Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains several 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.
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
This is not a complete list of events at the nature centers and preserves. Follow the links in this post to find even more.
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, March 16th, 2021
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021
Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
Tuesday, April 6th, 2021
Tuesday, April 13th, 2021
6 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
Intro to Archery
Sunday, April 11th, 10 a.m.
Friday, May 7th, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, May 10th, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, May 21st, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, May 24th, 3:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
$10
Age 11-13
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.
Adventures in Nature
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021
Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
Tuesday, April 6th, 2021
Tuesday, April 13th, 2021
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021
Tuesday, April 27th, 2021
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Age 6-10
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!
Full Moon Hike: Worm Moon
Sunday, March 28th, 2021
8 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Explore Stevens Creek Nature Preserve by the light of March’s “Worm Moon” and dig deeper into this moon’s namesake.
Friday Morning Nature Hike
Fridays in April and May
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Latta
Age 12+
Free
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. Please be prepared for a fast paced hike for 3-4 miles with stops occasionally.
Quest Early Morning Fitness
Tuesdays in April and May
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Quest
Age 18+
Free
Having trouble keeping your fitness routine regular? Join our group of friends as we start every Tuesday morning with a fitness hike around the preserve. Bring water and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Fitness Hike at Latta Nature Preserve
Sunday, April 11th, 2021
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Latta
Age 18+
Free
Keep up with your healthy routine and take a hike at Latta Nature Preserve. We’ll push our way up the trail, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. This is a moderate-paced walk. Expect to hike about 2 miles in one hour or less.
Family Night Hike
Thursday, April 8th, 2021
8 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ready for a different kind of family fun adventure? Don’t settle for just observing nocturnal wildlife, become a part of it! Discover your inner animal, sharpen your senses in the lower light, and share stories during this guided hike.
Sunday Nature Seekers at Latta Nature Preserve: Piedmont Prairie Hike
Sunday, April 11th, 2021
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Latta
Age 18+
Free
Explore Latta Nature Preserve with a naturalist and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature on a hike around the Piedmont Prairie.
New Moon Hike and Fire
Sunday, April 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.
Modern Fire Building
Saturday, April 17th, 2021
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
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 weather 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.) Adult participation optional.
Birding at the Creek
Sunday, April 18th, 2021
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Fly out to Stevens Creek Nature Preserve to search the skies for native birds and special spring migrants. ‘Birdman Matt’ guides you to his favorite spots on the trail and helps ID birds by sight and call. All experience levels welcome.
Earth Day Celebration
Thursday, April 22nd, 2021
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Have you ever just stood outside and just marveled at how beautiful the Earth is? How gorgeous the trees are? The calming effect of water? Well, make sure to mark your calendars for April 22nd as we celebrate Earth Day. Create your own Earth, make a pledge, or develop and play on tin drums as we honor the world we inhabit.
Family Night Hike
Thursday, April 22nd, 2021
8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ready for a different kind of family fun adventure? Don’t settle for just observing nocturnal wildlife, become a part of it! Discover your inner animal, sharpen your senses in the lower light, and share stories during this guided hike.
Ephemeral Artworks at Latta Nature Preserve
Sunday, April 25th, 2021
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Latta
Age 5+
Free
Celebrate the beauty all around us this spring! Enjoy a short walk to collect interesting sticks, leaves, and other natural items to use to create ephemeral artwork to lift everyone’s spirits! No skills required. Open to ALL ages, young and old!
Stream Science Hike
Sunday, April 25th, 2021
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Latta
Age 4-12
Free
Hike with a naturalist on the Piedmont Prairie Trail to one of the many streams located in the nature preserve and discover the many critters that make the stream their home. Meet at Piedmont Prairie Trailhead at the North Canoe Launch Access.
Full Moon Hike: Pink Moon
Monday, April 26th, 2021
8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Age 18+
Free
Explore Stevens Creek Nature Preserve by the light of April’s “Pink Moon” and dig deeper into this moon’s namesake.
World Migratory Bird Day Hike
Saturday, May 8th, 2021
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Search high and low for spring migrants on World Migratory Bird Day. This year’s theme is “Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird!” so Birdman Matt will focus on identifying birds by sight and sound, and why migrants such as Orchard Orioles and Northern Parulas are returning to the Charlotte area. This slow-paced birding hike is open to all levels; bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair.
Recycled Mother’s Day Craft
Sunday, May 9th, 2021
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Wish your mom, grandmom, or any mother figure in your life a Happy Mother’s Day with a home-made craft made from recyclable materials. While you’re here, feel free to bring a picnic lunch, take a walk on the trails, and enjoy an afternoon in nature. This drop-in program is open to all but geared towards 4-10 year olds; adult supervision required.
Mother’s Day Adventure
Sunday, May 9th, 2021
1 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
Quest
Free
Bring the wonderful woman in your life out to the nature preserve to enjoy a stroll with a naturalist and the unique sights and sounds of the local habitats. Upon return to Quest, we’ll share a special treat!
May Flowers Hike
Thursday, May 13th, 2021
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Latta
Free
April showers bring May flowers! Take a hike throughout the preserve to discover the new colors spring has brought to the trails. Hike will be about 2-3 miles.
Family Night Hike
Friday, May 14th, 2021
8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ready for a different kind of family fun adventure? Don’t settle for just observing nocturnal wildlife, become a part of it! Discover your inner animal, sharpen your senses in the lower light, and share stories during this guided hike.
International Biodiversity Day — Build a Dam
Saturday, May 22nd, 2021
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Do you have what it takes to out-build a beaver? Beavers are often called nature’s architects, and their dams can influence a habitat as much as any man-made structure. After investigating the impact of beavers in local waterways, try your hand at building a dam like this giant rodent. You’ll also make a paper plate beaver friend to take home with you. Open to all but geared towards ages 8+.
World Turtle Day
Sunday, May 23rd, 2021
2 p.m to 3:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
World Turtle Day highlights and raises awareness all of the unique turtle species worldwide. Meet live native turtle ambassadors up-close to discover how they survive and thrive in North Carolina. From box turtles to sea turtles, show your appreciation for these long-lived, scaly reptiles.
Family Hike Night
Friday, May 28th, 2021
8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ready for a different kind of family fun adventure? Don’t settle for just observing nocturnal wildlife, become a part of it! Discover your inner animal, sharpen your senses in the lower light, and share stories during this guided hike.
World Otter Day
Saturday, May 29th, 2021
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Who can hold their breath longer – you or an otter? How do otters see underwater? Discover the amazing adapations of these elusive aquatic mammals on World Otter Day. You “otter” be ashamed of yourself if you miss out!
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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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:Sunday, April 11, 2021
Monday, April 12, 2021
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve
2900 Rocky River Road
Charlotte, NC 980-314-1119
Steven’s Creek Nature Preserve and Center
15700 Thompson Road
Mint Hill, NC
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