Free events 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. 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.

Nurtured by Nature
Saturday, January 5th
2 p.m. to 4 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. Let nature embrace you in this 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! (Ages 16 – 17 must be accompanied by an adult) Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 16 and up

Winter Family Wildlife Hike
Sunday, January 6th
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Latta
Free

Explore the nature preserve during the winter to see what our wildlife friends are up to. Look for signs of animal life including tracks, sighting, and sounds.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All ages.

Haiku Stroll
Sunday, January 6th
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Strolling through the woods… Listening to the winter… Instant poetry… Taking in nature from different perspectives helps one to see the world in a new light. Haiku is the ancient art of seeing nature through poetry. Discover the wonder of haiku and how it can connect you more deeply to nature! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 12 and up

Owlets Nature Play Dates
Monday, January 7th
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Stomping in puddles, chasing after critters, singing songs through the forest are all wonderous parts of growing up in nature. Owlets encompass all of these childhood favorites with hands-on experiences that will enthrall all of the senses and engage the imagination as we observe what nature has to offer. Each month will have a distinct theme and every day will have different encounters. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Ages 3 to 6

Nature Game Day
Saturday, January 12
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Has winter got you down? Do the kids need to get out of the house? Bring them to Reedy Creek Nature Center to play games for the afternoon! Be a dragonfly and save the people from mosquitos! Pretend you are a squirrel collecting acorns! Make ecological connections playing EcoFluxx! We have several games with nature themes at various levels of difficulty (toddler through adult including teens!). If you have a nature game of your own that you want to share, then bring it along! Drop-in anytime between 1pm and 3pm! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
All Ages

Owlets Nature Play Dates
Monday, January 14th
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Stomping in puddles, chasing after critters, singing songs through the forest are all wonderous parts of growing up in nature. Owlets encompass all of these childhood favorites with hands-on experiences that will enthrall all of the senses and engage the imagination as we observe what nature has to offer. Each month will have a distinct theme and every day will have different encounters. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Ages 3 to 6

Family Hike on the Cattail Trail
Saturday, January 19th
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Latta
Free

Start your weekend off on the right foot with a family hike on the Cattail trail. We’ll stop to enjoy the view along the water and kids will create winter artwork inspired by nature. Dress warm and bring your hiking shoes. Meet near the canoe rental building at the waterfront parking area. Registration Required. Meet at Waterfront Parking Lot.

Ancient Art of Tracking
Saturday, January 19th
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Imagine yourself leisurely walking into the woods and suddenly you hear a rustling in the woods. What could it be? You carefully walk in the direction of the sound and find nothing except for what looks like a footprint in the sand and some chewed grass. The ancient ways of tracking advised you this is the sign of a mere cottontail rabbit. Explore these ancient ways and become in tune with nature. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 8 and up

Reptile Encounters
Sunday, January 20th
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Latta
Free

Meet some of the nature center’s resident reptiles up close during one of these live animal shows. No Registration Required. All Ages.

Fit in Nature
Saturday, January 26th
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Attain well-being both physically and mentally in the great outdoors! Allow yourself to have fun while connecting with nature during this fitness class. All levels welcome as we work at our own pace. Class includes trail walking with strength exercises and lots of laughter along the way. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 18 and up

Pirate’s Treasure Hunt
Saturday, January 26th
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Latta
Free

Put on your warmest pirate hats and get ready to do some treasure huntin! Explore a section of our Preserve’s trails using a pirate map to find hidden treasure. Don’t let the cold keep your family indoors! Parent attendance required.Meet at Waterfront Parking Lot. Ages 5 and up.

Sunday Nature Seekers: Winter Tree ID
Sunday, January 27th
2 p.m. to 3:30 pm.
Latta
Free

Winter tree identification can be tricky. Hike with a naturalist and explore techniques to identify trees even when there are no leaves on them. Age 15 and older.

Owlets Nature Play Dates
Monday, January 28th
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Stomping in puddles, chasing after critters, singing songs through the forest are all wonderous parts of growing up in nature. Owlets encompass all of these childhood favorites with hands-on experiences that will enthrall all of the senses and engage the imagination as we observe what nature has to offer. Each month will have a distinct theme and every day will have different encounters. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Ages 3 to 6