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

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

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.

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.

Wednesday Woodland Wellness Walk
Wednesday, August 2nd
9 a.m.
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
A walk in the woods is proven to increase wellbeing and health. Join us as we enjoy some fresh air, sunshine and beautiful surroundings with like minded people. This month we will be visiting Latta Plantation Nature Preserve (meet in front of the Nature Center at 6211 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078). Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 18 and up

The Art of Tracking
Wednesday, August 2nd
10 a.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Learning how to track is having a special bond between you and the animal. You must become the animal and know where it lives, what it eats, where it might go if chases and more. Learn various tracking techniques in hopes of finding some animals! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 7 and up

Sneaky Snakes
Saturday, August 5th
10:30 a.m.
Latta Plantation Nature Center
How are snakes able to survive all over the world? Is it their camouflage? Their venom? Their lack of feet? We are determined to slither straight to the heart of this mystery! Come help us interrogate some of the nature center snakes as we search for answers. Ages 6 to 12

Nature Weather Predictions
Saturday, August 5th
1 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Learn practical and fun ways to predict the weather while you’re outdoors. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 12 and up

Life in a Drop of Water
Sunday, August 6th
2 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
You will be amazed to see how much life is contained within a drop of water from a healthy pond! Microscopes will be set up in the classroom for you to view this alien microscopic world. Drop in anytime between 2pm – 4pm. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 6 and up

Backyard Garden to Table
Saturday, August 12th
10 a.m.
Latta Plantation Nature Center
Utilize the nature center garden as we pick fresh vegetables and forage for wild edible plants to create a healthy, nutritious dish. Learn about edible plants native to North Carolina and participate in an outdoor cooking demonstration.
Ages 18 and up

Animal Encounter
Sunday, August 13th
1 p.m.
Latta Plantation Nature Center
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!
1:00pm to 1:30pm
3:00pm to 3:30pm
All Ages

Skywatching by the Lake
Thursday, August 17th
7:30 p.m.
Latta Plantation Nature Center
Bring your lawn chair and join a naturalist as we quietly seat ourselves at the shore of Mountain Island Lake. We?ll focus our senses outward and upward to detect wildlife such as woodcock, coyotes, owls, and other migrating birds in the hour of sunset. After dark, we’ll examine the stars.

Age 10 and up