10+ free events coming up 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
The following Mondays
September 2nd, 2019
September 9th, 2019
September 16th, 2019
September 23rd, 2019
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Free
Age 3-6

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.

 

Reedy Creek Outdoor Survival School–Shelter Building
Sunday, September 8th, 2019
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

You have found yourself lost in the woods and night fall is coming fast. One of your first priorities is shelter. Explore the techniques to build a quick shelter to keep you warm and safe through the night by constructing one yourself. Come to three R.O.S.S. sessions and earn your badge! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 8 and up

North Carolina Native Plant Society Meeting
Sunday, September 8th, 2019
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Discover the Native Plants that are in our area and connect with like minded friends during monthly meetings. Topics range from creating backyard habitats, exploring a particular group of plants to learning about the critters that benefit from them. Meet at indoor shelter #3 in the park. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 16 and up

Evening Nature Stroll
Thursday, September 12th, 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Also: Thursday, September 26th, 2019

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 980-0314-1119 to register.
All Ages

Nurtured by Nature
Saturday, September 21st, 2019
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

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.
Ages 16 and up
Free

Autumn Equinox Celebration
Monday, September 23rd, 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Let’s celebrate this wonderous time of year in the great outdoors! The Autumn Equinox is a great time to connect with Mother Earth during a hike through the preserve and communing by the fire. We hope you will join us! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
All Ages