Butterfly program (and more) 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
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. Watch a video that 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.

Family Nature Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, July 15th
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Latta
Free

Get ready for a self-guided adventure. Work with your family to discover the many hidden treasures found within the nature preserve. Stop by the nature center first anytime between 1-4:30pm and pick up your scavenger hunt and once done stop back by the nature center for prizes. All Ages

Reptile Meet and Greet
Sunday, July 15th
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Have you ever pet a snake? A turtle? Get close to our reptiles here at Reedy Creek and learn more about the animals that visit your backyard. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
All Ages

Making Rope
Wednesday, July 18th
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Discover how to make rope from plants. Long before there were stores, Native Americans and the first settlers had to be self-sufficient and make their own belongings. Cordage is a great skill and you can create some cool functional jewelry and rope. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 8 and up

Creek Stomp
Saturday, July 21st
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Latta
Free

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! Registration and parent attendance required. Meet at the North Canoe Launch parking area. Ages 7 and older

Geotastic Geocaching
Saturday, July 21st
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Do you like to play hide and seek? Do you like to hike around in the woods? Then you will love geocaching! Geocaching is a high tech hide and seek. We will meet at the nature center to learn a few tips and techniques and then we will go on a hunt for different caches. Must call 980-314-1119 to register. Ages 8 and up

Learn to Fish
Sunday, July 22nd
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Join us for a learn to fish program at Dragonfly Pond. We will provide fishing gear, bait, and basic instruction on fishing techniques. Try your hand at catching crappie, catfish, sunfish, and maybe an elusive bass! Parent participation required. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 5 and up

Backyard Gardening: Invasive Species
Saturday, July 28th
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Latta
Free
Limited space. Reserve your spot.

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 from identification and removal of invasive species to replacement with similar, beneficial native plants. Age 12+

Bountiful Butterflies
Sunday, July 29th
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Take a walk around the garden and learn how to identify the common butterflies near Reedy Creek. What do the butterflies need to survive, and what role do they play in the ecosystem? We will create a butterfly puddling station for you to take home to encourage these helpful pollinators to visit your yard or garden. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 5 and up

Nature Story Corner
Monday, July 30th
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Settle in and get comfortable as we take a journey of imagination. Unearth the untold narratives of nature through stories and then walk about the forest exploring and engaging all of our senses. Parent participation required. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 3 to 6

Survival: Shelter Building
Wednesday, August 1st
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

You find yourself lost in the woods with little to no supplies and it is getting dark. What do you do? It is time to build a shelter, a debris hut of sorts. Find out how to build a proper debris hut that will keep you warm, dry and cozy until rescue comes. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 8 and up

Mecklenburg County Adult Naturalist Club at RibbonWalk Nature Preserve
Saturday, August 4th
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Ribbonwalk,4601 Nevin Road
Free

Are you curious about the natural world around you? Are you interested in what you are seeing in our local nature preserves or your backyard? Have you ever taken an hour just to walk a mile because you are stopping to look at/identify what you see? If so this is the group for you! We will come together to explore various Nature Preserves throughout the county as we take a closer look at our surroundings. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.

Insect Safari
Saturday, August 4th
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Kids, come explore the world of tiny creatures. Have you ever wondered, how many insects are there? Do they all fly? How do they eat? Why do some of them like flowers so much? Is a spider an insect? If so, this class if for you. Feel free to wear a pair of antenna! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 3 to 12

Beaver and Wildlife Hike
Saturday, August 11
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Get off trail and explore Reedy Creek to find the secret hiding places of wildlife. A special visit will be made to the stream habitat to observe the beaver dams and other creatures that might be visiting that area. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 8 and up

Create a Summer Mandala from Nature
Sunday, August 12th
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Slow down and look closely at nature… It is beautiful! Be a part of a creative endeavor to create a summer mandala out of natural items found while we go on a stroll (You are also welcome to bring natural items from home if you wish). Mandalas are artistic creations of repeating patterns within a circle. They are much easier to create than you might think! We will be creating one using items found in nature that embody summer! Even if you don’t fancy yourself an artist this is a great creative outlet! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 8 and up

Hummingbird Festival
Saturday, August 18th
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

It is that time of year again! Time for the Hummingbird Festival, so mark your calendars for this grand event. The usual suspects will be here: Hummingbird Banding (best seen 9-11), Storytelling, Hikes, Crafts, Food Vendors and much more! Bring the whole family out for a day of fun.
All Ages

Hummingbird Crafts and Facts
Sunday, August 19th
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Play, Craft, and Learn! Lucky for you – we will keep several activities around from our Hummingbird Festival for one more day. Drop-in and have fun! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
All Ages

Gyotaku… The Art of Fish Printing
Saturday, August 25th, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Gyotaku is a Japanese art form that started out as a way for fishermen to record their catch! It literally means ‘fish rubbing’. Drop in anytime between 2pm – 4pm and make a rubbing that will become part of a collage that will serve as a new backdrop for one of our turtle tanks! You can also make a rubbing to take home! As a bonus, Kat will be happy to entertain you with ‘The Fin Song’ to help you learn the names of the various fins of a fish! Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
All ages

Naturalist Notebooks
Sunday, August 26th
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

A quiet forest, a blooming garden, a trickling spring, our own backyard: the world is teeming with wonders, and discovery awaits the naturalist patient enough to take the time to observe his or her surroundings. Join us for an afternoon of creativity and discovery as we construct our very own waterproof field notebooks and explore the trails, gathering and identifying specimens. Participants will learn collecting and journaling techniques to expand beyond the Nature Center. Must call 980-314-1119 to register.
Ages 12 and up
Free