Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves events: Hikes, crafts, animal encounters, more

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains several nature centers, Reedy Creek, Quest at Latta Preserve, McDowell and Stevens Creek. 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. 

Included in the opening plans are two new nature centers, Quest, which replaces Latta Nature Center, and Stevens Creek Nature Center. Read on to learn about all four nature centers, and to see a sampling of upcoming events at the nature centers and preserves.

Quest at Latta Nature Preserve

Quest
6345 Sample Road, Huntersville
Northern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1129
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Quest is a brand new destination for outdoor recreation and environmental education in North Mecklenburg County. Nestled inside the Latta Nature Preserve, Quest is the place to go to learn, play and explore the wonders of water, woods, and wildlife. Carolina Raptor Center will also be joining this facility soon.

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.

Stevens Creek Nature Center

Stevens Creek Nature Center
15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
980-314-2526
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The nature center features live native animals, two classrooms (including one rentable space), gift shop, and an exhibit hall with interactive exhibits. The exhibits focus on protecting water quality and include an augmented reality sand table, living stream with fish and turtles, and 5-foot tall model of the federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter mussel.

Environmental education and outdoor recreation staff offer public and private programming for all ages. Visitors can borrow loaner backpacks to take activities out on the trails or busy bags for smaller children to play with inside.

Within the preserve, visitors can observe nature in action along 3 miles of natural-surface hiking trails. The path to the pedestrian bridge over the recently-restored Stevens Creek is fully accessible. Self-interpretive trail maps are available for the trails.

Reedy Creek Nature Center

Reedy Creek Nature Center
2900 Rocky River Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215
Northeastern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1119
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 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.

McDowell Nature Center

McDowell Nature Center
15222 South York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Southwestern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1128
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 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 in order to fish.

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.

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.

• Big Rock Nature Preserve
• Ribbon Walk Nature Preserve
• Evergreen Nature Preserve

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.

Visit the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers’ Facebook page or Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s activity search website for 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
Tuesdays through the end of November, 2021
Register here for sessions
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Age 5+

Get outside, get moving, get healthy! Fresh air, sunshine, beautiful surroundings and wonderful people are included! This is a medium to fast pace walk. Adult participation required if under 18.

 

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, September 26, 2021

Monday, September 27, 2021

Tuesday, September 28, 2021