Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains several nature centers, Reedy Creek, Quest at Latta Preserve, McDowell and Stevens Creek. 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.
Quest at Latta Nature Preserve
Quest
6345 Sample Road, Huntersville
Northern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1129
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Quest is a brand new destination for outdoor recreation and environmental education in North Mecklenburg County. Nestled inside the Latta Nature Preserve, Quest is the place to go to learn, play and explore the wonders of water, woods, and wildlife. Carolina Raptor Center will also be joining this facility soon.
Carolina Raptor Center, a neighbor in Latta Nature Preserve, is moving its operations to Quest. Raptor programs are started to take place at Quest.
Latta 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.
Stevens Creek Nature Center
Stevens Creek Nature Center
15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
980-314-2526
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The nature center features live native animals, two classrooms (including one rentable space), gift shop, and an exhibit hall with interactive exhibits. The exhibits focus on protecting water quality and include an augmented reality sand table, living stream with fish and turtles, and 5-foot tall model of the federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter mussel.
Environmental education and outdoor recreation staff offer public and private programming for all ages. Visitors can borrow loaner backpacks to take activities out on the trails or busy bags for smaller children to play with inside.
Within the preserve, visitors can observe nature in action along 3 miles of natural-surface hiking trails. The path to the pedestrian bridge over the recently-restored Stevens Creek is fully accessible. Self-interpretive trail maps are available for the trails.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Reedy Creek Nature Center
2900 Rocky River Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215
Northeastern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1119
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 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.
McDowell Nature Center
McDowell Nature Center
15222 South York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Southwestern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1128
July 9th to September 5th, 2021 (weekends only) Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting September 7th, 2021: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 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 in order to fish.
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.
We took a special look at a few of these nature preserves, including videos and lots of pictures. Click on the links below to see them.
Upcoming free and cheap events at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers and Preserves
This is not a complete list of events at the nature centers and preserves.
Visit the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers’ Facebook page or Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s activity search website for 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, find the event in Park and Recreation’s activity search website or call the phone number for the nature center.
Adult Trail Trekkers
Tuesdays, December 13th, 2022, to January 24th, 2023 (except December 27th), 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Thursdays, December 15th, 2022, to January 26th, 2023, 9 to 11 a.m.
McDowell
Free
Age 18+
Get active in nature with a McDowell Naturalist during this adult-only hike.
Little Critters Storytime
Fridays, January 6th, 20th, 2023: 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Fridays, February 3rd, 17th, 2023: 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Quest
Free
Ages 3-6
Explore the natural world through stories and exciting activities! Listen to a fun story about nature and then get hands on with a game, craft, or maybe even a live animal encounter!
Turtle Encounters
Sunday, January 15th, 2023
Sunday, February 12th, 2023
1 to 1:30 and 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Quest
All ages
Meet some of the nature center’s resident turtles up close during one of these live animal shows.
Hike for your Health
Tuesdays, scheduled through January 31st, 2023 (except December 27th, 2022)
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Age 14+
Get outside, get moving, get healthy! Fresh air, sunshine, beautiful surroundings and wonderful people are included! This is a medium to fast walk of 2.5 to 3 miles over an hour+ on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.
Outdoor Women Hiking Group
2nd Saturday of the month (scheduled through January 14th, 2023)
1 to 2 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Age 12+
Gather with other women who enjoy the outdoors and hiking. We will hike approximately 2 miles of Reedy Creek trails. Adult participation required if under 18.
Sunday Stroll with a Naturalist
Sundays, January 8th through January 29th, 2023
12:30 to 2 p.m.
McDowell
Free
Age 18+
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll through the woods with a McDowell Nature Center Naturalist. Each season is a new opportunity to explore what nature has to offer such as wildflowers, migratory birds, animal tracks, and owl calls.
Pre-registration is NOT required for this program but highly recommended.
SCNP: The Natural Year in Photos
The third Saturday of the month, November 19th, 2022, to October 21st, 2023
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
Ages 13+
Discover Stevens Creek Nature Preserve through your camera lens and notice how it changes over a full year. Each month’s photo hike includes stops at 2 designated locations to follow the changing seasons, plus opportunities to explore on and off trail to capture what’s blooming, crawling, and calling in the preserve. This slow-paced, relaxed series is open to all levels of photographers, and any kind of camera – smart phone, point-and-shoot, DSLR – can be used to create beautiful shots.
