12 free events at Mecklenburg County Nature Centers in November

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.

Off-Trail Adventure Hike
Wednesday, November 7th, 2018
1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free

Uncover the secrets of the preserve that are not accessible by trails! Join our Outdoor Recreation staff as we explore the preserve off-trail. Come prepared to “bushwhack” and bring an adventurous spirit. Pre-registration required. Free admission but must register. Ages: 18+

Bird is the Word (Learn about Turkeys)
Friday, November 9th, 2018
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Latta
Free

Have you heard the word? This month is for the birds! Turkeys can be seen everywhere in November, but there’s more to know about these birds than how to eat them! Explore the feathery world of birds as we examine eggs, focus on feathers, and create a sweet “tweet” for our bird friends. We’ll discuss not just turkeys but other feathered friends as well! Child registration and parent attendance required. Ages 5 to 11 – FREE

Adult Fall Colors Hike
Friday, November 9th, 2018
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free

Experience the beauty of the forest in the fall. Become immersed in colors during our 2-3 mile hike with a McDowell Naturalist. Pre-registration required. Free admission but must register. Ages: 18+

Beaver Cove Exploration Hike
Saturday, November 10th, 2018
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free

Come and explore a large cove of Lake Wylie in this 1.5-hour hike from the Nature Center. We will be hiking to a semi-off trail location to get an up-close look at a beaver lodge and dam and a possible beaver sighting. Pre-registration required. Parent participation required. Free admission but must register. Ages: 8-11

Family Fall Colors Hike
Sunday, November 11th, 2018
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free

Experience the beauty of the forest in the fall. Become immersed in colors during our 1-3 mile hike with a McDowell Naturalist. Pre-registration required. Free admission but everyone attending must register. All ages.

Natural Ornament Making
Saturday, November 17th, 2018
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Latta
Free

Is your home looking a little bare this season? Create fun holiday decorations for your home using natural materials! Try your hand at making pine cone ornaments, twig n’ twine stars, leaf turkeys, and more. Registration and parent attendance required. Ages 5 and older – FREE

Gratitude Walk
Wednesday, November 21st, 2018
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Tis the season for gratitude! There are so many reasons to be grateful for the great outdoors. Explore the trails at Reedy Creek as we walk ourselves into a state of gratitude. Must be able to walk up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. All Ages. Free

Take Off the Turkey Hike
Friday, November 23rd, 2018
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
McDowell
Free

Feeling a little stuffed? Let’s go on a 2-3 mile leisure hike through McDowell Nature Preserve. Discover our native flora and fauna along the way. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike). Free admission but all attending must register. Ages: 8+

Black Friday Fun Day and Campfire
Friday, November 23rd, 2018
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Latta
Free

Instead of spending the biggest shopping day of the year in crowded shops, go against the grain and get outside with us this year. Learn tips and tricks for fire building to keep you warm all winter while enjoying a variety of activities, or just cozy up by the fire and relax. We’ll roast marshmallows until they’re gone, but feel free to a picnic blanket, camp chair, snacks or non-alcoholic beverages of your own. Family Friendly – FREE

Take Off the Turkey Hike
Friday, November 23rd, 2018
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free

Feeling a little stuffed? Let’s go on a 2-3 mile leisure hike through McDowell Nature Preserve. Discover our native flora and fauna along the way. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike). Free admission bur all attending must register. Ages: 8+

Reptile Encounters
Sunday, November 25th, 2018
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. All Ages – FREE

McDowell Campfire
Friday, November 30th, 2018
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free

Fire! S’ mores! Fun! Friends! Get all of these at a McDowell Nature Preserve campfire. Meeting place will be at McDowell Campground to spend the evening learning about fire safety, making s’ mores and new friends! Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike). Free admission but all attending must register. All ages.