STEELE CREEK NEWS

February Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(January 14, 2019) The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed below are programs for February. To sign up or for more information, go to the Activity Search web page and check off "McDowell Nature Preserve" under location.

Program name: Animal Signs
Date of Program: February 1, 2019 - Friday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 6 to 11

Description of program: Become a detective for a day and discover the secrets that animals leave behind! Participants should expect to walk 1-1.5 miles while looking for animal clues.
Pre-Registration is required.

Notes: Parent participation required. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. We will be hiking approximately 1-1.5 miles on uneven terrain. Please bring your own water bottle.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Discovering McDowell
Date of Program: February 2, 2019 - Saturday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 7 and up

Description of program: Curious about the wonders of McDowell Nature Preserve? Discover something new on this guided 2-3 mile hike while playing environmentally educational games.
Pre-registration required (for all participants, adults and child alike.

Notes: Parent participation required. This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. We will be hiking approximately 2-3 miles on uneven terrain. Please bring your own water bottle.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Nature's Perfect Match
Date of Program: February 3, 2019 - Sunday
Time of program: 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Male and female animals sometimes look drastically different, live in different places or make different sounds. So how do they find each other in the great vastness that is our world? Drop in any time from 1:00-5:00pm to play family-friendly matching games related to animal dating, mating and procreating. No pre-registration required (Note: all other programs require pre-registration).

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Babes in the Woods
Date of Program: February 11, 2019 - Monday
Time of program: 10:00am to 11:00am

Price: Free
Ages: 0 to 3

Description of program: Description: Hit the (paved) trail with your little one and experience what nature has to offer this month. Stretch your legs while you chat with other parents and a McDowell Naturalist in a casual, social setting. In case of inclement weather, meet inside the Nature Center for indoor playtime. Pre-registration required.

Notes: Parent participation required. Stroller-friendly program; groups welcome but must register each child individually. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing. Please bring your own water bottle. Parking is at the "Four Seasons Trail" head below the Nature Center parking lot.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Adult Hiking Series
Date of Program: February 12, 2019 - Love is in the Air - Tuesday
February 26, 2019 – Winter Wonderland – Tuesday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Get up and get active with a McDowell Naturalist during this 90-minute, adult only hike through McDowell Nature Preserve. Pre-Registration is required.

Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Come prepared to hike approximately 2 to 3 miles on uneven terrain. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing.
Please bring your own water bottle.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Woodcocks in the Prairie
Date of Program: February 12, 2019 - Tuesday
Time of program: 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 7 and up

Description of program: Love is in the air, literally! Normally well camouflaged, the American Woodcock is a strange-looking bird that is rarely spotted except for this time of year. In early February, the males put on an amazing aerial mating display just as the sun goes down. Well tiptoe through the McDowell prairie trying to glimpse this elusive 'love bird'. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

Notes: Parent participation required. Make-up date for weather or no-show birds is Tuesday, February 19th, same time (5-7pm).

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Preschool Explorers
Dates of Program: February 14 and 15, 2019 – Theme – We Love Animals – Thursday & Friday
February 28 and 29, 2019 – Theme – Winter Trees – Thursday & Friday
Times of program: 10:00am to 10:45am and 11:00am to 11:45am

Price: $4.00
Ages: 2 to 5

Description of program Little ones and adults discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, animal encounters and outdoor exploration. Choose one time-slot per week/theme. We Love Animals or Winter Trees. Meet, touch and give your favorite animal a special treat. Pre-registration is required.

Notes: Parent participation required. Please plan to arrive early to get settled and be ready by program start time.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Parents Date Night
Date of Program: February 14, 2019 - Thursday
Time of program: 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Prices: $10.00
Ages: 5 to 11

Description of program: Drop off the kids and go on a date! The kids will explore nature by dissecting owl pellets, going on a night hike, and learning how to safely start fires. Drop off at the nature center between 5:30-6:00pm. Pick up will be at the nature center from 8:30-9:00pm. Pizza will be provided for dinner. Pre-Registration is required.

Notes: Please wear weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Inform the nature center of any dietary restrictions and early pick up times.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Fire n' Cocoa
Date of Program: February 15, 2019 - Friday
Time of program: 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

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

Notes: Parent participation required. Program will be held behind the Nature Center at the fire ring. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Hot cocoa will be provided.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: McDowell Sunday Striders
Date of Program: February 17, 2019 – Sunday
Time of program: 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Enjoy the great outdoors while getting fit as we set off at a comfortable, yet steady pace through the nature preserve. Open to novice and skilled hikers alike, this adult hiking club will cover 2-3 miles on uneven terrain. Pre-registration is required.

Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Come prepared to hike approximately 2 to 3 miles on uneven terrain. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing. Please bring your own water bottle.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Frog Fables and Turtle Tales
Date of Program: February 17, 2019 – Sunday
Time of program: 3:00pm to 3:45pm

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Step inside the world of turtles, frogs, and snakes through a literary adventure and animal meet n' greet. Families will join a naturalist for a short story followed by a visitor from the nature center's animal ambassador program. Each month will feature a different animal. Walk-ins Welcome. No pre-registration required (NOTE: all other programs require
pre-registration).

Notes: Parent participation required.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Homeschool Science Series
Date of Program: February 22, 2019 - Friday
Time of program: 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Price: $5.00
Ages: 7 to 9

Description of program: Plant Parts - Participants will transform themselves into a tree, then head outside to get to know their local trees. This series is designed for homeschoolers, but anyone can attend. Choose your favorite topic or sign up for all of them (occurs the 4th Friday of the month until April). Pre-registration required.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Homeschool Science Series
Date of Program: February 22, 2019 - Friday
Time of program: 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Price: $5.00
Ages: 10 to 14

Description of program: Genetics - Participants will compare two animals to see how genetics differentiate individuals within a species, and how certain genetic traits can be beneficial regarding animals' survival. This series is designed for homeschoolers, but anyone can attend. Choose your favorite topic or sign up for all of them (occurs the 4th Friday of the month until April).
Pre-registration required.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Nature Exploratorium
Date of Program: February 22, 2019 - Friday
Time of program: 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 6 to 11

Description of program: Active play builds happy kids! Hike deep into wild at McDowell Nature Preserve to find new and unexplored areas for fun and adventure. Participants will create games and activities while learning from nature. What will you discover? Pre-registration required.

Notes: This is not a drop-off program. Parent participation required. Come prepared to hike no more than 1 mile on uneven terrain and to get messy! Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing. Please bring your own water bottle.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: Natural Happenings: Owl
Date of Program: February 24, 2019 - Sunday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Price: $4.00
Ages: 5 and up

Description of program: Discover how plant and animal adaptations allow them to successfully survive in amazing ways. This interactive program will include a craft and investigation of the plant or animal in question. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

Notes: Parent participation required.

Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

Program name: W.O.W Birthday Parties at McDowell Nature Center
Date of Program: Call McDowell Nature Center to schedule date of party
Time of program: Call McDowell Nature Center to schedule time of party

Price: $185
Ages: 4 to 12

Description of program: An Unique Twist on Birthday Parties. You get an exciting and one of kind nature themed program that includes hands-on learning and exploration, as well as a craft that children can take home!
Birthday parties are for ages 4-12 year olds with up to 15 of their friends.
Parties will be at McDowell Nature Center Classroom
Program cost is $185 which includes a 1-hour program, themed gift bag per child, and the use of the classroom for two addition hours before or after the program.
Sponsor: McDowell Nature Preserve and Center
Address: 15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
Website: parkandrec.com
Phone: (980) 314-1128

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