Family Nature Hike
Friday, December 30th, 2022, 10 a.m.
Friday, January 6th, 2023, 10 a.m.
Friday, January 20th, 2023, 10 a.m.
Friday, February 10th, 2023, 10 a.m.
McDowell
Free
All ages
Enjoy a morning hike with the family at McDowell Nature Preserve. This hike will be on uneven terrain and will be approximately 2 miles. If bringing small children strollers are not advised. Pre-registration required (for child and adult alike).
McDowell Campfire
Wednesday, January 4th, 11th, and 25th, 2023
6:30 to 8 p.m.
McDowell
Free
All ages
Fire! S’ mores! Fun! Friends! Get all of these at a McDowell Nature Preserve campfire. Spend the evening discovering all things fire. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).
Winter Evergreen Hike
Saturday, January 7th, 2023
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Quest
Free
Ages 5+
‘Tis the season to celebrate the hardy plants and trees that stay green all year long! Hike a trail here at the preserve and discuss certain adaptations that allow some plants to keep their leaves all year-round, while others take a long winters nap!
Winter Wonder Walk
Saturday, January 7th, 2023
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Winter is a wonderful time to wander and wander through the woods. Discover the winter forest alongside a naturalist as we slow down and explore together. This will be a gentle walk with stops along the way. Must be able to walk up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.
National Bird Day Hike
Saturday, January 7th, 2023
8 to 10 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
All ages
Grab your binoculars and hit the trail in search of beautiful birds in their wintry habitat. In honor of National Bird Day this week, a naturalist will also outline current avian issues and what you can do to help.
Friday the 13th Hike and Fire
Friday, January 13th, 2022
6 to 8 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free
Age 14+
Spend the evening immersed in nature as we stroll along the trails and then enjoy a winter fire on this Friday the 13th. We will hike around 2 miles and then settle in around a fire and enjoy some marshmallows and community time together. Adult participation required if under 18.
S’mores Please (drop-in)
Friday, January 13th and 27th, 2023, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 14th, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
All ages
It’s okay to ask for S’MORE! Drop by the Stevens Creek Nature Center fire pit to make your favorite toasted, gooey, crispy fireside treat. A naturalist will be on hand to assist and answer all your nature-related questions.
Game Night at Stevens Creek Nature Center
Friday, January 20th, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.
Stevens Creek
All ages
Free
Practice your poker face because it’s game night at Stevens Creek. Card games, boards games, active games, mystery games…there’s something for everyone! So whether you come alone, bring friends, a date, your family, or the next door neighbor, you’re sure to meet new folks and maybe find a new favorite pastime.
Animal Meet and Greet
Saturday, January 21st, 2023
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Quest
Free
All ages
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!
Frigid Fitness Hike
Saturday, January 21st, 2023
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Quest
Free
Age 18+
Stay on top of your new year’s resolutions and get your heart pumping, at Latta Nature Preserve on the Hill Trail! Journey along the trail at moderate pace, for approximately 2.5 miles, while taking in some brisk fresh air.
Sunday Nature Seekers: Winter Exploration Hike
Sunday, January 22nd, 2023
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Quest
Free
Age 18+
Take a brisk walk in the winter woods to see how nature protects the plants and animals in the coldest parts of the year. The forest is beautiful even in the winter.
Hot Chocolates and S’mores at the Campfire
Tuesday, January 31st, 2023
2 to 4:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free
All ages
It’s National Hot Chocolate day! Crisp air and a crackling fire, good company (BYO plus a Stevens Creek staff), hot chocolate plus an extra gooey treat makes for the most chocolatey day ever.
Family Fort Building
Monday, February 6th, 2023
1:30 to 3 p.m.
McDowell
Free
All ages
Discover the survival skill of shelter building with your family. Work together using materials found in the woods to build a sturdy, weather-resistant shelter. We will be hiking off trail to our fort building location. No walk-ins accepted. Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Saturday, February 4, 2023
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Monday, February 6, 2023
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve
2900 Rocky River Road
Charlotte, NC 980-314-1119
Stevens Creek Nature Preserve and Center
15700 Thompson Road
Mint Hill, NC
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