta Nature Preserve. We’ll hunt for the newest wildflowers peeking through the leaf litter and find the amphibian eggs on the water’s edge during this 1.5 mile hike. Meet at Latta Nature Center. All ages. Registration Required.

Animal Meet & Greet
Sunday, March 8th, 2020
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Latta
Free

Get up close and personal with some of the Nature Center residents in this wild encounter! You might meet a snake, turtle or even something slimy. All ages.

Full Moon Hike and Fire
Monday, March 9th, 2020
6 p.m. to 8 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 followed by a warm fire and marshmallows. 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.

The Lorax Lives at Latta
Saturday, March 14th, 2020
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Latta
Free

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with bar-ba-loots and swomee swans! Read The Lorax with us, come along on a hike, and plant your own “truffula tree” seed! Don’t worry, it won’t cost you fifteen cents and a nail or the shell of a great-great-great grandfather snail. Ages 5 to 9.

Survival — Fire Building
Saturday, March 14th, 2020
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Fire is essential in any survival or wilderness scenario. Knowing how to start a fire three different ways is vital. Fire building skills will be demonstrated and then you will be able to try your hand at it. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Ages 8 and up.

Primitive Skills — Tool Making
Saturday, March 14th, 2020
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

In today’s society we take our tools and access to them for granted. Discover how to make tools directly from nature! You will have the opportunity to create some of the following: cordage (rope), a rabbit club, fishing spear or bow drill kit. Get back to your roots at Reedy Creek! Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Ages 8 and up.

Leaping Leprechauns
Sunday, March 15th, 2020
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.

Nurtured by Nature
Saturday, March 21st, 2020
10 a.m. to 12 p.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 14 and up.

Animal Meet & Greet
Saturday, March 21st, 2020
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Latta
Free

Get up close and personal with some of the Nature Center residents in this wild encounter! You might meet a snake, turtle or even something slimy. All Ages.

Spring Family Fun Hike
Sunday, March 22nd, 2020
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Latta
Free

Investigate the early signs of spring with a naturalist as we walk through the nature preserve. All Ages.

Build a Survival Shelter
Saturday, March 28th, 2020
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Latta
Free

Learn the survival skill of shelter building with your family. Work together using found materials to build a sturdy, weather-resistant shelter. All Ages.

Sunday Nature Seekers: Early Spring Wildflower Hike
Sunday, March 29th, 2020
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Latta
Free

The piedmont forests explode in a quiet riot of colorful woodland wildflowers throughout spring. Some of these delicate forest flowers can be found along the Beechwood Trail. Explore the Beechwood Trail with a naturalist to discover what some of these flowers may be. Meet at Horse Trailer Parking Lot at beginning of Beechwood Trail. Ages 18 and up.

International Beaver Day Hike
Friday, April 10th, 2020
Morning hike from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Afternoon hike from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free

Simon says clap your hands. Simon says stomp your feet. Simon says slap your tail like a beaver! Oh wait?!…. Learn more about beavers’ tails and other unique physical adaptations as we explore the awesomeness of these natural architects. Hike down to the beaver-created wetland to view their impact on natural habitats.

Drumming Up Nature
Saturday, April 11th, 2020
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Nature and drums have a way of lifting our spirits! Many cultures use drums and music to celebrate nature. Some imitate nature while others complement it. If you have a drum then feel free to bring it! If you don’t then no worries, we have you covered! Let’s all drum up nature together! For all ages. No experience required. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. All ages.

Earth Day Celebration
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day immersed in nature. This family friendly evening will consist of nature walks, a warm fire and sharing stories, poetry, or music related to Mother Earth! All ages welcome but must be able to walk up to two miles on uneven terrain. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. All ages.