Lunar New Year activities and more 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.

Couch to Trail
Every Sunday from January 5th to March 29th, 2020
1:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Is your New Year’s Resolution to get fit, lose weight, or start running? Our club is focused on helping new runners get off the couch, on the trail, and making steady progress toward a personal goal. We will meet every Sunday afternoon at 1:30pm until the end of March. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 18 and up

Owlet Nature Play Dates
Mondays, January 27th to February 24th
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Free
Reedy Creek
Age 3-6

Welcome all families! 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
Tuesdays (scheduled for January 14th through February 25th)
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Age 16+

Medium to fast paced walk on uneven  terrain. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.

Early Bird Hike
Saturdays (scheduled from January 18th through February 22nd)
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
McDowell
Free

Hike your way to wellness and explore nature’s early risers on this moderate, 2-2.5 mile hike. Each week explore the changing seasons in the nature preserve while meeting other outdoor enthusiasts. Pre-registration is required.

Beaveristic Times
Saturday, January 18th, 2020
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Beavers are fascinating animals!! How do they make it through the winter time? How do they stay warm? What do they eat? All of these questions and more will be answered on our quest to seek out a beaver. There will also be a silly and fun activity to explore the adaptations of these animals too! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 3 and up

Latta Quest
Saturday, January 18th, 2020
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Latta
Free

Need a reason to get outside this winter? Take part in Latta Quest! This weekly activity is designed to engage families in all that Latta Nature Preserve has to offer. There will be a challenge released each Saturday between 1/18 and 2/8. Complete all four, or only one. It?s up to you! Each challenge completed by February 15th earns your group a chance to win an adventure backpack with everything you need to continue the quest including a family pack of tickets to Latta’s Fairy House Festival on February 29th. Stop in to the Latta Nature Center to be a part of the fun!
All Ages

Reptile Encounters
Sunday, January 19th, 2020
2 p.m.
Latta
Free

Meet some of the nature center’s resident reptiles up close during one of these live animal shows. All Ages

Family Fire Building
Tuesday, January 21st, 2020
3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free

Learn how to build a fire and keep it going using different fire-starting techniques. We will also try to start a fire using primitive methods like a bow drill. After building the fire we will test it out by making a tasty treat. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike)

Nature Crafts – Chinese New Year
Saturday, January 25th, 2020
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Latta
Free

It’s the first day of the Year of the Rat! Celebrate the Lunar New Year with some rodent-themed crafts and learn how these little creatures play a vital role in our nature preserve’s ecosystem. All Ages

Lunar New Year Star Party
Saturday, January 25th, 2020
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Latta
Free

A new moon in winter provides a unique opportunity to enjoy twinkling starlight. Leave the Earth behind and fall into the sky this Lunar New Year! We’ll share star stories from around the world and stay warm with a campfire. All Ages

Fire ‘n’ Cocoa
Wednesday, January 29th, 2020
6 p.m. to 7:30 pm.
McDowell
Free

Warm up next to a campfire on this cold night while sipping on yummy hot cocoa! Practice fire safety and fire building techniques while enjoying good company. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

February Fires: Rainbow Flames
Friday, February 7th, 2020
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Clark’s Creek Nature Preserve
5542 Hucks Road
Free

Nothing is better on a cool winter evening than a roaring campfire. Drop by anytime from 4:30-6:30pm to connect with friends and family, sample warm campfire treats, and enjoy weekly themed activities. Our first February Fire features a rainbow flame display. Observe how different chemical compounds change the way we perceive flames.

Reedy Creek Animal Encounters
Saturday, February 8th, 2020
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek

Discover all the cool things about the animal ambassadors at Reedy Creek. Meet a snake, a toad or even a snail and find out all about them. Afterwards we will go on a short hike to find these creatures in their natural environment. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
All age

The Science of Fire
Saturday, February 8th, 2020
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Fire is alive! Join us for a campfire for tales about nature, fun facts about fire and some nature trivia. And yes, there will be hot chocolate and marshmallows! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
All ages

 

McDowell Campfire
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020
6:30 p.m. to 8 pm.
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).

For the Love of Nature: Hike and Fire
Friday, February 14th, 2020
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Share your love with nature as we stroll the trails after hours and then settle in by a warm fire to share stories about our love of nature and eat marshmallows! All ages are welcome but must be able to hike up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
All ages

February Fires: Campfire Cuddles
Friday, February 14th, 2020
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Clark’s Creek Nature Preserve
5542 Hucks Road
$4

Nothing is better on a cool winter evening than a roaring campfire. Connect with friends and family, sample warm campfire treats, and enjoy weekly themed activities.

This Valentine’s Day experience isn’t just for couples – bring your significant other, best friend or the whole gang! Cuddle with your special someone around a cozy campfire and use it to bake your own ooey-gooey treat (baked apples or banana boat). BYO blanket.

SOS: Save Our Salamanders
Saturday, February 15th, 2020
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Discover the world of salamanders during this talk/walk. We will start in the classroom with a brief presentation about their natural history and then walk out on the trails to explore their habitat and hopefully find some local examples! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 6 and up

February Fires: Star Gazing
Friday, February 21st, 2020
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Clark’s Creek Nature Preserve
5542 Hucks Road
$4

Nothing is better on a cool winter evening than a roaring campfire. Drop in anytime from 5-7pm to connect with friends and family, sample warm campfire treats, and enjoy weekly themed activities.

For our final week, we turn our eyes (and telescope) to the winter night sky. Warm yourself by the fire while our guest educator takes us on a tour of the cosmos.

Prescribed Fire: Demonstration Burn and Learn
Saturday, February 22nd, 2020
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Latta
Free

Prescribed fire is a key tool in forest management. That’s right, Natural Resources professionals start some fires on purpose! Come see the equipment and techniques we use during a prescribed fire and learn why you may see these events in our nature preserves. Fire effects can be subtle, but the common theme is a healthier forest, rich with diversity and resilient against whatever the future may hold.