14 free events in July at Mecklenburg County Nature Centers and Preserves

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.

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 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.

Owlet Nature Play Dates
Mondays through July 29th, 2019
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Free
Age 3-6
July 1
July 8
July 15
July 22
July 29

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.

Hike for your Health
Every Tuesday through December 17th, 2019
5 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Age 12+

Get outside, get moving and get healthy! Enjoy fresh air, sunshine and beautiful surroundings with like-minded people.

Space Night
Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Latta
Free
All ages

Get lost in space at Latta Nature Preserve! Take a star trek with naturalists, hear sky stories around the campfire, and go to infinity and beyond with some fun space activities. It’s sure to be a stellar good time! Bring a picnic blanket for some lakeside star gazing.

Crafty 4th of July
Thursday, July 4th, 2019
1:30 p.m.
Latta
Free
Age 6+

Are you ready for a colorful Fourth of July celebration? Drop in at the Nature Center for a crafting explosion! You can choose one or more crafts to complete and celebrate the Fourth with flair! Registration and parent attendance required.

Friday Morning Hike
Fridays (scheduled through July 26th)
9 a.m.
Latta
Free
All Ages
Friday, July 5th
Friday, July 12th
Friday, July 19th
Friday, July 26th

Explore the nature preserve alongside a naturalist. Try different trails each week throughout the summer and explore the secrets hiding within the nature preserve. Be prepared to hike 2-3 miles.

Creek Stomp
Saturday, July 6th, 2019
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Latta
Free
Age 7-14

Who needs a pool? Cool off in a creek instead! Wade in shallow water as you look for salamanders, crawfish, and other creek dwellers in the shady nature preserve. Participants should be prepared to get wet and muddy! Please meet at the North Canoe Launch parking lot. Child registration and parent attendance required.

Meet at the North Canoe Launch parking area. Child registration and parent attendance required.

Sunday Nature Seekers: Cattail Trail Hike
Sunday, July 7th, 2019
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Latta
Free
Age 18+

Enjoy a spectacular view of Mountain Island Lake as we hike along the Cattail Trail and hopefully catch a glimpse of some unique plants and animals along the way. Meet at the waterfront parking area.

Nurtured by Nature: Meditative, walking, storytelling
Saturday, July 13th, 2019
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Age 16+

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.

Backyard Gardening: Invasive Species
Saturday, July 13th, 2019
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Latta
Free
Age 18+

Do you know which plants in your yard help the environment and which plants harm it? Deepen your understanding of ecology and learn which species are best to keep out of your backyard habitat. You’ll leave with the tools to improve your local ecosystem, including identification and removal of invasive species and knowledge of which native, beneficial species you should plant in their place.

Animal Pool Party
Sunday, July 14th, 2019
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Latta
Free
All ages

Summer is in full swing and you know what that means? Pool parties! And not just for us; many animals also enjoy the life aquatic. Join our aquatic turtles on the Nature Center lawn as they go for a dip in our turtle pools. You can help feed them some slimy snacks and learn why they love life on the lake!

Evening Nature Stroll
Thursday, July 18th, 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
All ages

Take family night to the trails! Bring the gang out to explore the great outdoors with a Naturalist. This will be a slow-paced hike with stops along the way to investigate our surroundings. All ages are welcome but you must be able to hike up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.

Campfire Chemistry
Saturday, July 20th, 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Latta
Free
All ages

Believe it or not, there’s a lot of science involved in building the perfect campfire! Lighting the fire, fueling the flames, and of course, toasting the perfect marshmallow. Watch how different substances can cause color changes, test which type of fuel burns best, and experiment with heat to see how quickly you can toast your marshmallow. Grab your lawn chair and join us on the front lawn of the Nature Center as we do exactly what Mom always said not to do: play with fire!

Nature Weaving
Sunday, July 21st, 2019
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Latta
Free
Age 7-12

Connect with nature through artistic expression! Explore the textures of nature as you create a nature weaving to take home.

Framing Nature
Saturday, July 27th, 2019
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Latta
Free
Age 7-12

Become an artist and create natural art and frame in one! Design your frame with natural materials and use it to display your own artistic creations.