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STEELE CREEK NEWS

October Programs at McDowell Nature Center

(September 14, 2018) The McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers a wide variety of programs for adults, children, and families. Listed below are programs for October. To sign up or for more information, go to the Activity Search web page and check off "McDowell Nature Preserve" under location.


Program name: Get Going Geocache
Date of Program: October 5, 2018 – Friday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 7 and up

Description of program: Explore McDowell Nature Preserve with others in search of hidden caches. This guided geocache program for newbies and pros alike will teach participants how to use a GPS and find caches around the preserve on a 2-3 mile hike. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike).

Notes: Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. 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: MeckTeen Greenforce Workday: Lake Wylie Riversweep
Date of Program: October 6, 2018 – Saturday
Time of program: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 13 to 17

Description of program: Help make a difference in local parks by building and maintaining trails, removing harmful plants from the ecosystem, and helping native plants survive. Each Greenforce Day is designed to provide teens the chance to get out and help the community. Each time participants volunteer, they earn credit towards a free outdoor adventure! Lunch, snack, water, and all equipment provided. Pre-registration required. Please call Chad Moore at 980-314-1128 for more information.

Notes: Please be prepared to work in all weather conditions. Lunch will be provided but please bring your own water bottles to be refilled. Please notify staff of any allergies.

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


Program name: Have No Fear
Date of Program: October 7, 2018 – Sunday
Time of program: 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 7 and up

Description of program: Scared of snakes? Bugged out by bugs? Bats making you batty? Have no fear - these animals are not out to get you and are actually quite beneficial! Separate fact from fiction about some commonly misunderstood animals, like the brown recluse spider, venomous snakes, and bats. Learn why these animals should be revered instead of feared. Pre-registration required (for all participants, adult and child alike as classroom space is limited).

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: October 8, 2018 – Monday
Time of program: 10:00am to 11:00am

Price: Free
Ages: 0 to 3

Description of program: 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, we will 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
Dates of Program: October 9 - Theme – Migration Mysteries - Tuesday
October 23 – Theme – Colors of Fall - 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: Lake Wylie Evening Kayak Tour
Date of Program: October 5, 2018 –Wednesday
Time of program: 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Price: $15.00
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Paddle the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve and get a chance to see the sun set over Lake Wylie with our certified and experienced instructors. Learn the history of Lake Wylie and meet new people in a fun environment. All equipment provided. Pre-Registration is required.

Notes: Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring your our own water bottle, towel, extra clothes, sunscreen, hat and a snack. Tour is about 2.5 miles of paddling.

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: October 11 and 12, 2018 – Theme – Totally Turtles – Thursday & Friday
October 25 and 26, 2018 – Theme – Pumpkin Hunt – 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. A) Totally Turtles: meet live turtles and learn how you can help protect them. B) Pumpkin Hunt: pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes - which will be your favorite? Pre-registration required.

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: Lake Wylie Sunrise Kayak Tour
Dates of Program: October 12 and 26, 2018 – Both are Friday’s
Time of program: 6:00am to 8:00am

Price: $15.00
Ages 18 and up

Description of program: Explore the sunrise along the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve with our certified and experienced instructors. Learn the history of Lake Wylie and meet new people in a fun environment. Pre-registration required.

Notes: Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring your own water bottle, towel and extra clothes. Tour is about 2.5 miles of paddling.

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

Program name: Mindfullness Hike
Date of Program: October 13, 2018 – Saturday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program Enjoying great conversation and laughter with others is important for our mental health, but so is slowing down and making a conscious effort to engage in our senses. Deepen your connection with the natural world during this 1-2 mile "silent" walk through the preserve.
Pre-registration required.

Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Please wear sturdy, waterproof closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. We will be hiking approximately 1-2 miles on uneven terrain. Please bring your own water bottle and bug spray.

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

Program name: Family Fun Nature Hike
Date of Program: October 14, 2018 – Sunday
Time of program: 1:30pm 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, adult and child alike).

Notes: This hike qualifies for our 100 mile hike club. Please wear sturdy, waterproof 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 at Night
Date of Program: October 20, 2018 – Saturday
Time of program: 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Price: $5.00
Ages: All Ages

Description of program: Join the McDowell Nature Center for a fun-filled, educational night as we explore what surprises nature has to offer after the sun goes down! The evening will include live animals, crafts, night hikes, hayrides, hotdog meal (1 meal per person), s'mores, storytelling, and much more! Pre-registration required (2 years and under are free!). Program fee includes meal and access to all activities. This event is rain or shine.

Notes: Wear clothes and sturdy shoes appropriate for the activities and weather. Bring your own flashlights.

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

Program name: Lake Wylie Full Moon Kayak Tour
Date of Program: October 24, 2018 – Wednesday
Time of program: 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Price: $15.00
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Paddle the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve and get a chance to see the sun set over Lake Wylie with our certified and experienced instructors. Learn the history of Lake Wylie and meet new people in a fun environment. All equipment provided. Pre-registration required.

Notes: Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring your own water bottle, towel and extra clothes. Tour is about 2.5 miles of paddling.

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

Program name: Natural Soundscapes Hike
Date of Program: October 27, 2018 - Saturday
Time of program: 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 18 and up

Description of program: Soundscapes are the component of the acoustic environment that can be perceived by humans. Come to McDowell Nature Preserve to awaken your sense of wonder through your ears that will reconnect you to nature through the sounds of the forest. Learn how to listen to the earth surrounding you through a guided soundscape mediation and hike. Pre-registration required.

Notes: 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 1-2 miles and will be sitting in the woods. Please bring a 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: Birds of Prey
Date of Program: October 28, 2018 - Saturday
Time of program: 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Price: Free
Ages: 4 and up

Description of program: What is the difference between an eagle and a hawk? How do owls see so well at night? What is the world's fastest animal? These questions and many more will be answered through an interactive program about the many different birds of prey in the Central Piedmont region. 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: Fire Building
Date of Program: October 30, 2018 - Tuesday
Time of program: 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Price: Free
Ages: 7 and up

Description of program: Do you know how to build a fire? If not, come to McDowell Nature Preserve and learn how. In this class we will talk about different fire-starting techniques, ways to build a fire and how to tend to it. 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).

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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